The role of adhesion molecules in allotransplanted islet cells rejection. Prolongation of islet cells allograft survival by antiadhesion treatment.

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease caused by the selective destruction of islet beta cells. Allo or xeno transplantation of islet cells may establish a novel promising method of IDDM therapy. Understanding how lymphocytes recognize beta cell antigens is essential for the elucidation of the pathogenesis of islet dysfunction. Leukocyte adhesion to the target cells (endothelium, islets) via adhesion molecule pathways plays an important role in auto and allo/xeno antigen recognition and effector cytodestruction of target cells. However, the expression of these molecules on the endothelium and islet cells during the rejection process still remains unclear. There are some publications describing possible roles of these antigens in the response to the graft. The expression of some of adhesion molecules may contribute to a new method for the diagnosis of graft rejection and its therapy when adhesion blocking substances are used for the treatment.