Early steroids after pediatric liver transplantation protect against T-cell-mediated rejection: Results from the ChilSFree study

Steroid-free immunosuppression protocols gained popularity in pediatric liver transplantation (pLT) after the introduction of IL-2-receptor blockade for induction therapy. We analyzed the clinical and immunologic outcome data of the multicenter prospective observational ChilSFree study to compare the impact of steroid-free versus steroid-containing immunosuppressive therapy following pLT in a real-life scenario. Two hundred forty-six children [55.3% male, age at pLT median: 2.4 (range: 0.2-17.9) y] transplanted for biliary atresia (43%), metabolic liver disease (9%), acute liver failure (4%), hepatoblastoma (9%), and other chronic end-stage liver diseases (39%) underwent immune monitoring and clinical data documentation over the first year after pLT. Patient and graft survival at 1 year was 98.0% and 92.7%, respectively. Primary immunosuppression was basiliximab induction followed by tacrolimus (Tac) monotherapy (55%), Tac plus steroid tapering over 3 months (29%), or cyclosporine and steroid tapering (7%). One center used intraoperative steroids instead of basiliximab followed by Tac plus mycophenolate mofetil (7% of patients). N = 124 biopsy-proven T-cell-mediated rejections were documented in n = 82 (33.3%) patients. T-cell-mediated rejection occurred early (median: 41 d, range: 3-366 d) after pLT. Patients initially treated with Tac plus steroids experienced significantly fewer episodes of rejection than patients treated with Tac alone (chi-square p <0.01). The use of steroids was associated with earlier downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ, Interleukin (IL)-6, CX motif chemokin ligand (CXCL)8, IL-7, and IL-12p70. Both primary immunosuppression with Tac plus steroids and living donor liver transplantation were independent predictors of rejection-free survival 1 year after pLT on logistic regression analysis. Adjunctive steroid therapy after pLT leads to earlier suppression of the post-pLT proinflammatory response and significantly reduced rejection rates during the first year after pLT (15.9%). Fifty-one percent of patients initially treated without steroids remain steroid-free over the first 12 months without rejection.

Use of induction therapy post-heart transplantation: Clinical practice recommendations based on systematic review and network meta-analysis of evidence

BACKGROUND

The use of induction therapy (IT) agents in the early post-heart transplant period remains controversial. The following recommendations aim to provide guidance on the use of IT agents, including Basiliximab and Thymoglobulin, as part of routine care in heart transplantation (HTx).

METHODS

We recruited an international, multidisciplinary panel of 15 stakeholders, including patient partners, transplant cardiologists and surgeons, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and methodologists. We commissioned a systematic review on benefits and harms of IT on patient-important outcomes, and another on patients' values and preferences to inform our recommendations. We used the GRADE framework to summarize our findings, rate certainty in the evidence, and develop recommendations. The panel considered the balance between benefits and harms, certainty in the evidence, and patient's values and preferences, to make recommendations for or against the routine post-operative use of Thymoglobulin or Basiliximab.

RESULTS

The panel made recommendations on three major clinical problems in HTx: (1) We suggest against the routine post-operative use of Basiliximab compared to no IT, (2) we suggest against the routine use of Thymoglobulin compared to no IT, and (3) for those patients for whom IT is deemed desirable, we suggest for the use of Thymoglobulin as compared to Basiliximab.

CONCLUSION

This report highlights gaps in current knowledge and provides directions for clinical research in the future to better understand the clinical utility of IT agents in the early post heart transplant period, leading to improved management and care.

Randomized controlled trial of sustained release tacrolimus vs twice daily tacrolimus in adult living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

To compare the safety and efficacy of once-daily tacrolimus (ODT) versus twice-daily tacrolimus (BDT) in adult live donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS

In this open-labelled randomized trial, 174 adult patients undergoing LDLT were randomized into ODT or BDT, combined with basiliximab induction and mycophenolate mofetil (steroid-free regimen). Tacrolimus was started at a total dose of 1 mg and the trough level was aimed at 3-7 ng/ml. The primary endpoint was eGFR at 1,3- and 6 months post-transplant, using CKD- EPI equation. Secondary endpoints included biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), metabolic complications, post-operative bilio-vascular complications and patient survival.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in eGFR between the two groups at 6 months (ODT -96 ± 19, BDT -91 ± 21, p value-0.164). BPAR was comparable (18/84 in ODT, 19/88 in BDT, p value-0.981). For a similar dosage of tacrolimus, the median trough tacrolimus levels attained were significantly lower for ODT than BDT during the first-month post-transplant (p value-0.001). Metabolic complications due to immunosuppression, post-operative bilio-vascular complications and patient survival was similar between the two groups at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Once-daily tacrolimus has similar renal safety and efficacy as twice-daily tacrolimus when used in combination with basiliximab induction and mycophenolate in adult LDLT.

Utilization of donor-derived Cell-Free DNA in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A single center study

High donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) levels indicate transplant allograft injury and can identify graft rejection in kidney transplant recipients. Here, we evaluated the use of dd-cfDNA in pediatric kidney transplant rejection monitoring and treatment.

