The Microbiome, Systemic Immune Function, and Allotransplantation

Abstract

Diverse effects of the microbiome on solid organ transplantation are beginning to be recognized. In allograft recipients, microbial networks are disrupted by immunosuppression, nosocomial and community-based infectious exposures, antimicrobial therapies, surgery, and immune processes. Shifting microbial patterns, in- cluding acute infectious exposures, have dynamic and reciprocal interactions with local and systemic immune systems. Both indi- vidual microbial species and microbial networks have central roles in the induction and control of innate and adaptive immune re- sponses, in graft rejection, and in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Understanding the diverse interactions between the microbiome and the immune system of allograft recipients may facilitate clin- ical management in the future.