Influence of HLA matching and associated factors on aortic valve homograft function.

Abstract

The association between aortic valve homograft dysfunction and HLA DR mismatch suggests that elements of the anti-donor immune response penetrate and damage the homograft. A similar link to postoperative fever indicates that immune stimulation may be an early event. Further investigation will reveal the exact pathways by which this occurs and by which therapy (immunosuppression of the recipient, genetic engineering of the donor graft, or other techniques) this recipient anti-donor response can be modified.