METHODS

Forty-two pediatric kidney transplant patients were enrolled between February 2020 and August 2021. Dd-cfDNA was tested before and after biopsy/rejection treatment. There was a total of 61 allograft biopsies (44 for-cause, 17 surveillance).

RESULTS

Graft rejection was found in 35/61 biopsies. Rejection was more common in basiliximab induction compared to rATG (77.1% vs. 22.9%, p = .0121). Median dd-cfDNA was higher in those with rejection (1.2% [0.34-3.12] vs. 0.24% [0.08-0.78], p < .0001). Dd-cfDNA was highest in biopsies with AMR and mixed AMR/TCMR. In addition, dd-cfDNA in basiliximab induction was higher compared to rATG (0.92% [0.27-1.8] vs. 0.26% [0.08-2], p = .0437). Median change in dd-cfDNA after rejection treatment was -0.57% (-1.67 to 0.05). Median time to dd-cfDNA <1% post-rejection treatment was 8.5 days (3.0-19.5). Dd-cfDNA in AMR was higher compared to TCMR or mixed rejection, and levels remained higher in AMR after treatment. In surveillance biopsies, 4/17 had rejection. Median dd-cfDNA was not different in those with versus without rejection (0.48% vs. 0.28%, p = .2342). Those without rejection all had dd-cfDNA <1%. In those with rejection, only one patient had dd-cfDNA >1%, and all had TCMR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support dd-cfDNA as a useful indicator of graft rejection and response to treatment. Additional studies are needed to determine the role of dd-cfDNA in graft health surveillance.

Excellent efficacy and beneficial safety during observational 5-year follow-up of rapid steroid withdrawal after renal transplantation (Harmony FU study)

BACKGROUND

We previously reported excellent efficacy and improved safety aspects of rapid steroid withdrawal (RSWD) in the randomized controlled 1-year "Harmony" trial with 587 predominantly deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients randomized either to basiliximab or rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction therapy and compared with standard immunosuppressive therapy consisting of basiliximab, low tacrolimus once daily, mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids.

METHODS

The 5-year post-trial follow-up (FU) data were obtained in an observational manner at a 3- and a 5-year visit only for those Harmony patients who consented to participate and covered clinical events that occurred from the second year onwards.

RESULTS

Biopsy-proven acute rejection and death-censored graft loss rates remained low and independent of RSWD. Rapid steroid withdrawal was an independent positive factor for patient survival (adjusted hazard ratio 0.554, 95% confidence interval 0.314-0.976; P = .041).The reduced incidence of post-transplantation diabetes mellitus in RSWD patients during the original 1-year study period was not compensated by later incidences during FU. Incidences of other important outcome parameters such as opportunistic infections, malignancies, cardiovascular morbidity/risk factors, donor-specific antibody formation or kidney function did not differ during FU period.

CONCLUSIONS

With all the limitations of a post-trial FU study, the Harmony FU data confirm excellent efficacy and beneficial safety aspects of RSWD under modern immunosuppressive therapy over the course of 5 years after kidney transplantation in an immunologically low-risk, elderly population of Caucasian kidney transplant recipients. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration number: Investigator Initiated Trial (NCT00724022, FU study DRKS00005786).

Effects of Induction Therapy on Graft Functions in Terms of Immunologic Risk

BACKGROUND

Advances in immunosuppressive therapies and surgical techniques have led to a significant reduction in the incidence of rejection within 1 year after kidney transplantation. Immunologic risk is an important factor affecting graft functions and guiding the clinician in the selection of induction therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate graft functions based on serum creatinine levels, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD- EPI) and proteinuria levels, frequency of leukopenia, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity in patients with low and high immunologic risk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 80 renal recipients. Recipients were divided into 2 groups: patients at low immunologic risk who received basiliximab only and those with high immunologic risk who received low-dose (1.5 mg/kg for 3 days) antithymocyte globulin and basiliximab.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between the 2 risk groups in terms of first, third, sixth, and 12th-month creatinine levels, CKD-EPI, proteinuria levels, leukopenia frequency, and CMV and BK virus PCR positivity.

CONCLUSION

One-year graft survivals did not differ significantly between these 2 treatment modalities. The combined use of low-dose antithymocyte globulin and basiliximab in the induction treatment of patients with high immunologic risk seems promising in terms of graft survival, leukopenia frequency, and CMV and BK virus PCR positivity.

Successful treatment of severe immune checkpoint inhibitor associated autoimmune hepatitis with basiliximab: a case report

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its corresponding ligand PD-L1 are being increasingly used for a wide variety of cancers, including refractory sarcomas. Autoimmune hepatitis is a known side effect of ICIs, and is typically managed with broad, non-specific immunosuppression. Here, we report a case of severe autoimmune hepatitis occurring after anti-PD-1 therapy with nivolumab in a patient with osteosarcoma. Following prolonged unsuccessful treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, everolimus, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and anti-thymoglobulin, the patient was eventually treated with the anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody basiliximab. This resulted in prompt, sustained resolution of her hepatitis without significant side effects. Our case demonstrates that basiliximab may be an effective therapy for steroid-refractory severe ICI-associated hepatitis.

