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Dubois A, Jin X, Hooft C, Canovai E, Boelhouwer C, Vanuytsel T, Vanaudenaerde B, Pirenne J, Ceulemans LJ. New insights in immunomodulation for intestinal transplantation. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110827. [PMID: 38805779 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Tolerance is the Holy Grail of solid organ transplantation (SOT) and remains its primary challenge since its inception. In this topic, the seminal contributions of Thomas Starzl at Pittsburgh University outlined foundational principles of graft acceptance and tolerance, with chimerism emerging as a pivotal factor. Immunologically, intestinal transplantation (ITx) poses a unique hurdle due to the inherent characteristics and functions of the small bowel, resulting in increased immunogenicity. This necessitates heavy immunosuppression (IS) while IS drugs side effects cause significant morbidity. In addition, current IS therapies fall short of inducing clinical tolerance and their discontinuation has been proven unattainable in most cases. This underscores the unfulfilled need for immunological modulation to safely reduce IS-related burdens. To address this challenge, the Leuven Immunomodulatory Protocol (LIP), introduced in 2000, incorporates various pro-tolerogenic interventions in both the donor to the recipient, with the aim of facilitating graft acceptance and improving outcome. This review seeks to provide an overview of the current understanding of tolerance in ITx and outline recent advances in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Dubois
- Unit of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation (LIFT), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Abdominal Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xin Jin
- Unit of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Hooft
- Unit of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emilio Canovai
- Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation (LIFT), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Oxford Transplant Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Boelhouwer
- Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation (LIFT), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation (LIFT), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (ChroMetA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Vanaudenaerde
- Unit of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jacques Pirenne
- Unit of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation (LIFT), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Abdominal Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurens J Ceulemans
- Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation (LIFT), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Unit of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Ceulemans LJ, Braza F, Monbaliu D, Jochmans I, De Hertogh G, Du Plessis J, Emonds MP, Kitade H, Kawai M, Li Y, Zhao X, Koshiba T, Sprangers B, Brouard S, Waer M, Pirenne J. The Leuven Immunomodulatory Protocol Promotes T-Regulatory Cells and Substantially Prolongs Survival After First Intestinal Transplantation. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:2973-2985. [PMID: 27037650 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal transplantation (ITx) remains challenged by frequent/severe rejections and immunosuppression-related complications (infections/malignancies/drug toxicity). We developed the Leuven Immunomodulatory Protocol (LIP) in the lab and translated it to the clinics. LIP consists of experimentally proven maneuvers, destined to promote T-regulatory (Tregs)-dependent graft-protective mechanisms: donor-specific blood transfusion (DSBT); avoiding high-dose steroids/calcineurin-inhibitors; and minimizing reperfusion injury and endotoxin translocation. LIP was tested in 13 consecutive ITx from deceased donors (2000-2014) (observational cohort study). Recipient age was 37 years (2.8-57 years). Five-year graft/patient survival was 92%. One patient died at 9 months due to aspergillosis, another at 12 years due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced enteropathy. Early acute rejection (AR) developed in two (15%); late AR in three (23%); all were reversible. No chronic rejection (CR) occurred. No malignancies developed and estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable post-Tx. At last follow-up (3.5 years [0.5-12.5 years]), no donor-specific antibodies were detected and 11 survivors were total parenteral nutrition free with a Karnofsky score >90% in 8 recipients (follow-up >1 years). A high frequency of circulating CD4+ CD45RA- Foxp3hi memory Tregs was found (1.8% [1.39-2.21]), comparable to tolerant kidney transplant (KTx) recipients and superior to stable immunosuppression (IS)-KTx, KTx with CR, and healthy volunteers. In this ITx cohort we show that DSBT in a low-inflammatory/pro-regulatory environment activates Tregs at levels similar to tolerant-KTx, without causing sensitization. LIP limits rejection under reduced IS and thereby prolongs long-term survival to an extent not previously attained after ITx.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Ceulemans
- Abdominal Transplant Surgery & Transplant Coordination, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - F Braza
- Institut de Recherche en Transplantation, Urologie et Néphrologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel Dieu, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - D Monbaliu
- Abdominal Transplant Surgery & Transplant Coordination, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - I Jochmans
- Abdominal Transplant Surgery & Transplant Coordination, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G De Hertogh
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Imaging and Pathology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Du Plessis
- Division of Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M-P Emonds
- Laboratory for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (HILA), Red Cross Flanders, Mechelen, Belgium.,Experimental Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - H Kitade
- Experimental Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Kawai
- Experimental Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Y Li
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - X Zhao
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - T Koshiba
- Experimental Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - B Sprangers
- Experimental Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Brouard
- Institut de Recherche en Transplantation, Urologie et Néphrologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel Dieu, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - M Waer
- Experimental Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Pirenne
