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Dreyer GJ, Hemke AC, Reinders MEJ, de Fijter JW. Transplanting the elderly: Balancing aging with histocompatibility. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2015; 29:205-11. [PMID: 26411382 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Across the world, the proportions of senior citizens (i.e. those ≥65years) increase rapidly and are predicted to constitute over 25% of the general population by 2050. In 2012 already 48% of the population with end stage renal disease (ESRD) was aged 65years or older. Transplantation is considered the preferred treatment option for ESRD offering survival advantage over long-term dialysis in the majority of patients. Indeed, acceptable outcomes have been documented for selected patients over the age of 70years or even cases over 80years. The reality of organ scarcity and prolonged waiting times for a deceased donor kidney transplantation, however, indicate that at best 50% of the selected elderly may have realistic expectations to receive a timely transplant offer. By choice or medical selection, access to transplantation also decreases with increasing age. In order to expedite the chance for elderly to receive a kidney transplant dedicated allocation systems have been developed. These allocation systems, like the Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP), support preferential local allocation of kidneys from older donors to older patients in order to match recipient and graft life while disregarding histocompatibility for HLA antigens. The consequence has been more acute rejection episodes and an increase in immunosuppressive load. In the elderly, the most common cause of graft loss is death with functioning graft and death from infectious diseases is one of the dominant causes. The Eurotransplant Senior DR-compatible Program (ESDP) was designed to further improve the perspective of successful transplantation in the elderly in terms of life and quality of life by re-introducing matching criteria for HLA-DR in the old-for-old algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Dreyer
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A C Hemke
- Nefrovision/Renine, Dutch Transplant Foundation, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M E J Reinders
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J W de Fijter
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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102
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard N Pierson
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (R.N.P., J.S.B.) and VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore (R.N.P.).
| | - Jonathan S Bromberg
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (R.N.P., J.S.B.) and VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore (R.N.P.)
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103
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Kobashigawa JA. Continuing the pursuit of heart transplant antibody-mediated rejection. J Heart Lung Transplant 2015; 34:1134-5. [PMID: 26169668 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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104
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105
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Venner JM, Hidalgo LG, Famulski KS, Chang J, Halloran PF. The molecular landscape of antibody-mediated kidney transplant rejection: evidence for NK involvement through CD16a Fc receptors. Am J Transplant 2015; 15:1336-48. [PMID: 25787894 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The recent recognition that antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is the major cause of kidney transplant loss creates strong interest in its pathogenesis. We used microarray analysis of kidney transplant biopsies to identify the changes in pure ABMR. We found that the ABMR transcript changes in the initial Discovery Set were strongly conserved in a subsequent Validation Set. In the Combined Set of 703 biopsies, 2603 transcripts were significantly changed (FDR < 0.05) in ABMR versus all other biopsies. In cultured cells, the transcripts strongly associated with ABMR were expressed in endothelial cells, e.g. cadherins CDH5 and CDH13; IFNG-treated endothelial cells, e.g. phospholipase PLA1A and chemokine CXCL11; or NK cells, e.g. cytotoxicity molecules granulysin (GNLY) and FGFBP2. Other ABMR transcripts were expressed in normal kidney but not cell lines, either increased e.g. Duffy chemokine receptor (DARC) or decreased e.g. sclerostin (SOST). Pathway analysis of ABMR transcripts identified angiogenesis, with roles for angiopoietin and vascular endothelial growth factors; leukocyte-endothelial interactions; and NK signaling, including evidence for CD16a Fc receptor signaling elements shared with T cells. These data support a model of ABMR involving injury-repair in the microcirculation induced by cognate recognition involving antibody and CD16a, triggering IFNG release and antibody-dependent NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Venner
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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106
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Hutchinson JA, Geissler EK. Now or never? The case for cell-based immunosuppression in kidney transplantation. Kidney Int 2015; 87:1116-24. [PMID: 25738251 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2015.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