Porcine anti-human lymphocyte immunoglobulin depletes the lymphocyte population to promote successful kidney transplantation

Introduction

Porcine anti-human lymphocyte immunoglobulin (pALG) has been used in kidney transplantation, but its impacts on the lymphocyte cell pool remain unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 12 kidney transplant recipients receiving pALG, and additional recipients receiving rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (rATG), basiliximab, or no induction therapy as a comparison group.

Results

pALG showed high binding affinity to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after administration, immediately depleting blood lymphocytes; an effect that was weaker than rATG but stronger than basiliximab. Single-cell sequencing analysis showed that pALG mainly influenced T cells and innate immune cells (mononuclear phagocytes and neutrophils). By analyzing immune cell subsets, we found that pALG moderately depleted CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, regulatory T cells, and NKT cells and mildly inhibited dendritic cells. Serum inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6) were only moderately increased compared with rATG, which might be beneficial in terms of reducing the risk of untoward immune activation. During 3 months of follow-up, we found that all recipients and transplanted kidneys survived and showed good organ function recovery; there were no cases of rejection and a low rate of complications.

Discussion

In conclusion, pALG acts mainly by moderately depleting T cells and is thus a good candidate for induction therapy for kidney transplant recipients. The immunological features of pALG should be exploited for the development of individually-optimized induction therapies based on the needs of the transplant and the immune status of the patient, which is appropriate for non-high-risk recipients.

Risk factors for recurrent IgA nephropathy after renal transplantation: A meta-analysis

Recurrent glomerulonephritis after renal transplantation is the third most common cause of allograft loss, the most frequent of which is associated with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). This study aims to provide a systematic review of the risk factors associated with recurrent IgAN after renal transplantation. We searched English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, and others, and included all case-control studies involving risk factors for recurrent IgAN after renal transplantation from the databases’ establishment to March 2022. Data were analyzed using the Stata 12.0. A total of 20 case–control studies were included in the meta-analysis, with 542 patients with recurrent IgAN and 1385 patients without recurrent IgAN. The results showed that donor age (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.13 [95% CI -0.26, -0.001]; P = 0.048), patient age at transplantation (SMD -0.41 [95% CI -0.53, -0.29]; P < 0.001), time from diagnosis to end-stage renal disease (SMD -0.42 [95% CI -0.74, -0.10]; P = 0.010), previous transplantation (odds ratio [OR] 1.73 [95% CI 1.06, 2.81]; P = 0.027), living donor (OR 1.86 [95% CI 1.34, 2.58]; P < 0.001), related donor (OR 2.64, [95% CI 1.84, 3.79]; P < 0.001), tacrolimus use (OR 0.71 [95% CI 0.52, 0.98]; P = 0.035), basiliximab use (OR 0.39 [95% CI 0.27, 0.55]; P < 0.001), proteinuria (SMD 0.42 [95% CI 0.13, 0.71]; P = 0.005) and serum IgA level (SMD 0.48 [95% CI 0.27, 0.69]; P < 0.001) were associated with recurrent IgAN after renal transplantation. In general, tacrolimus and basiliximab use were protective factors against recurrent IgAN after renal transplantation, whereas donor age, patient age at transplantation, time from diagnosis to end-stage renal disease, previous transplantation, living donor, related donor, proteinuria, and serum IgA level were risk factors for recurrent IgAN after renal transplantation. Clinical decision making should warrant further consideration of these risk factors.

Lower dose of ATG combined with basiliximab for haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with effective control of GVHD and less CMV viremia

Currently, the graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consists of an immunosuppressive therapy mainly based on antithymocyte globulin (ATG) or post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy). GVHD remains a major complication and limitation to successful allogeneic haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). We modified the ATG-based GVHD prophylaxis with the addition of basiliximab in the setting of haplo-HSCT and attempted to explore the appropriate dosages. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 239 patients with intermediate- or high-risk hematologic malignancies who received haplo-HSCT with unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cells combined or not with bone marrow. All patients received the same GVHD prophylaxis consisting of the combination of methotrexate, cyclosporine or tacrolimus, mycofenolate-mofetil, and basiliximab with different doses of ATG (5-9mg/kg). With a median time of 11 days (range, 7-40 days), the rate of neutrophil engraftment was 96.65%. The 100-day cumulative incidences (CIs) of grade II-IV and III-IV aGVHD were 15.8 ± 2.5% and 5.0 ± 1.5%, while the 2-year CIs of total cGVHD and extensive cGVHD were 9.8 ± 2.2% and 4.1 ± 1.5%, respectively. The 3-year CIs of treatment-related mortality (TRM), relapse, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were 14.6 ± 2.6%, 28.1 ± 3.4%, 60.9 ± 3.4%, 57.3 ± 3.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the impact of the reduction of the ATG dose to 6 mg/kg or less in combination with basiliximab on GVHD prevention and transplant outcomes among patients was analyzed. Compared to higher dose of ATG(>6mg/kg), lower dose of ATG (≤6mg/kg) was associated with a significant reduced risk of CMV viremia (52.38% vs 79.35%, P<0.001), while the incidences of aGVHD and cGVHD were similar between the two dose levels. No significant effect was found with regard to the risk of relapse, TRM, and OS. ATG combined with basiliximab could prevent GVHD efficiently and safely. The optimal scheme of using this combined regimen of ATG and basiliximab is that administration of lower dose ATG (≤6mg/kg), which seems to be more appropriate for balancing infection control and GVHD prophylaxis.

