Monoclonal Antibodies Administered Following Transplant

Monoclonal Antibodies Administered Following Transplant

Monoclonal antibodies given following transplanta-t ion are u sed to t re at allograft rejection. Administration of these agents is mainly reserved for severe allograft rejection in which the immunolo-gic insult must be controlled quickly. Under normal homeostatic conditions the humoral immune system provides immediate control of infectious pathogens through secretion of antibodies. Cell mediated im-munity, in addition to fighting infections, provides surveillance against the production of mutant cells capable of oncogenesis. Interruption of either of these immune systems through the use of monoclonal antibodies places these patients at significant risk for infection and malignancy. Careful post administration assessment of infection and post-transplant malig-nancy is commonplace.