- Abdominal Transplant Surgery & Transplant Coordination, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Reyes JD. Intestinal transplantation: an unexpected journey. Robert E. Gross Lecture. J Pediatr Surg 2014; 49:13-8. [PMID: 24439573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of pediatric intestine transplantation has required continuous refinements in the management of intestinal failure, surgical technique, and perioperative care. The development of better immunosuppressive management (cyclosporine in 1978 and tacrolimus in 1989) and enhancements in our understanding of the relationship between recipient and host immune systems have resulted in better long-term survival. Paralleling this, advancements in the organ procurement techniques and organ preservation solutions have made possible the procurement and transplantation of various types of intestine containing grafts tailored to the needs of the various indications for which intestine transplantation is being performed. With improved outcomes, the indications for intestine transplantation have been better defined in the context of risk benefit for the most important complications of TPN, which include liver disease, life threatening infection, and loss of central venous access. The first survivors of transplantation would also go on to demonstrate the interaction (host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host) between recipient and donor immunocytes (brought with the allograft), which under the cover of immunosuppression allows varying degrees of graft acceptance. The struggle to achieve better transplantation survival outcomes came about with the development of improved strategies to better manage intestinal failure. This has been accomplished largely through the establishment of centers that incorporate a multidisciplinary team approach to medical and surgical care. Intestine transplantation represents a lifesaving therapy for many patients with intestinal failure who have significant complications of their disease. It is hoped that with the minimization of immunosuppression strategies currently used, the long-term survival of these intestine organ transplant recipients will continue improving, together with their rehabilitation and quality-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge D Reyes
- Transplant Services, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
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Abstract
Transplantation is standard therapy for many patients suffering from kidney, liver, or heart failure. In contrast, transplantation of the intestine remains a high-risk procedure, which is performed in a minority of patients with short bowel syndrome. The difficulty is the strong alloimmune response caused by intestinal grafts and the complications of the profound immunosuppression. We tested a new clinical immunomodulatory protocol using donor-specific blood transfusion, a strategy that was popular before the introduction of cyclosporine and was recently shown to promote development of regulatory cells. Low-dose steroids and low-dose tacrolimus were administered based on previous observations that tolerance requires an intact immune system, that over-immunosuppression is counterproductive, and that high doses of calcineurin inhibitors block development of regulatory cells whereas low doses promote it. Finally, inflammation within the intestinal graft was minimized to reduce the additional stimulants that the innate immunity of the transplanted intestine exert on the adaptive immune response. Under this protocol, freedom from rejection was achieved in four consecutive intestinal transplant recipients using extremely low immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pirenne
- Abdominal Transplant Surgery Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Wilczyński JR. Immunological analogy between allograft rejection, recurrent abortion and pre-eclampsia - the same basic mechanism? Hum Immunol 2006; 67:492-511. [PMID: 16829304 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2006.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2006] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There are still controversies concerning the role of immunological mechanisms engaged both in recurrent abortions (RA) and pre-eclampsia (PE). According to some opinions, recurrent miscarriage is comparable to organ-specific autoimmune disease. Analysis of immune reactions shows that graft rejection shares many similar mechanisms with RA and PE. This fact allows us to conclude that rejection of transplanted alloantigenic organs and pregnancy loss have probably the same evolutionary origin. Subsets and functions of immunocompetent cells (T CD4, suppressor gammadeltaT, cytotoxic T CD8, Treg, Tr1, uterine NK cells), over-activation of innate immunity (activation of NK cytotoxic cells, macrophages, neutrophils and complement), changes of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance (IL-2, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, IFNgamma, TNFalpha vs. IL-4, IL-10, TGFbeta), importance of HLA-G molecule, CD200/CD200R interaction, over-expression of adhesion molecules, fgl2 prothrombinase activation and stimulation of IDO and HO expression, all suggest that RA and PE are syndromes of fetal allograft rejection, and not organ-specific autoimmune diseases. According to that supposition, an analogy might exist between acute graft rejection and recurrent abortion, and between chronic graft rejection and pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery, Polish Mother's Health Center Research Institute, Lodz, Poland.
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Pirenne J, Kawai M. Tolerogenic protocols for intestinal transplantation. Transpl Immunol 2004; 13:131-7. [PMID: 15380543 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2004.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2004] [Accepted: 05/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The intestine has long been considered as a "forbidden" organ to transplant [Ann. Surg. 216 (1992) 223-33]. This is due to the particularly challenging nature of the immunological conflict that an intestinal graft may cause: a particularly vigorous rejection response, in addition to the capacity to mount a graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) [Transplantation 37 (1984) 429]. Currently, the short-term success of intestinal transplantation (Itx) depends upon the chronic delivery of profound immunosuppression but this causes infection, malignancies--in particular posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)--and direct drug toxicity. For these reasons, the results of Itx remain inferior to those of other solid organ transplants in the middle and in the long term (Intestinal Transplant Registry: www.small-bowel-transplant.org). Improved results and wider application of Itx requires the development of protocols that would facilitate acceptance of the new intestine thereby allowing to reduce the need for immunosuppression with its attending complications. Relevant experimental data and the recent evolution in the clinical strategies used to promote acceptance of intestinal grafts are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Pirenne
- Abdominal Transplant Surgery Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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