Multispecies Outbreak of Nocardia Infections in Heart Transplant Recipients and Association with Climate Conditions, Australia

Extreme weather conditions, coupled with greater susceptibility to opportunistic infection, could explain this outbreak.

A multispecies outbreak of Nocardia occurred among heart transplant recipients (HTR), but not lung transplant recipients (LTR), in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, during 2018–2019. We performed a retrospective review of 23 HTR and LTR who had Nocardia spp. infections during June 2015–March 2021, compared risk factors for Nocardia infection, and evaluated climate conditions before, during, and after the period of the 2018–2019 outbreak. Compared with LTR, HTR had a shorter median time from transplant to Nocardia diagnosis, higher prevalence of diabetes, greater use of induction immunosuppression with basiliximab, and increased rates of cellular rejection before Nocardia diagnosis. During the outbreak, Sydney experienced the lowest monthly precipitation and driest surface levels compared with time periods directly before and after the outbreak. Increased immunosuppression of HTR compared with LTR, coupled with extreme weather conditions during 2018–2019, may explain this outbreak of Nocardia infections in HTR.

Basiliximab for the therapy of acute T cell–mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipient with BK virus infection: A case report

A 66-year-old Chinese man underwent a deceased donor kidney transplantation. Induction-immunosuppressive protocol consisted of basiliximab (BAS) and methyl prednisolone (MP), followed by maintenance immunosuppression with cyclosporin (CsA), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisone (PED). The patient’s post-transplantation course was almost uneventful, and the graft was functioning well [serum creatinine (Scr) 2.15 mg/dL]. The MMF and CsA doses were decreased 1-month post-operative as the BK virus activation was serologically positive. His Scr was elevated to 2.45 mg/dL 45 days after the transplant. A graft biopsy showed BKV nephropathy (BKVN) and acute T cell–mediated rejection (TCMR) Banff grade IIA (I2, t2, ptc2, v1, c4d1, g0, and SV40 positive). The conventional anti-rejection therapy could deteriorate his BKVN, therefore, we administered BAS to eliminate activated graft-infiltrating T cells and combined with low-dose steroid. He responded well to the therapy after two doses of BAS were given, and the kidney graft status has been stable (recent Scr 2.1 mg/dL).

Pathogen distribution and risk factors of bacterial and fungal infections after liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Liver transplant recipients have a high rate of postoperative infection, and identification of patients at high risk for bacterial and fungal infections will help prevent disease and improve long-term outcomes for them. This study aims to understand the composition, distribution, prognosis of bacterial and fungal infections within 2 months after liver transplantation and to analyze their risk factors.

METHODS

The data of pathogen composition, distribution, and prognosis of bacterial and fungal infections among liver transplant recipients in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from May 2020 to October 2021 were collected, and the risk factors for these infections were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 106 episodes of bacterial or fungal infections occurred in 71.4% of liver transplant recipients (75/105). Gram-negative bacteria were the dominant pathogenic bacteria (49/106, 46.2%), followed by Gram-positive bacteria (31/106, 29.2%). The most common Gram-negative bacterium was Acinetobacter baumannii (13/106, 12.3%). The most common Gram-positive bacterium was Enterococcus faecium (20/106, 18.9%). The most common infections were pulmonary (38/105, 36.2%) and multiple site infections (30/105, 28.6%). Six (6/105, 5.7%) patients with infections died within 2 months after liver transplantation. Univariate analysis showed that the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥25, antibiotic use within half a month before transplantation, infections within 2 months prior to transplantation, intraoperative red blood cell infusion≥8 U, indwelling urinary tract catheter ≥4 days after transplantation, and the dosage of basiliximab use ≥40 mg were associated with infections. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only infections within 2 months prior to transplantation (OR=5.172, 95% CI 1.905-14.039, P<0.01) was an independent risk factor for bacterial and fungal infections after liver transplantation. Postoperative bacterial and fungal infections were reduced in liver transplant recipients receiving basiliximab ≥40 mg (OR=0.197, 95% CI: 0.051-0.762, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of bacterial and fungal infections is high in the early stage after liver transplantation, and the mortality after infection is significantly higher than that of non-infected patients. The most common infection is respiratory infection, and the dominant pathogens is Gram-negative bacteria. Patients infected within 2 months prior to liver transplantation are prone to bacterial and fungal infections. Standard use of basiliximab can reduce the incidence of infections after liver transplantation.

