1
|
Sharaby I, Alksas A, Abou El-Ghar M, Eldeeb M, Ghazal M, Gondim D, El-Baz A. Biomarkers for Kidney-Transplant Rejection: A Short Review Study. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2437. [PMID: 37760879 PMCID: PMC10525551 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal failure, but the limited availability of donors and the risk of immune rejection pose significant challenges. Early detection of acute renal rejection is a critical step to increasing the lifespan of the transplanted kidney. Investigating the clinical, genetic, and histopathological markers correlated to acute renal rejection, as well as finding noninvasive markers for early detection, is urgently needed. It is also crucial to identify which markers are associated with different types of acute renal rejection to manage treatment effectively. This short review summarizes recent studies that investigated various markers, including genomics, histopathology, and clinical markers, to differentiate between different types of acute kidney rejection. Our review identifies the markers that can aid in the early detection of acute renal rejection, potentially leading to better treatment and prognosis for renal-transplant patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Israa Sharaby
- Bioengineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA (A.A.)
| | - Ahmed Alksas
- Bioengineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA (A.A.)
| | - Mohamed Abou El-Ghar
- Radiology Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; (M.A.E.-G.); (M.E.)
| | - Mona Eldeeb
- Radiology Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; (M.A.E.-G.); (M.E.)
| | - Mohammed Ghazal
- Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering Department, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 59911, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Dibson Gondim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Ayman El-Baz
- Bioengineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA (A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cross-Najafi AA, Farag K, Isidan A, Li W, Zhang W, Lin Z, Walsh JR, Lopez K, Park Y, Higgins NG, Cooper DK, Ekser B, Li P. Co-expression of HLA-E and HLA-G on genetically modified porcine endothelial cells attenuates human NK cell-mediated degranulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1217809. [PMID: 37529053 PMCID: PMC10387534 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1217809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in immune rejection in solid organ transplantation. To mitigate human NK cell activation in xenotransplantation, introducing inhibitory ligands on xenografts via genetic engineering of pigs may protect the graft from human NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and ultimately improve xenograft survival. In this study, non-classical HLA class I molecules HLA-E and HLA-G were introduced in an immortalized porcine liver endothelial cell line with disruption of five genes (GGTA1, CMAH, β4galNT2, SLA-I α chain, and β-2 microglobulin) encoding three major carbohydrate xenoantigens (αGal, Neu5Gc, and Sda) and swine leukocyte antigen class I (SLA-I) molecules. Expression of HLA-E and/or HLA-G on pig cells were confirmed by flow cytometry. Endogenous HLA-G molecules as well as exogenous HLA-G VL9 peptide could dramatically enhance HLA-E expression on transfected pig cells. We found that co-expression of HLA-E and HLA-G on porcine cells led to a significant reduction in human NK cell activation compared to the cells expressing HLA-E or HLA-G alone and the parental cell line. NK cell activation was assessed by analysis of CD107a expression in CD3-CD56+ population gated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CD107a is a sensitive marker of NK cell activation and correlates with NK cell degranulation and cytotoxicity. HLA-E and/or HLA-G on pig cells did not show reactivity to human sera IgG and IgM antibodies. This in vitro study demonstrated that co-expression of HLA-E and HLA-G on genetically modified porcine endothelial cells provided a superior inhibition in human xenoreactive NK cells, which may guide further genetic engineering of pigs to prevent human NK cell mediated rejection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A. Cross-Najafi
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kristine Farag
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Abdulkadir Isidan
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Zhansong Lin
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Julia R. Walsh
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kevin Lopez
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yujin Park
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nancy G. Higgins
- Transplant Immunology, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - David K.C. Cooper
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ping Li
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Histological Characterization of Class I HLA Molecules in Whole Umbilical Cord Tissue Towards an Inexhaustible Graft Alternative for Reconstructive Surgery. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:bioengineering10010110. [PMID: 36671682 PMCID: PMC9855378 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited graft availability is a constant clinical concern. Hence, the umbilical cord (UC) is an attractive alternative to autologous grafts. The UC is an inexhaustible tissue source, and its removal is harmless and part of standard of care after the birth of the baby. Minimal information exists regarding the immunological profile of a whole UC when it is considered to be used as a tissue graft. We aimed to characterize the localization and levels of class I human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) to understand the allogenicity of the UC. Additionally, HLA-E and HLA-G are putative immunosuppressive antigens that are abundant in placenta, but their profiles in UC whole tissue are unclear. HYPOTHESIS The UC as a whole expresses a relatively low but ubiquitous level of HLA-ABC and significant levels of HLA-G and HLA-E. METHODS Healthy patients with no known pregnancy-related complications were approached for informed consent. UCs at term and between 12 and 19 weeks were collected to compare HLA profiles by gestational age. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were sectioned to 5 µm and immunohistochemically stained with a pan-HLA-ABC, two HLA-G-specific, or an HLA-E-specific antibody. RESULTS HLA-ABC was consistently found present in UCs. HLA-ABC was most concentrated in the UC vessel walls and amniotic epithelium but more dispersed in the Wharton's Jelly. HLA-E had a similar localization pattern to HLA-ABC in whole UC tissues at both gestational ages, but its protein level was lower. HLA-G localization and intensity were poor in all UC tissues analyzed, but additional analyses by Western immunoblot and mass spectrometry revealed a low level of HLA-G in the UC. CONCLUSION The UC may address limitations of graft availability. Rather than the presence of HLA-G, the immunosuppressive properties of the UC are more likely due to the abundance of HLA-E and the interaction known to occur between HLA-E and HLA-ABC. The co-localization of HLA-E and HLA-ABC suggests that HLA-E is likely presenting HLA-ABC leader peptides to immune cells, which is known to have a primarily inhibitory effect.