By exploiting mechanisms of immunological regulation against donor alloantigen, it may be possible to reduce the dependence of kidney transplant recipients upon calcineurin inhibitor-based maintenance immunosuppression. One means to strengthen regulatory responses is treating recipients with preparations of regulatory cells obtained by ex vivo manipulation. This strategy, which is a well-established experimental method, has been developed to the point that early-phase clinical trials in kidney transplantation are now feasible. Cell-based therapies represent a radical departure from conventional treatment, so what grounds are there for this new approach? This article offers a three-part justification for trialing cell-based therapies in kidney transplantation: first, a clinical need for alternatives to standard immunosuppression is identified, based on the inadequacies of calcineurin inhibitor-based regimens in preventing late allograft loss; second, a mechanistic explanation of how cell-based therapies might address this clinical need is given; and third, the possible benefit to patients is weighed against the potential risks of cell-based immunosuppressive therapy. It is concluded that the safety of cell-based immunosuppressive therapy will not be greatly improved by further basic scientific and preclinical development. Only trials in humans can now tell us whether cell-based therapy is likely to benefit kidney transplant recipients, but these should be conservative in design to minimize any potential harm to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Hutchinson
- Department of Surgery, Section of Experimental Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Edward K Geissler
- Department of Surgery, Section of Experimental Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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107
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Schlickeiser S, Boës D, Streitz M, Sawitzki B. The use of novel diagnostics to individualize immunosuppression following transplantation. Transpl Int 2015; 28:911-20. [PMID: 25611562 DOI: 10.1111/tri.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite major improvements in short-term survival of organ allografts, long-term graft survival has not changed significantly. It is also known that toxic side effects of current immunosuppressive drugs (IS) especially calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) contribute to the unsatisfactory graft and patient survival following transplantation. Thus, clinicians strive to reduce or wean IS in potentially eligible patients. Research in the last 10 years has focussed on identification of biomarkers suitable for patient stratification in minimization or weaning trials. Most of the described biomarkers have been run retrospectively on samples collected within single-centre trials. Thus, often their performance has not been validated in other potentially multicentre clinical trials. Ultimately, the utility of biomarkers to identify potential weaning candidates should be investigated in large randomized prospective trials. In particular, for testing in such trials, we need more information about the accuracy, reproducibility, stability and limitations of the described biomarkers. Also, data repositories summarizing crucial information on biomarker performance in age- and gender-matched healthy individuals of different ethnicity are missing. This together with improved bioinformatics tools might help in developing better scores for patient stratification. Here, we will summarize the current results, knowledge and limitations on biomarkers for drug minimization or weaning trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Schlickeiser
- Institute of Medical Immunology, CCM, Charité University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Boës
- Institute of Medical Immunology, CCM, Charité University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathias Streitz
- Institute of Medical Immunology, CCM, Charité University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Institute of Medical Immunology, CCM, Charité University Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), CVK, Charité University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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108
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Higgins RM, Daga S, Mitchell DA. Antibody-incompatible kidney transplantation in 2015 and beyond. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 30:1972-8. [PMID: 25500804 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfu375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rejection caused by donor-specific antibodies (principally ABO and HLA antibodies) has become one of the major barriers to successful long-term transplantation. This review focuses on clinical outcomes in antibody-incompatible transplantation, the current state of the science underpinning clinical observations, and how these may be translated into further novel therapies. The clinical outcomes for allografts facing donor-specific antibodies are at present determined largely by the use of agents developed in the 20th century for the treatment of T-lymphocyte-mediated cellular rejection, such as interleukin-2 agents and anti-thymocyte globulin. These treatments are partially effective, because acute antibody-mediated rejection is mediated to a considerable extent by T lymphocytes. However these treatments are essentially ineffective in chronic antibody-mediated rejection. Future therapies for the prevention and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection are likely to fall into the categories of those that reduce antibody production, extracorporeal antibody removal and disruption of the effector arms of antibody-mediated tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob M Higgins
- Renal Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Sunil Daga
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Dan A Mitchell
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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109
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Broecker V, Mengel M. The significance of histological diagnosis in renal allograft biopsies in 2014. Transpl Int 2014; 28:136-43. [PMID: 25205033 DOI: 10.1111/tri.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In 2014, the renal allograft biopsy still represents the best available diagnostic 'gold' standard to assess reasons for allograft dysfunction. However, it is well recognized that histological lesion observed in the biopsy is of limited diagnostic specificity and that the Banff classification as the international diagnostic standard represents mere expert consensus. Here, we review the role of the renal allograft biopsy in different clinical and diagnostic settings. To increase diagnostic accuracy and to compensate for lack of specificity, the interpretation of biopsy pathology needs to be within the clinical context, primarily defined by time post-transplantation and patient-specific risk profile. With this in mind, similar histopathological patterns will lead to different conclusions with regard to diagnosis, disease grading and staging and thus to patient-specific clinical decision-making. Consensus generation for such integrated diagnostic approach, preferably including new molecular tools, represents the next challenge to the transplant community on its way to precision medicine in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Broecker
