Adequate HLA Matching in Keratoplasty (Developments in Ophthalmology, 36)

‘Immunologic privilege’ of the cornea and anterior chamber has, in most cases, been believed to be a sufficient guarantee for survival of the donor cornea. If this failed, it was thought that adjunctive immunomodulating agents would compensate. But the question of how to care for better tolerance and safer long-term survival of corneal grafts after withdrawal of a potent immunomodulating shield still remained unanswered. The answer is human leukocyte antigens (HLA) matching. In this volume, immunological and clinical aspects are discussed by renowned clinical and experimental immunologists as well as experienced keratoplasty surgeons. These experts conclude that HLA matching is, in fact, a valuable adjunct for long-term survival of corneal grafts not only in those at high risk but notably also in patients at normal risk. This volume opens new pathways towards the successful application of HLA matching to keratoplasty surgeons, experimental and clinical immunologists and cornea bank officers, at the same time acting as an aid to ophthalmologists when finding the basis to adequately advise their keratoplasty patients.