Coronavirus disease 2019 positivity immediately after lung transplantation: A case report

Management of COVID-19 in lung transplant recipients is challenging. We report a case of a 71-year-old male who underwent bilateral lung transplantation with an unexpected case of COVID-19. The patient had been fully vaccinated. The patient and donor tested negative for pretransplant COVID-19. On routine bronchoscopy on day 1 after transplant, the COVID-19 test was positive. Mycophenolic mofetil and the second dose of basiliximab were skipped, but tacrolimus and prednisone were continued. He was treated with casirivimab/imdevimab and remdesivir. He was discharged on day 14 and has had no episodes of acute rejection during the 3 months.

Early Blood Transfusion After Kidney Transplantation Does Not Lead to dnDSA Development: The BloodIm Study

Outcomes after kidney transplantation are largely driven by the development of de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA), which may be triggered by blood transfusion. In this single-center study, we investigated the link between early blood transfusion and dnDSA development in a mainly anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)-induced kidney-transplant cohort. We retrospectively included all recipients of a kidney transplant performed between 2004 and 2015, provided they had &gt;3 months graft survival. DSA screening was evaluated with a Luminex assay (Immucor). Early blood transfusion (EBT) was defined as the transfusion of at least one red blood-cell unit over the first 3 months post-transplantation, with an exhaustive report of transfusion. Patients received either anti-thymocyte globulins (ATG) or basiliximab induction, plus tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid maintenance immunosuppression. A total of 1088 patients received a transplant between 2004 and 2015 in our center, of which 981 satisfied our inclusion criteria. EBT was required for 292 patients (29.7%). Most patients received ATG induction (86.1%); the others received basiliximab induction (13.4%). dnDSA-free graft survival (dnDSA-GS) at 1-year post-transplantation was similar between EBT+ (2.4%) and EBT- (3.0%) patients (chi-squared p=0.73). There was no significant association between EBT and dnDSA-GS (univariate Cox’s regression, HR=0.88, p=0.556). In multivariate Cox’s regression, adjusting for potential confounders (showing a univariate association with dnDSA development), early transfusion remained not associated with dnDSA-GS (HR 0.76, p=0.449). However, dnDSA-GS was associated with pretransplantation HLA sensitization (HR=2.25, p=0.004), hemoglobin &gt;10 g/dL (HR=0.39, p=0.029) and the number of HLA mismatches (HR=1.26, p=0.05). Recipient’s age, tacrolimus and mycophenolic-acid exposures, and graft rank were not associated with dnDSA-GS. Early blood transfusion did not induce dnDSAs in our cohort of ATG-induced patients, but low hemoglobin level was associated with dnDSAs-GS. This suggests a protective effect of ATG induction therapy on preventing dnDSA development at an initial stage post-transplantation.

Effects of Reduced-Dose Anti-Human T-Lymphocyte Globulin on Overall and Donor-Specific T-Cell Repertoire Reconstitution in Sensitized Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background

Pre-sensitized kidney transplant recipients have a higher risk for rejection following kidney transplantation and therefore receive lymphodepletional induction therapy with anti-human T-lymphocyte globulin (ATLG) whereas non-sensitized patients are induced in many centers with basiliximab. The time course of lymphocyte reconstitution with regard to the overall and donor-reactive T-cell receptor (TCR) specificity remains elusive.

Methods/Design

Five kidney transplant recipients receiving a 1.5-mg/kg ATLG induction therapy over 7 days and five patients with 2 × 20 mg basiliximab induction therapy were longitudinally monitored. Peripheral mononuclear cells were sampled pre-transplant and within 1, 3, and 12 months after transplantation, and their overall and donor-reactive TCRs were determined by next-generation sequencing of the TCR beta CDR3 region. Overall TCR repertoire diversity, turnover, and donor specificity were assessed at all timepoints.

Results

We observed an increase in the donor-reactive TCR repertoire after transplantation in patients, independent of lymphocyte counts or induction therapy. Donor-reactive CD4 T-cell frequency in the ATLG group increased from 1.14% + -0.63 to 2.03% + -1.09 and from 0.93% + -0.63 to 1.82% + -1.17 in the basiliximab group in the first month. Diversity measurements of the entire T-cell repertoire and repertoire turnover showed no statistical difference between the two induction therapies. The difference in mean clonality between groups was 0.03 and 0.07 pre-transplant in the CD4 and CD8 fractions, respectively, and was not different over time (CD4: F(1.45, 11.6) = 0.64 p = 0.496; CD8: F(3, 24) = 0.60 p = 0.620). The mean difference in R20, a metric for immune dominance, between groups was -0.006 in CD4 and 0.001 in CD8 T-cells and not statistically different between the groups and subsequent timepoints (CD4: F(3, 24) = 0.85 p = 0.479; CD8: F(1.19, 9.52) = 0.79 p = 0.418).

Conclusion

Reduced-dose ATLG induction therapy led to an initial lymphodepletion followed by an increase in the percentage of donor-reactive T-cells after transplantation similar to basiliximab induction therapy. Furthermore, reduced-dose ATLG did not change the overall TCR repertoire in terms of a narrowed or skewed TCR repertoire after immune reconstitution, comparable to non-depletional induction therapy.

