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Allison D, Hajjiri Z, Manon L, Campbell-Lee S, Sahni S, Setty S. Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Antibody-Mediated Kidney Rejection Unresponsive to Treatment. Cureus 2023; 15:e41007. [PMID: 37519536 PMCID: PMC10371875 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Allograft rejection is a significant cause of renal transplant failure which needs prompt diagnosis and treatment for graft salvage. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibody-mediated rejection (AT1R-AMR) is increasingly being identified as the etiology of antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipients with allograft rejection but without detectable human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies. While some reports have suggested that AT1R-AMR may be refractory to standard therapy, others have reported improvement or stabilization of graft function. We present two patients in which anti-rejection therapy including therapeutic plasma exchange was unable to salvage the allograft.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Allison
- Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Zahraa Hajjiri
- Transplant Nephrology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Luis Manon
- Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Suhalika Sahni
- Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Suman Setty
- Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
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Moreno JD, Verma AK, Kopecky BJ, Dehner C, Kostelecky N, Vader JM, Lin CY, Schilling JD. Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Antibody-mediated Rejection Following Orthotopic Heart Transplant: A Single-center Experience. Transplantation 2022; 106:373-380. [PMID: 33988339 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) following orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) causes significant morbidity and mortality. There are limited data on antibodies to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibody (AT1R-Ab) causing rejection following OHT. METHODS This is a retrospective, single-center study that presents our 2-y experience with a series of 11 patients with evidence of nonspecific graft dysfunction and pathologic levels of AT1R-Ab. The clinical outcomes and treatments were compared to a group of 10 patients, also with evidence of nonspecific graft dysfunction, but who had nonsignificant AT1R-Ab titers. RESULTS The mean age of the AT1R-Ab cohort was 52% and 73% were bridged to transplant with an left ventricular assist device. The average left ventricular ejection fraction at presentation was 45%, and most were not on an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Endomyocardial biopsies in those with elevated AT1R-Ab levels frequently showed reactive endothelium/endocardium without C4d or intravascular CD68 staining. Ten patients (91%) were started on an ARB. Other therapies included plasmapheresis and IVIg (64%), with 4 patients also receiving rituximab. Most patients had symptom improvement, but minimal change in graft function at an average 6 mo of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The role of AT1R-Ab-mediated rejection in OHT recipients remains poorly understood. More than half of patients at our center who presented with graft dysfunction in the absence of acute cellular rejection or AMR were found to have elevated AT1R-Ab titers. Empiric AMR treatment in conjunction with ARB therapy may improve patient outcomes. Future studies are needed to better define the optimal treatment modalities for ATR1-Ab-mediated AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Moreno
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Amanda K Verma
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Benjamin J Kopecky
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Carina Dehner
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Nicolas Kostelecky
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Justin M Vader
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Chieh-Yu Lin
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Joel D Schilling
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
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Nowańska K, Wiśnicki K, Kuriata-Kordek M, Krajewska M, Banasik M. The role of endothelin II type A receptor (ETAR) in transplant injury. Transpl Immunol 2021; 70:101505. [PMID: 34793957 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antibody-mediated rejection is the leading cause of deterioration of graft function and graft loss after kidney transplantation. Recent studies have reported an increasing role of non-HLA antibodies in the humoral injury after kidney transplantation. We decided to present the influence of non-HLA antibodies - anti-endothelin II type A receptor (ETAR) on a transplanted kidney and characterize the significance of their receptor. RECENT FINDINGS The role of non-HLA antibodies is still uncertain. Many studies suggest that the presence of non-HLA antibodies, including anti-ETAR antibodies, is among the risk factors for antibody-mediated rejection, graft injury, and graft loss. The discovery of new antigen targets and antibodies, which participate in the humoral response, has provided a significantly better understanding of the mechanism of antibody-mediated rejection after organ transplantation. SUMMARY Endothelin and its receptors play an important role in physiology and pathophysiology after solid organ transplantation. ETAR and antibodies against ETAR may participate in humoral rejection and graft damage. The measurement of anti-ETAR antibodies may identify patients with an increased risk of rejection and even loss of a transplanted organ. Expression of ETAR detected in biopsy of transplant could become an additional tool used to better understand humoral activity. More research is needed to address many questions about non-HLA directed rejection and graft damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Nowańska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Wiśnicki
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kuriata-Kordek
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Mirosław Banasik
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
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Abstract
Defined as histologic evidence of rejection on a protocol biopsy in the absence of kidney dysfunction, subclinical rejection has garnered attention since the 1990s. The major focus of much of this research, however, has been subclinical T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR). Herein, we review the literature on subclinical antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), which may occur with either preexisting donor-specific antibodies (DSA) or upon the development of de novo DSA (dnDSA). In both situations, subsequent kidney function and graft survival are compromised. Thus, we recommend protocol biopsy routinely within the first year with preexisting DSA and at the initial detection of dnDSA. In those with positive biopsies, baseline immunosuppression should be maximized, any associated TCMR treated, and adherence stressed, but it remains uncertain if antibody-reduction treatment should be initiated. Less invasive testing of blood for donor DNA or gene profiling may have a role in follow-up of those with negative initial biopsies. If a protocol biopsy is positive in the absence of detectable HLA-DSA, it also remains to be determined whether non-HLA-DSA should be screened for either in particular or on a genome-wide basis and how these patients should be treated. Randomized controlled trials are clearly needed.
