Modern immunosuppression

Organ transplantation provides both life-saving and life-enhancing function for patients suffering from end-stage organ failure. Transplantation has only been possible due to the advances in immunosuppression. The viability of a transplanted organ depends on modulation of the human immune system to avoid rejection in response to foreign antigens. Modern immunosuppression consists of multi-modal therapy (chemical drugs and biological agents) acting on different parts of the immune response. Three phases of immunosuppression can be recognized: induction, maintenance and withdrawal. All patients must continue to take at least some immunosuppression to prevent rejection. Developments in immunosuppressant regimens have dramatically improved transplant success rates and experience over the years has helped to understand the side-effects and long-term complications of immunosuppression. Research continues to identify both novel compounds and ways of optimizing the use of current drugs.