Basic sciences in development: What changes will we see in transplantation in the next five years?

Over 3000 delegates attended the 26st International Congress of the Transplantation Society in Hong Kong, which marked the 50th anniversary of the society. In his presidential address, Professor Phil O'Connell from the Westmead Hospital in Sydney, Australia, commented that a major challenge for the future is improving long-term outcomes after solid organ transplantation. He highlighted that 40% of transplanted organs are lost within 10 years, and that a high proportion of patients suffer from immunosuppression-related side effects. These two issues are the key drivers for basic scientists in the field of transplantation. A deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms involved, and more accurate identification of patients at risk for poor outcomes or drug-related adverse effects, will ultimately help to address these problems and improve graft survival rates and patients' quality of life. The research was more diverse than ever before, reflecting the variety and complexity of the many processes which underlie outcomes after transplantation, and the need to broaden our thinking when seeking solutions to the wide-ranging complications which face the transplant team. This article explores the latest developments in basic science presented at the Congress which may offer new insights and solutions to the current challenges in organ transplantation. With so many interesting papers presented, it is impossible to discuss everything, but some key areas are considered.