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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110
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Abstract
Kidney diseases are morphologically heterogeneous. Pathologic classifications of renal disease permit standardization of diagnosis and may identify clinical-pathologic subgroups with different outcomes and/or responses to treatment. To date, classifications have been proposed for lupus nephritis, allograft rejection, IgA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody -related glomerulonephritis, and diabetic glomerulosclerosis. These classifications share several limitations related to lack of specificity, reproducibility, validation, and relevance to clinical practice. They offer a standardized approach to diagnosis, however, which should facilitate communication and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barry Stokes
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, VC14-224, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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111
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Wilflingseder J, Reindl-Schwaighofer R, Sunzenauer J, Kainz A, Heinzel A, Mayer B, Oberbauer R. MicroRNAs in kidney transplantation. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 30:910-7. [PMID: 25170095 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfu280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of novel classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has revolutionized medicine. Long thought to be a mere cellular housekeeper, surprising functions have recently been uncovered. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are a representative of the class of short ncRNAs, play a fundamental role in the control of DNA and protein biosynthesis and activity as well as pathology. Currently, miRNAs are being investigated as diagnostic and prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in kidney transplantation for such indolent processes as ischaemia-reperfusion injury, humoral rejection or viral infections. It is realistic to believe that monitoring of renal allograft recipients in the future will include genome-wide miRNA profiling of biological fluids. Based on these individual profiles, an informed decision on therapeutic consequences will be possible. A first success with a specific suppression of miRNAs by antisense oligonucleotides was achieved in experimental studies of reperfusion injury and humoral rejection. Proof of this concept in men comes from studies in such indolent viral infections as Ebola and hepatitis C, where anti-miR therapy led to sustained viral clearance. In this review, we summarize the basis of the recent ncRNA revolution and its implication for kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wilflingseder
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria Department of Nephrology, KH Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | | | | | - Alexander Kainz
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria Department of Nephrology, KH Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Bernd Mayer
- emergentec biodevelopment GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Oberbauer
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria Department of Nephrology, KH Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
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112
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Stegall MD, Gaston RS, Cosio FG, Matas A. Through a glass darkly: seeking clarity in preventing late kidney transplant failure. J Am Soc Nephrol 2014; 26:20-9. [PMID: 25097209 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2014040378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A common lament is that long-term kidney transplant outcomes remain the same despite improvements in early graft survival. To be fair, progress has been made-in both our understanding of chronic injury and modestly, graft survival. However, we are still a long way from actually solving this important and difficult problem. In this review, we outline recent data supporting the existence of several causes of renal allograft loss, the incidences of which peak at different time points after transplantation. On the basis of this broadened concept of chronic renal allograft injury, we examine the challenges of clinical trial design in long-term studies, including the use of surrogate end points and biomarkers. Finally, we suggest a path forward that, ultimately, may improve long-term renal allograft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Stegall
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Immunology, von Liebig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;
| | - Robert S Gaston
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Fernando G Cosio
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, von Liebig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; and
| | - Arthur Matas
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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113
