The Spectrum of Alloimmunity, Heterologous Immunity, and Relevant Autoimmunity

Alloreactive potential, or strength and intensity of the alloreactive immune response, varies widely between individuals and between different donor and recipient pairs, and the factors underlying this differential degree of alloreactivity are diverse. Although in a large part due to variations in MHC matching between the donor and recipient, the magnitude and nature of any given alloreactive response is also influenced by the character and functionality of a recipient's immune system. In this chapter we will review the elements combining to create ones alloimmunity response and highlight mechanisms by which ones immune history can fundamentally shape their alloreactive potential.