Recent developments in the pharmacological treatment and prevention of corneal graft rejection

Abstract

At present, given the high initial success rate of corneal transplantation (although late survival is poor), immunosuppression is often reserved for ‘high-risk’ patients. Despite immune privilege, corneal graft rejection remains the leading cause of corneal allograft failure. Interpreting the limited and also restricted design of most trials, immunosuppressive therapy has not enjoyed the success seen in solid organ grafts. This review discusses the limited data available whilst proposing newer therapies that have developed as a result of our increased understanding of the immunobiology of corneal graft rejection.

• corneal transplantation
• corticosteroids
• cyclosporin A
• immunosuppressants
• mAb therapies
• mycophenolate mofetil
• tacrolimus