I am trying to find official information on the side effect of 'cell memory' in organ transplantation.

Question

I have tried the President's Council on BioEthics and TransWeb websites but can find nothing.(TransWeb's cell memory link was removed or broken) Also there was at least one television program dealing with cell memory. Can anyone help me with either or both of this two part question-the official information and the television programs?

Answer 1

I think what you are talking about is possible rejection due to a cellular memory response. If so, try http://online.statref.com . It is a fabulous, but very in depth medical reference. I cut and pasted a small part of the article I found and put it below so that you could see if this might be what you are looking for. If it is, go to that website and type "cell memory organ transplant" into the search box and you should get several informative articles.




This type of rejection, seen within the first few days posttransplant, involves both cellular and antibody-mediated injury. It is likely when a recipient has been sensitized by previous exposure to antigens present in the donor, resulting in an immunologic memory response.

This used to be the most common type of rejection, but with modern immunosuppression it is becoming less and less common. Acute rejection is usually seen within days to a few months posttransplant. It is predominantly a cell-mediated process, with lymphocytes being the main cells involved.

Hope this helps!