Investigation of interleukin-2-mediated changes in blood pressure, fetal growth restriction, and innate immune activation in normal pregnant rats and in a preclinical rat model of preeclampsia

Two important clinical features of preeclampsia (PE) are hypertension and fetal growth restriction. The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) preclinical rat model of PE exhibits both of these features. Moreover, RUPP and PE women have elevated vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) and inflammation. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that regulates NK cell activity and is elevated in miscarriage, PE, and RUPP rats. The objective of this study was to examine a role for IL-2 in NK cell activation, fetal growth restriction, and hypertension during pregnancy by either infusion of IL-2 or blockade of IL-2 (basiliximab) in normal pregnant (NP) and RUPP rats. On gestational day 14, NP and RUPP rats received low (LD), middle (MD), or high dose (HD) IL-2 (0.05, 0.10, or 0.20 ng/ml) IP or basiliximab (0.07 mg per rat) by IV infusion. On day 19, blood pressure (MAP), pup weights, and blood were collected. Basiliximab had no effect on blood pressure, however, significantly lowered NK cells and may have worsened overall fetal survival in RUPP rats. However, IL-2 LD (102 ± 4 mmHg) and IL-2 HD (105 ± 6 mmHg) significantly lowered blood pressure, ET-1, and activated NK cells compared to control RUPPs (124 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.05). Importantly, IL-2 in RUPP rats significantly reduced fetal weight and survival. These data indicate that although maternal benefits may have occurred with low dose IL-2 infusion, negative effects were seen in the fetus. Moreover, inhibition of IL-2 signaling did not have favorable outcome for the mother or fetus.

Unusual expansion of CD3+CD56+ natural killer T-like cells in peripheral blood after anticytokine treatment for graft-versus-host disease: A case report

RATIONALE

Basiliximab and etanercept have achieved promising responses in steroid-refractory graft versus host disease (SR-GVHD). However, the in vivo immune changes following the treatment have not been elucidated.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 14-year-old boy presented with skin rash and diarrhea 20 days after haploidentical hemotopoietic stem cell transplantation.

DIAGNOSES

We made the diagnose of grade 3 acute GVHD with skin and gastrointestinal involvement.

INTERVENTIONS

After the failure of the first-line treatment with methylprednisolone, combined anti-cytokine therapies with basiliximab and etanercept were prescibed.

OUTCOMES

He achieved complete remission by basiliximab and etanercept. Furthermore, we detected that donor CD3CD56 Natural killer T(NKT)-like cells expanded gradually after the period of lymphocytopenia caused by GVHD and anti-cytokine therapy. The expansion of NKT-like cells was in association with high serum IFN-γ. NKT-like cells showed preferred proliferation in response to IFN-γ and potent cytotoxicity against leukemia cells. The expansion persisted > 2 years and the patient had a leukemia-free survival of 66 months.

LESSONS

Our case indicated that combined anti-cytokine treatment may reset the immune system and cause NKT-like cells to exhibit a predilection for expansion.

First case report of using Ofatumumab in kidney transplantation AB0 incompatible

Modern methods for desensitization protocol rely heavily on combined apheresis therapy and Rituximab, a chimeric (murine and human) anti-CD20 antibody used in AB0 incompatible kidney transplants. Severe infusion related reactions due to the administration of Rituximab are reported in 10% of patients. These adverse reactions may hinder the completion of the desensitization protocol. Therefore, it's useful to test alternative B cell depleting therapies. Our clinical case focuses on a 41-year-old male who developed an adverse infusion reaction following the administration of Rituximab and was given Ofatumumab as an alternative treatment. Ofatumumab is a fully humanized monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody. As a fully humanized antibody, Ofatumumab may avoid immunogenic reactions. The patient tolerated the administration of the drug showing no signs of adverse side effects and with good clinical efficacy. Our case report suggest that Ofatumumab is a valid alternative B cell depleting agent.

Preemptive anti-cytomegalovirus therapy in high-risk (donor-positive, recipient-negative cytomegalovirus serostatus) kidney transplant recipients

OBJECTIVES

Universal prophylaxis and preemptive therapy are used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease post-transplantation. Data regarding which strategy is superior are sparse, especially in high-risk recipients (donor CMV seropositive (D+) and recipient CMV seronegative (R-)).

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center cohort study included recipients who underwent kidney transplantation between 2009 and 2015. The incidence of CMV infection/disease and patient and graft outcomes were analyzed and compared between high-risk recipients (D+/R-) and intermediate-risk recipients (D+/R+ or D-/R+), all managed with preemptive therapy.

