Endothelial Activation in Xenografts’ Rejection: Evaluation of the Role of Heparan-Sulphate

Endothelial activation plays an important role in discordant xenogenic rejection. The process is thought to be initiated by antigen-antibody recognition and complement cascade that lead to activation and damage of endothelium as the main target of rejection. One aspect of endothelial activation is the loss and release of a proteoglycan like heparan-sulphate (HS) from cellular surface. The anticoagulant and fibrinolytic activity of heparan-sulphate is well documented but other properties of HS need further investigation.