Immunoprotection by polyethylene glycol in organ preservation solutions is not due to an immunomasking effect.

BACKGROUND New organ preservation solutions that contain soluble polyethylene glycol (sPEG) molecules have been associated with reduction of acute rejection episodes. METHODS In the present manuscript we tested in vitro whether sPEG molecules were able to mask donor alloantigens and reduce graft immunogenicity. RESULTS Immunomasking effect was only evidenced when PEG molecules were covalently bound to donor cell surface. CONCLUSION We concluded that sPEG in preservation solution are unlikely to display 'immunocamouflage' property.