Immunoprotection of Cell and Tissue Implants in the CNS

The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of techniques for protecting central nervous system (CNS) implants from the immune system. It is necessarily more theoretical than methodological. The detailed methodology of the various transplantation techniques themselves are covered in greater depth elsewhere in this book; the literature cited in this chapter will enable the reader to gain a more detailed understanding of specific issues related to immunoprotection. The chapter begins with a review of the principles of the immunobiology of transplantation in general, followed by the immunobiology of CNS transplantation in particular. Various immunoprotective techniques are then reviewed.