Role of Macrophages in Organ Transplantation

Organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment option for patients with end-stage organ failure. Graft rejection is a significant complication that can develop after an organ transplant, and its pathophysiology depends on many variables. Macrophages are one of the main cell types of the innate immune system. Clinical studies showed that macrophages recognize the antigens and play an important role in graft rejection. Infiltration of macrophages is associated with an increased incidence of graft rejection. Macrophage-targeted therapeutic studies are required to prevent long- and short-term graft rejection and increase graft survival. This review focused on the potential macrophage-targeted therapeutic strategies to improve graft survival. Also, we reviewed the literature regarding the role of macrophages in organ transplantation.