Successful liver transplantation can be performed across major histocompatibility complex disparities, and studies have shown that immunosuppression can be completely withdrawn in some liver allograft recipients without adverse effects. Regeneration of adult liver is sufficiently robust to permit successful transplantation of reduced size liver grafts. Interestingly, the incidence of rejection and dose of maintenance immunosuppression may be diminished in recipients of partial liver transplants compared to standard whole liver allografts. Defining the mechanisms which create such a privileged immunological environment is relevant to clinical transplantation. Using rat orthotopic whole and partial (50%) liver transplantation models, mechanisms in which recipient MHC-I positive hepatocytes appear in liver allografts after transplantation will be identified, the role of Kupffer cells in repopulation of liver allografts will be determined, and the influence of immunosuppression in the repopulation of liver allografts will be elucidated. Insights into the mechanisms which promote tolerance and regeneration after liver transplantation will provide the basis for the development of novel therapies for the management of allogeneic liver transplant patients.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32DK072593-02
Application #
7174656
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F10 (20))
Program Officer
Podskalny, Judith M,
Project Start
2005-09-05
Project End
2007-09-04
Budget Start
2006-09-05
Budget End
2007-09-04
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$62,423
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Surgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218
Sun, Zhaoli; Zhang, Xiuying; Locke, Jayme E et al. (2009) Recruitment of host progenitor cells in rat liver transplants. Hepatology 49:587-97