Gene polymorphisms and transplantation

The influence of gene polymorphisms in key immunoregulatory molecules on th e clinical course post-transplant has become an area of active research, si nce it offers a possible explanation for the heterogeneity in outcomes betw een individuals. Several groups have now investigated the association of po lymorphisms in molecules - including cytokines, cytokine receptors, adhesio n molecules and costimulatory molecules that participate in the immune resp onse to an allograft. Several interesting observations have been made that would suggest that genetic variability influencing allograft survival reach es beyond that of the MHC molecules.