Collapse
|
4
|
Vietzen H, Döhler B, Tran TH, Süsal C, Halloran PF, Eskandary F, Herz CT, Mayer KA, Kozakowski N, Wahrmann M, Ely S, Haindl S, Puchhammer-Stöckl E, Böhmig GA. Deletion of the Natural Killer Cell Receptor NKG2C Encoding KLR2C Gene and Kidney Transplant Outcome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:829228. [PMID: 35401541 PMCID: PMC8987017 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.829228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells may contribute to antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) of renal allografts. The role of distinct NK cell subsets in this specific context, such as NK cells expressing the activating receptor NKG2C, is unknown. Our aim was to investigate whether KLRC2 gene deletion variants which determine NKG2C expression affect the pathogenicity of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and, if so, influence long-term graft survival. We genotyped the KLRC2wt/del variants for two distinct kidney transplant cohorts, (i) a cross-sectional cohort of 86 recipients who, on the basis of a positive post-transplant DSA result, all underwent allograft biopsies, and (ii) 1,860 recipients of a deceased donor renal allograft randomly selected from the Collaborative Transplant Study (CTS) database. In the DSA+ patient cohort, KLRC2wt/wt (80%) was associated with antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR; 65% versus 29% among KLRC2wt/del subjects; P=0.012), microvascular inflammation [MVI; median g+ptc score: 2 (interquartile range: 0-4) versus 0 (0-1), P=0.002], a molecular classifier of ABMR [0.41 (0.14-0.72) versus 0.10 (0.07-0.27), P=0.001], and elevated NK cell-related transcripts (P=0.017). In combined analyses of KLRC2 variants and a functional polymorphism in the Fc gamma receptor IIIA gene (FCGR3A-V/F158), ABMR rates and activity gradually increased with the number of risk genotypes. In DSA+ and CTS cohorts, however, the KLRC2wt/wt variant did not impact long-term death-censored graft survival, also when combined with the FCGR3A-V158 risk variant. KLRC2wt/wt may be associated with DSA-triggered MVI and ABMR-associated gene expression patterns, but the findings observed in a highly selected cohort of DSA+ patients did not translate into meaningful graft survival differences in a large multicenter kidney transplant cohort not selected for HLA sensitization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Vietzen
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernd Döhler
- Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thuong Hien Tran
- Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caner Süsal
- Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Transplant Immunology Research Center of Excellence, Koç Üniversitesi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre (ATAGC), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carsten T. Herz
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina A. Mayer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Markus Wahrmann
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Ely
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Haindl
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Georg A. Böhmig, ; Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl,
| | - Georg A. Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Georg A. Böhmig, ; Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Duygu B, Olieslagers TI, Groeneweg M, Voorter CEM, Wieten L. HLA Class I Molecules as Immune Checkpoints for NK Cell Alloreactivity and Anti-Viral Immunity in Kidney Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:680480. [PMID: 34295330 PMCID: PMC8290519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that can kill diseased- or virally-infected cells, mediate antibody dependent cytotoxicity and produce type I immune-associated cytokines upon activation. NK cells also contribute to the allo-immune response upon kidney transplantation either by promoting allograft rejection through lysis of cells of the transplanted organ or by promoting alloreactive T cells. In addition, they protect against viral infections upon transplantation which may be especially relevant in patients receiving high dose immune suppression. NK cell activation is tightly regulated through the integrated balance of signaling via inhibitory- and activating receptors. HLA class I molecules are critical regulators of NK cell activation through the interaction with inhibitory- as well as activating NK cell receptors, hence, HLA molecules act as critical immune checkpoints for NK cells. In the current review, we evaluate how NK cell alloreactivity and anti-viral immunity are regulated by NK cell receptors belonging to the KIR family and interacting with classical HLA class I molecules, or by NKG2A/C and LILRB1/KIR2DL4 engaging non-classical HLA-E or -G. In addition, we provide an overview of the methods to determine genetic variation in these receptors and their HLA ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Duygu
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Timo I Olieslagers
