Lymphangiogenesis in a mouse model of renal transplant rejection extends life span of the recipients.

ABSTRACT

Renal allograft rejection can be prevented by immunological tolerance, which may be associated with de novo formed lymphatic vessels in the donor kidney after transplantation in man. A suitable mouse model of renal allograft rejection in which lymphangiogenesis can be deliberately induced in the graft is critical for elucidating the mechanisms responsible for the association between attenuated transplant rejection and abundance of lymphatic vessels. Here we describe the development of a novel mouse model of rapid renal transplant rejection in which transgenic induction of lymphangiogenesis in the immune-incompatible graft greatly extends its survival time. Thus, our novel approach may facilitate exploitation of lymphangiogenesis in the grafted organ.