An Observational Study to Assess the Effect of Calcineurin Inhibitors on Markers of Transplant Tolerance

In experimental and clinical settings it has been shown that transplant tolerance is possible. It has been suggested that regulatory T cells play a beneficial role in the establishment of tolerance. Calcineurin inhibitors may inhibit development of regulatory T cells. However, the influence of calcineurin inhibitors on markers of transplant tolerance has not been studied in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Currently the investigators conduct a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a calcineurin inhibitor free immunosuppression in patients undergoing liver transplantation. In this study measurements of immune function and CD4+CD25high-Foxp3+-Il2/CD8+ status will also be performed. In parallel these measurements should be compared to a group of patients undergoing standard immunosuppression including calcineurin inhibitors.