CHIMERISM IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF SENSITIZED PATIENTS WAITING FOR RENAL TRANSPLANTATION1,2

Abstract

The results obtained with sensitized patients suggest an association between blood chimerism and maintenance of HLA sensitization. We speculate that chimerism may lead to long-term maintenance of anti-HLA antibody titers. This finding implies that abolition of chimerism could result in the eventual elimination of antigenic stimuli for antibody production against HLA antigens.