Immunologic basis of allograft rejection and immunosuppressive agents in intestinal transplantation.

Recent advances in intestinal transplantation have made this treatment option an acceptable clinical reality for many patients with intestinal failure. Growth in this field is closely linked to an improved understanding of the intrinsic immune system of the intestine, and the development of immunosuppression agents that interact with this system. The recent advent of antibody-based immunosuppression induction agents has decreased perioperative rejection episodes and lowered the amount of maintenance immunosuppression required by intestinal transplant patients. As progress is made in lowering the risks of graft rejection, long-term outcomes will continue to improve and a greater number of patients with intestinal failure will benefit from this therapy.