The importance of IL-17 producing T lymphocytes in chronic rejection after lung transplantation.

Lung transplantation remains the ultimate treatment option for some selected patients with end-stage diseases like COPD/emphysema, cystic fibrosis, lung fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although the survival has much increased in recent years, still chronic rejection is the most important cause of late death. Recently, it became evident that IL-17 may play an important role in the development and maintenance of chronic rejection after lung transplantation. The present research project aims to further explore the potential role of IL-17 and its producing cells in chronic rejection after lung transplantation. This will be done by analyzing human broncho-alveolar lavage samples and biopsies from lung transplant patients for the presence of IL-17 and IL-17 positive cells, which will be further characterized. Also specific SNPs involved in IL-17 biology will be investigated as potential risk factors for the development iof chronic rejection. By using a recently developed mouse lung transplant model with chronic rejection, the role of IL-17 in chronic rejection will be further explored; This will be investigated with KO mice (IL-17, IL-23) and otherwise new treatment options will be evaluated to treat chronic rejection after lung transplantation.

Keywords:Lung transplantation, SNPs, Knock-out, IL-17, Chronic rejection

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences