Significance of immune reactions to cartilage tissue in use of cartilage transplants in nose surgery: detection of anti-collagen antibodies

In a group of patients who showed repeated resorption or rejection of the transplanted cartilage graft, the immune response against a broad spectrum of collagen, namely, types I, II, VI, IX and XI, was investigated. We found a humoral immune reactivity against collagen type IX und XI, and to a lesser degree against collagen type I, demonstrating a specific immune response to these matrix collagens. These data suggest that some of the unsuccessful results obtained with cartilage grafts may be influenced by factors independent of the operative technique, such as immunological reactions.