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Limited efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs on CD8+ T cell-mediated and natural killer cell-mediated lysis of human renal tubular epithelial cells. Transplantation 2014; 97:1110-8. [PMID: 24704664 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although CD8+ T cell-mediated and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity against renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) plays a crucial role during rejection, the degree of inhibition of these lytic immune responses by immunosuppressive drugs is unknown. We investigated the CD8 T-cell and NK cell responses induced by TECs in vitro and questioned how these processes are affected by immunosuppressive drugs. METHODS Donor-derived TECs were co-cultured with recipient peripheral blood monocyte cells. Proliferation of CD8+ T cells and NK cell subsets was assessed using PKH dilution assay. CD107a degranulation and europium release assay were performed to explore CD8+-mediated and NK cell-mediated TEC lysis. Experiments were conducted in the absence or presence of tacrolimus (10 ng/mL), everolimus (10 ng/mL), and prednisolone (200 ng/mL). RESULTS Tubular epithelial cells induce significant CD8+ T-cell and NK cell proliferation. All immunosuppressive drugs significantly inhibited TEC-induced CD8+ T-cell proliferation. Interestingly, prednisolone was the most powerful inhibitor of NK cell proliferation. CD8-mediated and NK cell-mediated early lytic responses were marked by strong degranulation after an encounter of unstimulated TECs, represented by a high cell surface expression of CD107a. However, with the use of interferon-γ-activated and tumor necrosis factor-α-activated TECs, the NK degranulation response was significantly reduced and CD8 degranulation response was even more enhanced (P<0.05). Tubular epithelial cell-induced CD8 degranulation and CD8-mediated TEC lysis were preferentially inhibited by tacrolimus and prednisolone, and not by everolimus. Although tacrolimus showed the most inhibitory effect on the degranulation of NK cells, NK cell-mediated TEC lysis was efficiently inhibited by prednisolone (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Overall, our data point to a limited efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs on CD8+ T cell-mediated and NK cell-mediated lysis of human renal TECs.
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114
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Abstract
The mammalian kidney has an intrinsic ability to repair after significant injury. However, this process is inefficient: patients are at high risk for the loss of kidney function in later life. No therapy exists to treat established acute kidney injury (AKI) per se: strategies to promote endogenous repair processes and retard associated fibrosis are a high priority. Whole-organ gene expression profiling has been used to identify repair responses initiated with AKI, and factors that may promote the transition from AKI to chronic kidney disease. Transcriptional profiling has shown molecular markers and potential regulatory pathways of renal repair. Activation of a few key developmental pathways has been reported during repair. Whether these are comparable networks with similar target genes with those in earlier nephrogenesis remains unclear. Altered microRNA profiles, persistent tubular injury responses, and distinct late inflammatory responses highlight continuing kidney pathology. Additional insights into injury and repair processes will be gained by study of the repair transcriptome and cell-specific translatome using high-resolution technologies such as RNA sequencing and translational profiling tailored to specific cellular compartments within the kidney. An enhanced understanding holds promise for both the identification of novel therapeutic targets and biomarker-based evaluation of the damage-repair process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad-California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, The Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad-California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, The Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Andrew P McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad-California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, The Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
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115
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Focus on mTOR inhibitors and tacrolimus in renal transplantation: Pharmacokinetics, exposure–response relationships, and clinical outcomes. Transpl Immunol 2014; 31:22-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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116
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Precise and timely detection of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) is vital for evaluating humoral immune status of patients pre- and post-transplantation. SOURCE OF DATA Clinically relevant articles on theory, development, methodology and application of HLA-DSA testing in kidney transplantation. AREAS OF AGREEMENT AND CONTROVERSY The availability of solid phase HLA-antibody testing revolutionized our ability to detect HLA-DSA and to appreciate their significance in kidney transplant outcome. The best approach to determine the strength, immunogenicity and pathogenicity of HLA antibodies still remains controversial. GROWING POINTS Assays to identify complement-binding antibodies were developed. Their clinical utilization, pre- and post-transplantation, is currently under investigation. Appreciation of the complexity of HLA-DQ antibodies should lead to better assignment of unacceptable antibodies and cPRA calculation. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Characterization of HLA-antibody epitopes, and utilization of epitope matching to better define compatible donors could contribute to better transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley M K Haarberg
- Transplant Immunology Laboratory, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anat R Tambur
- Transplant Immunology Laboratory, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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117
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Abstract
The potential roles for autoantibodies in renal transplantation are increasing, as illustrated by a recent report of polyreactive autoantibodies produced by B-cell clones from a kidney transplant recipient that can bind apoptotic cells and activate complement. Such autoantibodies have the potential to amplify microcirculation injury caused by alloantibody in antibody-mediated transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, University of Alberta, 250 Heritage Medical Research Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada
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