Anti-thymocyte Globulin-induced Immune Senescence

The anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) are used in the prevention and treatment of acute rejection in organ transplantation. They are at the origin of a brutal CD4 lymphocyte depletion followed by a gradual recovery of the lymphocyte pool. Nevertheless, CD4 lymphopenia can persist in some patients. SIGAL study aims to characterize the immune responses of lymphopenic patients (after administration of ATG) in order to identify possible similarities with immunosenescence.The immunosenescence is a complex and profound remodeling of the immune system during life. It is mainly due to thymic involution and repeated antigenic stimulation.