Gene therapy and transplantation

Advances in molecular biology and in techniques of gene transfer have resul ted in the development of practical approaches to human gene therapy. Many applications are of relevance to manipulation of the immune system and have potential in organ and cell transplantation. For example, gene therapy app roaches may facilitate the induction of immunological tolerance to a donor organ or protect it locally against the host's immune response. Based on a comprehensive review of the world literature, examples of current research efforts in both allogeneic and xenogeneic transplantation are presented and discussed.