Innate allorecognition

Recognition of allogeneic non-self by monocytes is a key event in triggering alloimmunity and graft rejection.

• Vertebrates have strong adaptive immune responses to transplanted organs.
• The mechanisms by which the innate immune system initiates this response remain unclear.
• Current hypotheses suggest that either inflammatory molecules from dying graft cells or microbial products introduced during surgery could activate innate immune responses.
• Evidence indicates that the activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is crucial for the adaptive immune response.
• The review highlights limitations in existing hypotheses about allograft activation of APCs.

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