RESULTS

Of 118 kidney transplant recipients, 21 were high-risk and 97 were intermediate-risk. Over a median follow-up period of 3 years, asymptomatic CMV infection developed significantly more frequently in high-risk patients than in intermediate-risk patients (38.1% vs. 16.5%, p=0.04), and CMV disease developed in a similar manner (28.6% vs. 3.1%, p<0.01). Among high-risk patients, CMV infection developed within the first 3 months post-transplantation and CMV disease within the first 9 months post-transplantation. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference in the probability of mortality (log-rank p=0.63) or graft loss (log-rank p=0.50) between the patient groups. Graft rejection occurred more frequently in high-risk than in intermediate-risk patients, but the difference was not significant (log-rank p=0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that further studies on universal prophylaxis in high-risk patients are needed to elucidate whether preventing CMV infection/disease during the early post-transplant period leads to better outcomes, especially in terms of reducing graft rejection.

Donor-Specific Anti-Human Leukocyte Antigens Antibodies, Acute Rejection, Renal Function, and Histology in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Tacrolimus and Everolimus

BACKGROUND

This analysis compared efficacy, renal function, and histology in kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus (TAC) combined with everolimus (EVR) or mycophenolate (MPS).

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis from a randomized trial in kidney transplant recipients who received a single 3 mg/kg dose of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (r-ATG), TAC, EVR, and prednisone (PRED; r-ATG/EVR, n = 85), basiliximab (BAS), TAC, EVR, and PRED (BAS/EVR, n = 102) or BAS, TAC, MPS, and PRED (BAS/MPS, n = 101). We evaluated the incidence of de novo donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigens antibodies (DSA) and histology on protocol biopsies at 12 months, and the incidence of acute rejection, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria at 36 months.

RESULTS

At 12 months, there were no differences in de novo DSA (6.4 vs. 3.4 vs. 5.5%) or in subclinical inflammation (2.0 vs. 4.8 vs. 10.2%), interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (57.1 vs. 58.5 vs. 53.8%) and C4d deposition (2.0 vs. 7.3 vs. 2.6%). At 36 months, there were no differences in the incidence of treatment failure (19.0 vs. 27.7 vs. 27.7%, p = 0.186), first biopsy-proven acute rejection (9.5 vs. 21.8 vs. 16.8%, p = 0.073), and urine protein/creatinine ratios (0.53 ± 1.05 vs. 0.62 ± 0.75 vs. 0.71 ± 1.24). eGFR was lower in the BAS/EVR compared to that in the BAS/MPS group (53.4 ± 20.9 vs. 50.8 ± 19.5 vs. 60.7 ± 21.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.017) but comparable using a sensitive analysis (49.5 ± 23 vs. 47.5 ± 22.6 vs. 53.6 ± 27.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.207).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, the use of EVR and reduced TAC concentrations were associated with comparable efficacy, renal function, and histological parameters compared to the standard-of-care immunosuppressive regimen.

Predictive Factors of Acute Rejection in Low Immunologic Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Basiliximab

INTRODUCTION

The optimal immunosuppressive induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients with low immunologic risk of acute rejection (AR) is still controversial. The use of basiliximab (BSX) has led to a significant decrease of AR with a low side effect profile.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate predictive risk factors for AR in low immunologic risk patients subjected to immunosuppressive induction therapy with BSX.

METHODS

We reviewed all low immunologic risk patients (panel reactive antibody [PRA] level <50%, who had undergone a first deceased-donor transplant) subjected to immunosuppressive induction therapy with BSX, calcineurin inhibitor, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone (n = 346). AR was defined as any rejection occurring until 12 months posttransplantation. Predictive risk factors for AR were evaluated by logistic regression and, to find the best cut-off of PRA related to a higher incidence of AR, receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The rate of AR was 7.8%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age at the time of transplantation (P = .040) and PRA level (P = .001) as independent risk factors for AR. ROC curve analysis confirmed that PRA >10% was related to an increased incidence of AR (19.2% vs 6.0%, P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher incidence of AR was observed in low immunologic risk kidney transplant patients with a PRA level >10%. These data support the use of more intensive immunosuppressive induction therapy in patients with low immunologic risk and a PRA level >10%.

The Significance of Screening for HLA Antibodies in the Long-Term Follow-up of Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Post-transplant donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) reportedly have detrimental effects on the outcomes of organ transplantation. However, the prevalence of post-transplant DSA in the long term after pediatric liver transplantation remains unclear, and the significance of post-transplant DSA is unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of and characteristics of patients with post-transplant DSA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of the 84 pediatric liver transplant recipients who were followed up in the outpatient department of our institution, 34 patients with available HLA typing data were included after they or their parent(s) provided informed consent for DSA evaluations. Luminex single-antigen bead assays were performed, and a mean fluorescence intensity of ≥1000 was used as the cut-off for a positive reaction.

RESULTS

No class I DSA were detected, whereas class II DSA were detected in 11 patients (32%). There were no differences in age at transplantation, immunosuppressive drugs, or follow-up period between the DSA-positive and DSA-negative patients. The rate of positive pre-transplant complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch was higher with class II DSA than without, although the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The utility of screening for class I DSA was insignificant in the long-term follow-up of pediatric liver transplant recipients. The prevalence of class II DSA was relatively high; therefore, screening for class II DSA might be justified, although a follow-up survey of the association between post-transplant class II DSA and the long-term clinical course needs to be conducted.