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mathijs Groeneweg
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Christina E M Voorter
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhu L, Karakizlis H, Weimer R, Morath C, Ekpoom N, Ibrahim EH, Opelz G, Daniel V. Circulating NKG2A-NKG2D+ CD56dimCD16+ Natural Killer (NK) Cells as Mediators of Functional Immunosurveillance in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Ann Transplant 2020; 25:e925162. [PMID: 33349627 PMCID: PMC7763919 DOI: 10.12659/aot.925162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, in patients with long-term functioning allografts, we showed that high NKG2D+ NK cell numbers in the peripheral blood were associated with a higher glomerular filtration rate, whereas high NKG2A+ NK cells were associated with a lower glomerular filtration rate. Both NK cell determinants react with ligands (MIC A/B, HLA-E) expressed on stressed cells, such as virus-infected cells, tumor cells, or cells activated during graft rejection. In the present study, we attempted to characterize these 2 NK cell subsets further. Material/Methods Using flow cytometry, NK cell subsets were analyzed in whole-blood samples of 35 stable kidney transplant recipients (serum creatinine mean±SD: 1.44±0.45 mg/dl). Blood was obtained 95–3786 days after transplant (mean±SD: 1168±1011 days after transplant). Results High proportions of NKG2A–NKG2D+ NK cells were strongly associated with high numbers of CD56dimCD16+ (p=0.001) NK cells co-expressing CD107 (P=0.001) and granzyme B (P=0.045), suggesting that NKG2A–NKG2D+ NK cells are predominantly cytotoxic. In contrast, high numbers of NKG2A+NKG2D− NK cells were strongly associated with low numbers of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells expressing CD107 (P=0.026), CD25 (p=0.008), TGF-βR (P=0.028), and TGF-β (P=0.005), suggesting that patients with high proportions of NKG2A+NKG2D− NK cells have low proportions of NK cell subsets with cytotoxic phenotype. Conclusions A high proportion of NKG2A+NKG2D− NK cells is associated with decreased counts of NKG2A–NKG2D+ CD56dimCD16+ cytotoxic NK cells in the circulation. This may result in impaired immunosurveillance. We would like to hypothesize that NKG2A–NKG2D+ CD56dimCD16+ cytotoxic NK cells eliminate MIC A/B-expressing stressed cells which possess a potential to harm the transplant. Further studies will have to evaluate whether the proportion of NKG2A–NKG2D+ CD56dimCD16+ cytotoxic NK cells is a useful biomarker for the prediction of an uncomplicated postoperative course in kidney transplant recipients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hebei, China (mainland).,Department of Transplantation Immunology, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hristos Karakizlis
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rolf Weimer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian Morath
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Naruemol Ekpoom
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eman H Ibrahim
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Opelz
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Daniel
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shaw BI, Cheng DK, Acharya CR, Ettenger RB, Lyerly HK, Cheng Q, Kirk AD, Chambers ET. An age-independent gene signature for monitoring acute rejection in kidney transplantation. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:6977-6986. [PMID: 32550916 PMCID: PMC7295062 DOI: 10.7150/thno.42110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute rejection (AR) remains a significant problem that negatively impacts long-term renal allograft survival. Numerous therapies are used to prevent AR that differ by center and recipient age. This variability confounds diagnostic methods. Methods: To develop an age-independent gene signature for AR effective across a broad array of immunosuppressive regimens, we compiled kidney transplant biopsy (n=1091) and peripheral blood (n=392) gene expression profiles from 12 independent public datasets. After removing genes differentially expressed in pediatric and adult patients, we compared gene expression profiles from biopsy and peripheral blood samples of patients with AR to those who were stable (STA), using Mann-Whitney U Tests with validation in independent testing datasets. We confirmed this signature in pediatric and adult patients (42 AR and 47 STA) from our institutional biorepository. Results: We identified a novel age-independent gene network that identified AR from both kidney and blood samples. We developed a 90-probe set signature targeting 76 genes that differentiated AR from STA and found an 8 gene subset (DIP2C, ENOSF1, FBXO21, KCTD6, PDXDC1, REXO2, HLA-E, and RAB31) that was associated with AR. Conclusion: We used publicly available datasets to create a gene signature of AR that identified AR irrespective of immunosuppression regimen or recipient age. This study highlights a novel model to screen and validate biomarkers across multiple treatment regimens.
