Primed CTLs specific for HLA class I may still be present in sensitized patients when anti-HLA antibodies have disappeared: relevance for donor selection1

Abstract

Considering the previously described association between primed CTLs and graft rejection, these findings may be relevant for the selection of patients who can be transplanted across a positive historical crossmatch. If the antibodies have disappeared and only naive CTLs are present, a successful transplantation should be feasible. A prospective study will reveal whether this is indeed the case.