In Vivo Models of Inflammation: Immune Rejection and Skin Transplantation In Vivo

One of the main functions of the immune system is the recognition and subsequent elimination of cells bearing foreign or “nonself” antigens. When cells bearing a foreign histocompatibility antigen are recognized, they become the target of the host immune response. Transplantation of an organ, tissue, or cells between genetically disparate individuals within the same species, allografts, or between species, xenografts, almost inevitably results in rejection of the graft if active steps are not taken to control the destructive immune response that is triggered immediately after transplantation.