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Kardol-Hoefnagel T, Otten HG. A Comprehensive Overview of the Clinical Relevance and Treatment Options for Antibody-mediated Rejection Associated With Non-HLA Antibodies. Transplantation 2021; 105:1459-1470. [PMID: 33208690 PMCID: PMC8221725 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although solid organ transplant results have improved significantly in recent decades, a pivotal cause of impaired long-term outcome is the development of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), a condition characterized by the presence of donor-specific antibodies to HLA or non-HLA antigens. Highly HLA-sensitized recipients are treated with desensitization protocols to rescue the transplantation. These and other therapies are also applied for the treatment of AMR. Therapeutic protocols include removal of antibodies, depletion of plasma and B cells, inhibition of the complement cascade, and suppression of the T-cell-dependent antibody response. As mounting evidence illustrates the importance of non-HLA antibodies in transplant outcome, there is a need to evaluate the efficacy of treatment protocols on non-HLA antibody levels and graft function. Many reviews have been recently published that provide an overview of the literature describing the association of non-HLA antibodies with rejection in transplantation, whereas an overview of the treatment options for non-HLA AMR is still lacking. In this review, we will therefore provide such an overview. Most reports showed positive effects of non-HLA antibody clearance on graft function. However, monitoring non-HLA antibody levels after treatment along with standardization of therapies is needed to optimally treat solid organ transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tineke Kardol-Hoefnagel
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henny G. Otten
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Histologic Antibody-Mediated Kidney Allograft Rejection in the Absence of Donor Specific HLA Antibodies. Transplantation 2021; 105:e181-e190. [PMID: 33901113 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Histologic antibody-mediated rejection (hAMR) is defined as a kidney allograft biopsy satisfying the first 2 Banff criteria for diagnosing antibody-mediated rejection (AMR): tissue injury and evidence of current/recent antibody interaction with the endothelium. In approximately one-half of such cases, circulating HLA donor specific antibodies (DSA) are not detectable by current methodology at the time of biopsy. Some studies indicated a better prognosis for HLA-DSA-negative cases of hAMR compared to those with detectable HLA-DSA, whereas others found equally poor survival compared to hAMR-negative cases. We reviewed the literature regarding the pathophysiology of HLA-DSA-negative hAMR. We find 3 nonmutually exclusive possibilities: 1) HLA-DSA are involved, but just not detected; 2) non-HLA DSA (allo- or autoantibodies) are pathogenically involved; and/or 3) antibody-independent NK cell activation is mediating the process through "missing self" or other activating mechanisms. These possibilities are discussed in detail. Recommendations regarding the approach to such patients are made. Clearly, more research is necessary regarding the measurement of non-HLA antibodies, recipient/donor NK cell genotyping, and the use of antibody reduction therapy or other immunosuppression in any subset of patients with HLA-DSA-negative hAMR.