Collapse
|
8
|
Regulatory CD8 T cells that recognize Qa-1 expressed by CD4 T-helper cells inhibit rejection of heart allografts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:6042-6046. [PMID: 32111690 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918950117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Induction of longstanding immunologic tolerance is essential for survival of transplanted organs and tissues. Despite recent advances in immunosuppression protocols, allograft damage inflicted by antibody specific for donor organs continues to represent a major obstacle to graft survival. Here we report that activation of regulatory CD8 T cells (CD8 Treg) that recognize the Qa-1 class Ib major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a mouse homolog of human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E), inhibits antibody-mediated immune rejection of heart allografts. We analyzed this response using a mouse model that harbors a point mutation in the class Ib MHC molecule Qa-1, which disrupts Qa-1 binding to the T cell receptor (TCR)-CD8 complex and impairs the CD8 Treg response. Despite administration of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) immunoglobulin (Ig), Qa-1 mutant mice developed robust donor-specific antibody responses and accelerated heart graft rejection. We show that these allo-antibody responses reflect diminished Qa-1-restricted CD8 Treg-mediated suppression of host follicular helper T cell-dependent antibody production. These findings underscore the critical contribution of this Qa-1/HLA-E-dependent regulatory pathway to maintenance of transplanted organs and suggest therapeutic approaches to ameliorate allograft rejection.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kordelas L, Schwich E, Lindemann M, Heinemann FM, Buttkereit U, Horn PA, Beelen DW, Rebmann V. Decreased Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen E Levels in Patients After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Are Associated With Severe Acute and Extended Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease and Inferior Overall Survival. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3027. [PMID: 31998310 PMCID: PMC6966962 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-E is a member of the non-classical HLA molecules and by interaction with activating or inhibitory receptors of NK and T cells, HLA-E can lead to immune activation or suppression context-dependently. Recently, the non-classical HLA molecules gain more attention in the setting of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Most studies so far have focused on the two most frequent genotypes (HLA-E*01:01 and HLA-E*01:03) and investigated their potential association with clinical endpoints of HSCT, like graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), relapse, and overall survival (OS). However, these studies have produced inconsistent results regarding the role of HLA-E and the clinical endpoints after HSCT. We therefore here investigate the amount of soluble HLA-E (sHLA-E) in patients following HSCT and relate this to the clinical endpoints after HSCT. In univariate analysis, we observe a significant association of reduced levels of sHLA-E with severe acute GvHD, extended chronic GvHD and with inferior OS. Using receiver operating characteristic analyses specific thresholds obtained 1, 2, or 3 month(s) after HSCT were identified being indicative for severe acute GvHD, extended chronic GvHD, or inferior OS. In sub-group analyses, this effect can be confirmed in patients not treated with ATG, but is derogated in ATG-treated patients. Notably, we could not detect any association of the course of sHLA-E levels post-HSCT with the three most frequent HLA-E genotypes (HLA-E*01:03/*01:03, HLA-E*01:01/*01:01, HLA-E*01:01/*01:03). However, with regard to 5-year-OS there was an association of HLA-E*01:03 homozygosity with inferior OS. Taking ATG-treatment, recipient and donor HLA-E genotypes into consideration among other well-known risk factors, the sHLA-E status was found as an independent predictor for the development of extended cGvHD and inferior OS following HSCT irrespective of the sHLA-E thresholds. These findings shed some light on the possible impact of reduced sHLA-E levels after HSCT on GvHD and OS. Thus, sHLA-E appears to be a novel promising candidate for the prediction of clinical HSCT outcome with regards to extended cGvHD and OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lambros Kordelas
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Esther Schwich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Monika Lindemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Falko M. Heinemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Buttkereit
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter A. Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dietrich W. Beelen
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rohn H, Michita RT, Schramm S, Dolff S, Gäckler A, Korth J, Heinemann FM, Wilde B, Trilling M, Horn PA, Kribben A, Witzke O, Rebmann V. HLA-E Polymorphism Determines Susceptibility to BK Virus Nephropathy after Living-Donor Kidney Transplant. Cells 2019; 8:E847. [PMID: 31394776 PMCID: PMC6721664 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E is important for the regulation of anti-viral immunity. BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) reactivation after kidney transplant is a serious complication that can result in BKPyV-associated nephropathy (PyVAN) and subsequent allograft loss. To elucidate whether HLA-E polymorphisms influence BKPyV replication and nephropathy, we determined the HLA-E genotype of 278 living donor and recipient pairs. A total of 44 recipients suffered from BKPyV replication, and 11 of these developed PyVAN. Homozygosity of the recipients for the HLA-E*01:01 genotype was associated with the protection against PyVAN after transplant (p = 0.025, OR 0.09, CI [95%] 0.83-4.89). Considering the time course of the occurrence of nephropathy, recipients with PyVAN were more likely to carry the HLA-E*01:03 allelic variant than those without PyVAN (Kaplan-Meier analysis p = 0.03; OR = 4.25; CI (95%) 1.11-16.23). Our findings suggest that a predisposition based on a defined HLA-E genotype is associated with an increased susceptibility to develop PyVAN. Thus, assessing HLA-E polymorphisms may enable physicians to identify patients being at an increased risk of this viral complication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany.
