, 25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN D3 The active form of the naturally occurring molecule vitamin D3, which has immunosuppressive properties owing to its ability to modify the function of dendritic cells.
1, 25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN D3 The active form of the naturally occurring molecule vitamin D3, which has immunosuppressive properties owing to its ability to modify the function of dendritic cells.
CO-STIMULATION BLOCKADE Inhibition of the additional or second signals that are required for the activation of T and B cells. The two pathways that have attracted interest in the setting of transplantation are the CD28 and CD154 pathways. CD28 is a key co-stimulatory signal for T cells that can be blocked by the fusion protein CTLA4–immunoglobulin, whereas CD154–CD40 interactions have a role in both T- and B-cell activation and can be inhibited by blocking monoclonal antibodies specific for CD154.
GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE (GVHD). An immune response mounted against the recipient of an allograft by donor T cells derived from the graft. Typically, it is seen in the context of allogeneic bone-marrow transplantation.
MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL An anti-proliferative, immunosuppressive agent.
NATURAL KILLER T CELLS (NKT cells). These are distinct from conventional T cells and express natural killer-cell receptors in addition to an invariant T-cell receptor, V
14–J18, which enables them to recognize glycolipids presented by CD1.
OPERATIONAL TOLERANCE An antigen-specific unresponsiveness that is sustained in the absence of chronic immunosuppression.
ORAL TOLERANCE Oral administration of antigen or peptide with the aim of inducing specific immunological unresponsiveness.
