Abstract Background Over the last six decades, our understanding of human immunology, coupled with our ability to interrogate the immune system in detail, has gone through a period of rapid evolution. From the early pioneers of immunology, Sir Peter Medawar…
Abstract Background Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-associated allergen conditions are increasing worldwide, affecting the quality of life of millions of individuals and are a burden on the health care system. The increasing availability of clinically relevant allergenic molecules has begun to change…
Abstract Background The introduction of monoclonal antibody drugs has had major impact in medicine, leading to extraordinary progress in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, particularly malignancies and chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Content This chapter provides a…
Abstract Background Transplant compatibility testing is focused on developing an immune risk profile, which consists of three types of testing—human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, HLA antibody screening, and compatibility crossmatch. This immune risk profile is then put into clinical context…
Abstract Background Since the first successful application of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in the 1950s there has been a consistent evolution in the practice of HCT, which has supported an increasing number of HCT survivors worldwide. HCT is a complex…
Abstract Background The development of transplantation for organ failure constituted a significant advance in the management of humans with solid organ failure, which progressed rapidly over the second half of the 20th century. The development of successful outcomes in different…
Abstract Background The systemic autoimmune diseases are a broad category of conditions characterized by chronic inflammation with a proven or suspected autoimmune etiology. Autoimmunity results from loss of immune system tolerance, leading to reactions against self-proteins. In many cases, autoantibodies…
Abstract Transfusion reactions remain a major issue particularly for patients with chronic transfusion requirements. The majority of reactions are mild, but some are severe and rarely fatal. In 2017, 44 fatal transfusion reactions occurred in the United States. Transfusion reactions…
Abstract Background Blood transfusion practices should ultimately be driven by evidence-based decisions that integrate clinical observations, laboratory data, and a sound understanding of how patients can realistically benefit from blood products. In addition to acting as stewards of the local…
Abstract Background Transfusion of blood requires multiple steps, including blood donation from nonremunerated healthy volunteers, manufacture, testing, and modifications of blood components, and finally administration of the product to a patient. While blood donation and transfusions have steadily decreased in…