| | - Rafael Tomoya Michita
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Genetics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Sabine Schramm
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Gäckler
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Korth
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Falko M Heinemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wilde
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Mirko Trilling
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Peter A Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kribben
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rölle A, Meyer M, Calderazzo S, Jäger D, Momburg F. Distinct HLA-E Peptide Complexes Modify Antibody-Driven Effector Functions of Adaptive NK Cells. Cell Rep 2018; 24:1967-1976.e4. [PMID: 30134159 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive NK cells are characterized by profound alterations in multiple signaling molecules, transcription factors, and epigenetic modifications compared with canonical NK cells. Although their existence is associated with prior exposure to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), key questions regarding their regulation and function remain. A large proportion of adaptive NK cells express the activating receptor CD94/NKG2C, binding to human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E), that presents a limited set of peptides. We show that adaptive NK cells discriminate differences between HLA-E-peptide complexes with exquisite specificity. Prolonged exposure to an environment displaying the HLA-E peptide ligand VMAPRTLFL, derived from the leader sequence of HLA-G, enriched adaptive NK cells with low FcεRγ expression, upregulated CD25 expression, increased proliferative activity, and resulted in elevated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and IFN-γ responses compared with other HLA-E peptide complexes. Our study demonstrates that recognition of alterations in the HLA-E ligandome via an activating receptor can influence heterologous effector mechanisms and proliferation in adaptive NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rölle
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group (D121), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Marten Meyer
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group (D121), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Calderazzo
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Momburg
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group (D121), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rohn H, Tomoya Michita R, Schwich E, Dolff S, Gäckler A, Trilling M, Le-Trilling VTK, Wilde B, Korth J, Heinemann FM, Horn PA, Kribben A, Witzke O, Rebmann V. The Donor Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Chain-Related Molecule A Allele rs2596538 G Predicts Cytomegalovirus Viremia in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Front Immunol 2018; 9:917. [PMID: 29867932 PMCID: PMC5953334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction of major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein A (MICA) and its cognate activating receptor natural killer (NK) group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor plays a significant role in viral immune control. In the context of kidney transplantation (KTx), cytomegalovirus (CMV) frequently causes severe complications. Hypothesizing that functional polymorphisms of the MICA/NKG2D axis might affect antiviral NK and T cell responses to CMV, we explored the association of the MICA-129 Met/Val single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (affecting the binding affinity of MICA with the NKG2D receptor), the MICA rs2596538 G/A SNP (influencing MICA transcription), and the NKG2D rs1049174 G/C SNP (determining the cytotoxic potential of effector cells) with the clinical outcome of CMV during the first year after KTx in a cohort of 181 kidney donor-recipients pairs. Univariate analyses identified the donor MICA rs2596538 G allele status as a protective prognostic determinant for CMV disease. In addition to the well-known prognostic factors CMV high-risk sero-status of patients and the application of lymphocyte-depleting drugs, the donor MICA rs2596538 G allele carrier status was confirmed by multivariate analyses as novel-independent factor predicting the development of CMV infection/disease during the first year after KTx. The results of our study emphasize the clinical importance of the MICA/NKG2D axis in CMV control in KTx and point out that the potential MICA transcription in the donor allograft is of clinically relevant importance for CMV immune control in this allogeneic situation. Furthermore, they provide substantial evidence that the donor MICA rs2596538 G allele carrier status is a promising genetic marker predicting CMV viremia after KTx. Thus, in the kidney transplant setting, donor MICA rs2596538 G may help to allow the future development of personal CMV approaches within a genetically predisposed patient cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rafael Tomoya Michita
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Esther Schwich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Gäckler
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mirko Trilling
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Benjamin Wilde
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Korth
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Falko M Heinemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter A Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kribben
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|