Immunosupressive therapies used in renal transplantation

Abstract

Newly discovered antibodies combined with standard immunosuppressive agents are preferred for induction of immunosuppression instead of conventional immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation. These agents include anti-lymphocyte antibodies (rATG, atgam, alemtuzumab), interleukin 2 receptor antagonists (basiliximab), anti-CD20 antibodies (rituximab). Maintenance immunosuppressive therapy is necessary to prevent acute rejection and loss of allograft. These agents include calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), corticosteroids (prednisone), antimetabolites (azathioprine, MMF), mTOR inhibitors (sirolimus) and belatacept. Effectiveness and side effects of all regimens will be discussed in the light of previous trials.