TNF-??, IL-6, IFN-??, AND IL-10 GENE EXPRESSION POLYMORPHISMS AND THE IL-4 RECEPTOR ??-CHAIN VARIANT Q576R: EFFECTS ON RENAL ALLOGRAFT OUTCOME

Abstract

These data would suggest that the production of high levels of the cytokine TNF-alpha is especially detrimental to graft survival when the recipient's T-helper lymphocytes are being activated by mismatched donor HLA-class II antigens. Typing all potential kidney recipients for TNF-alpha, and providing well-matched organs for high producers of this cytokines, may be expected to increase rejection-free graft survival in these patients.