Immunological function of the endothelial cell within the setting of organ transplantation

► Graft endothelial cells are the first target of antibody mediated rejection. ► Inflammation induced HLA-DR expression in endothelial cells allows them to initiate the CD4+ T cell alloimmune response. ► Microvascular endothelial cells regulate local expansion of allogeneic Th17 and Treg depending on the cytokine microenvironment.