The use of kinase inhibitors in solid organ transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the efficacy of current immunosuppression regimes used in solid organ transplantation, graft dysfunction, graft lost and antibody-mediated rejection continue to be problematic. As a result, clear attraction in exploiting key potential targets controlled by kinase phosphorylation has led to a number of studies exploring the use of these drugs in transplantation. Aim In this review, we consider the role of tyrosine kinase as a target in transplantation and summarize the relevant studies on kinase inhibitors that have been reported to date. METHODS: Narrative review of literature from inception to December 2016, using OVID interface searching EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. All studies related to kinase based immunosuppression were examined for clinical relevance with no exclusion criteria. Key ideas were extracted and referenced. CONCLUSION: The higher incidence of infections when using kinase inhibitors is an important consideration, however the number and range inhibitors and their clinical indications are likely to expand, but their exact role in transplantation is yet to be determined.