Rabbit-ATG or basiliximab induction for rapid steroid withdrawal after renal transplantation (Harmony): an open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Standard practice for immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation is quadruple therapy using antibody induction, low-dose tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. Long-term steroid intake significantly increases cardiovascular risk factors with negative effects on the outcome, especially post-transplantation diabetes associated with morbidity and mortality. In this trial, we examined the efficacy and safety parameters of rapid steroid withdrawal after induction therapy with either rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rabbit ATG) or basiliximab in immunologically low-risk patients during the first year after kidney transplantation.

METHODS

In this open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial, we randomly assigned renal transplant recipients in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive either basiliximab induction with low-dose tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroid maintenance therapy (arm A), rapid corticosteroid withdrawal on day 8 (arm B), or rapid corticosteroid withdrawal on day 8 after rabbit ATG (arm C). The study was done in 21 centres across Germany. Only participants aged between 18 and 75 years with a low immunological risk who were scheduled to receive a single-organ renal transplant from either a living donor or a deceased donor were considered for enrolment. Patients receiving a second renal transplant were eligible, provided that the first allograft was not lost due to acute rejection within the first year after transplantation. Donor and recipient had to be ABO compatible. Grafts with pre-transplant existing donor-specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies were not eligible and the recipients had to have a panel-reactive antibody concentration of 30% or less. Pregnant women and nursing mothers were excluded from the study. The primary endpoint was the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) at 12 months. All analyses were done by intention-to-treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00724022.

FINDINGS

Between Aug 7, 2008, and Nov 30, 2013, 615 patients were randomly assigned to arm A (206), arm B (189), and arm C (192). BPAR rates were not reduced by rabbit ATG (9·9%) compared with either treatment arm A (11·2%) or B (10·6%; A versus C: p=0·75, B versus C p=0·87). As a secondary endpoint, rapid steroid withdrawal reduced post-transplantation diabetes in arm B to 24% and in arm C to 23% compared with 39% in control arm A (A versus B and C: p=0·0004). Patient survival (94·7% in arm A, 97·4% in arm B, and 96·9% in arm C) and censored graft survival (96·1% in arm A, 96·8% in arm B, and 95·8% in arm C) after 12 months were excellent and equivalent in all arms. Safety parameters such as infections or the incidence of post-transplantation malignancies did not differ between the study arms.

INTERPRETATION

Rabbit ATG did not show superiority over basiliximab induction for the prevention of BPAR after rapid steroid withdrawal within 1 year after renal transplantation. Nevertheless, rapid steroid withdrawal after induction therapy for patients with a low immunological risk profile can be achieved without loss of efficacy and is advantageous in regard to post-transplantation diabetes incidence.

FUNDING

Investigator Initiated Trial; financial support by Astellas Pharma GmbH, Sanofi, and Roche Pharma AG.

Effect of Immunosuppressive Drugs on the Changes of Serum Galactose-Deficient IgA1 in Patients with IgA Nephropathy

Galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) and IgA-IgG complexes are known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). We aimed therefore to determine the impact of immunosuppression on the serum levels of Gd-IgA1, total IgA1 and IgA-IgG complexes in IgAN patients. In a retrospective study, serum samples from IgAN patients collected before transplantation (t0) and at 3- and 6-month posttransplant (t3 & t6) were used to measure the levels of Gd-IgA1, total IgA1 and IgA-IgG complexes. The area under the curves (AUC) of immunosuppressants was calculated by the plot of plasma trough level or dosage of each immunosuppressant versus time and was interpreted as the extent of drug exposure. Thirty-six out of 64 IgAN patients, who underwent kidney transplantation between 2005 and 2012, were enrolled. From t0 to t3, serum Gd-IgA1 and total IgA1 decreased significantly (24.7 AU (18.6-36.1) to 17.2 (13.1-29.5) (p<0.0001); 4.1 mg/ml (3.6-5.1) to 3.4 (3.0-4.1) (p = 0.0005)), whereas IgA-IgG complexes remained similar. From t3 to t6, Gd-IgA1 and IgA-IgG complexes significantly increased (17.2 AU (13.1-29.5) to 23.9 (16.8-32.0) (p = 0.0143); OD 0.16 (0.06-0.31) to 0.26 (0.14-0.35) (p = 0.0242)), while total IgA1 remained similar. According to median regression analysis, AUC of prednisone t0-6 was significantly associated with the decrease of Gd-IgA1 t0-6 (P = 0.01) and IgA1 t0-6 (p = 0.002), whereas AUC of tacrolimus t0-6 was associated with the decrease of IgA1 t0-6 (p = 0.02). AUC of prednisone t0-3 was associated with the decrease of IgA-IgG complexes t0-3 (p = 0.0036). The association of AUC prednisone t0-6 with Gd-IgA1 t0-6 remained highly significant after adjustment for other immunosuppressants (p = 0.0036). Serum levels of Gd-IgA1, total IgA1 and IgA-IgG in patients with IgAN vary according to the changing degrees of immunosuppression. The exposure to prednisone most clearly influenced the serum levels of Gd-IgA1.