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Abuzeineh M, Kyeso Y, Philogene MC, Alachkar N, Alasfar S. Presentation and Outcomes of Antibody-Mediated Rejection Associated With Angiotensin II Receptor 1 Antibodies Among Kidney Transplant Recipients. Transplant Proc 2021; 53:1501-1508. [PMID: 33573814 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains challenging to manage antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) associated with angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies (AT1R-Abs) in kidney transplant recipients and the outcomes are not well defined. We describe the presentation, clinical course, and outcomes of this condition. METHODS This retrospective study included kidney transplant recipients with AT1R-Ab levels ≥10 units/mL and biopsy-proven ABMR in the absence of significant HLA-donor-specific antibodies at the time of rejection. RESULTS We identified 13 recipients. Median creatinine (Cr) at rejection was significantly higher (2.05 mg/dL) compared with baseline (1.2 mg/dL), P = .006. After ABMR management, the difference in median Cr was not significant (1.5 mg/dL), P = .152. Median AT1R-Ab level was higher in the pretransplant sample (34.5 units/mL) compared with the level at rejection (19 units/mL) and after rejection treatment (13 units/mL); however, these differences were not significant, P = .129. Eight of the 13 recipients received antibody reduction therapy with plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin, and 5 of the 13 recipients had other therapies. After rejection management, 6 of the 13 recipients had improvement in Cr to baseline and 7 of the 13 recipients had > 50% reduction in proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS AT1R-Ab-associated ABMR management and outcomes depend on the clinical presentation and may include antibody-reducing therapies among other therapies. Further prospective cohorts will improve recognizing and managing this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abuzeineh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yousuf Kyeso
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Nada Alachkar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sami Alasfar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Philogene MC, Johnson T, Vaught AJ, Zakaria S, Fedarko N. Antibodies against Angiotensin II Type 1 and Endothelin A Receptors: Relevance and pathogenicity. Hum Immunol 2019; 80:561-567. [PMID: 31010696 PMCID: PMC8015780 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies against two G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and endothelin A receptor (ETAR) are among a growing number of autoantibodies that are found to be associated with allograft dysfunction. AT1R antibodies (AT1Rabs) and ETAR antibodies (ETARabs) have been shown to activate their target receptors and affect signaling pathways. Multiple single center reports have shown an association between presence of these antibodies and acute or chronic rejection and graft loss in kidney, heart, liver, lung and composite tissue transplantations. However, the characteristics of patients that are most likely to develop adverse outcomes, the phenotypes associated with graft damage solely due to these antibodies, and the antibody titer required to cause dysfunction are areas that remain controversial. This review compiles existing knowledge on the effect of antibodies against GPCRs in other diseases in order to bridge the gap in knowledge within transplantation biology. Future areas for research are highlighted and include the need for functional assays and treatment protocols for transplant patients who present with AT1Rabs and ETARabs. Understanding how antibodies that activate GPCRs influence transplantation outcome will have direct clinical implications for preemptive evaluation of transplant candidates as well as the post-transplant care of organ recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Carmelle Philogene
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Tory Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Arthur Jason Vaught
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sammy Zakaria
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Neal Fedarko
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Outcome of kidney transplantation from young pediatric donors (aged less than 6 years) to young size-matched recipients. J Pediatr Urol 2019; 15:213-220. [PMID: 31005637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric donation is underutilized because of presumed increased risk of vascular thrombosis (VT) and graft loss. Using young pediatric donors (YPDs) for young pediatric recipients (YPRs) is suggested to be even at greater risk and therefore precluded in many centers. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of kidney transplantation (KT) from YPD to age-matched YPR. PATIENT AND METHODS A retrospective study of 118 pediatric KT performed between January 2007-July 2017. The authors identified KT with YPD (considered as those aged <6 years) and age-matched YPR. Organ allocation was performed based on the best paired size (YPR for YPR). Data were collected regarding donor and recipient characteristics, surgical and urological complications, graft loss, and outcomes. RESULTS Forty cases of YPD to age-matched YPR were identified (33.89% of the cohort). Mean recipient and donor age were 2.9 years (SD 1.68) and 2.24 years (SD 1.5), respectively. Mean recipient and donor weight were 12.7 kg (SD 4.1) and 13.7 kg (SD 4.15), respectively. Thirty of those young recipients (75%) weighed <15 kg. The most frequent primary renal disease was the congenital nephrotic syndrome. Nine out of 40 patients (22.5%) had received a previous KT before. Three received a combined liver-KT. Eight (20%) were classified as high immunological risk and 19 (47.5%) as high thrombotic risk. All allografts were implanted extraperitoneally and anastomosed to the iliac vessels. Major complications requiring reintervention occurred in seven patients (17.5%): three VT, three bleeding episodes, and one ureteral necrosis. Remarkably, only one surgical complication (VT) resulted in graft loss. Regarding long-term urological complications, four patients (10%) all with obstructive uropathy-developed vesicoureteral reflux to the graft. Actuarial graft survival at 1,5, and 10 years in the YPD to age-matched YPR cohort was 83% -78% -78%, respectively. Mean follow-up was 3.6 years (SD 3.2) (r = 7-10). Over time, eight patients lost their graft, not related to surgical factors in seven out of eight cases. CONCLUSION The authors suggest that KT using YPD for age-match YPR yields good results in expert centers, even in high-risk patients and is associated with good graft survival. In this series, surgical complications were rarely related to graft loss.
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Lee H, Oh EJ. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies in kidney transplantation. KOREAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION 2019. [DOI: 10.4285/jkstn.2019.33.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeyoung Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, International St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Eun-Jee Oh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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