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Kotton CN, Kamar N, Wojciechowski D, Eder M, Hopfer H, Randhawa P, Sester M, Comoli P, Tedesco Silva H, Knoll G, Brennan DC, Trofe-Clark J, Pape L, Axelrod D, Kiberd B, Wong G, Hirsch HH. The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation. Transplantation 2024; 108:1834-1866. [PMID: 38605438 PMCID: PMC11335089 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains a significant challenge after kidney transplantation. International experts reviewed current evidence and updated recommendations according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Risk factors for BKPyV-DNAemia and biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy include recipient older age, male sex, donor BKPyV-viruria, BKPyV-seropositive donor/-seronegative recipient, tacrolimus, acute rejection, and higher steroid exposure. To facilitate early intervention with limited allograft damage, all kidney transplant recipients should be screened monthly for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia loads until month 9, then every 3 mo until 2 y posttransplant (3 y for children). In resource-limited settings, urine cytology screening at similar time points can exclude BKPyV-nephropathy, and testing for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia when decoy cells are detectable. For patients with BKPyV-DNAemia loads persisting >1000 copies/mL, or exceeding 10 000 copies/mL (or equivalent), or with biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy, immunosuppression should be reduced according to predefined steps targeting antiproliferative drugs, calcineurin inhibitors, or both. In adults without graft dysfunction, kidney allograft biopsy is not required unless the immunological risk is high. For children with persisting BKPyV-DNAemia, allograft biopsy may be considered even without graft dysfunction. Allograft biopsies should be interpreted in the context of all clinical and laboratory findings, including plasma BKPyV-DNAemia. Immunohistochemistry is preferred for diagnosing biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy. Routine screening using the proposed strategies is cost-effective, improves clinical outcomes and quality of life. Kidney retransplantation subsequent to BKPyV-nephropathy is feasible in otherwise eligible recipients if BKPyV-DNAemia is undetectable; routine graft nephrectomy is not recommended. Current studies do not support the usage of leflunomide, cidofovir, quinolones, or IVIGs. Patients considered for experimental treatments (antivirals, vaccines, neutralizing antibodies, and adoptive T cells) should be enrolled in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille N. Kotton
- Transplant and Immunocompromised Host Infectious Diseases Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology and Organ Transplantation, Toulouse Rangueil University Hospital, INSERM UMR 1291, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - David Wojciechowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Michael Eder
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Hopfer
- Division of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Division of Transplantation Pathology, The Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Martina Sester
- Department of Transplant and Infection Immunology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- Cell Factory and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, Department of Mother and Child Health, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Helio Tedesco Silva
- Division of Nephrology, Hospital do Rim, Fundação Oswaldo Ramos, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Greg Knoll
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology), University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Trofe-Clark
- Renal-Electrolyte Hypertension Division, Associated Faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA
- Transplantation Division, Associated Faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA
| | - Lars Pape
- Pediatrics II, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - David Axelrod
- Kidney, Pancreas, and Living Donor Transplant Programs at University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Bryce Kiberd
- Division of Nephrology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Germaine Wong
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hans H. Hirsch
- Division of Transplantation and Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Dekeyser M, de Goër de Herve MG, Hendel-Chavez H, Lhotte R, Scriabine I, Bargiel K, Boutin E, Herr F, Taupin JL, Taoufik Y, Durrbach A. Allogeneic CD4 T Cells Sustain Effective BK Polyomavirus-Specific CD8 T Cell Response in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:2498-2513. [PMID: 39156165 PMCID: PMC11328547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.04.070] [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] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) is a significant complication in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), associated with a higher level of plasmatic BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) replication and leading to poor graft survival. Methods We prospectively followed-up with 100 KTRs with various degrees of BKPyV reactivation (no BKPyV reactivation, BKPyV-DNAuria, BKPyV-DNAemia, and biopsy-proven BKPyVAN [bp-BKPyVAN], 25 patients per group) and evaluated BKPyV-specific T cell functionality and phenotype. Results We demonstrate that bp-BKPyVAN is associated with a loss of BKPyV-specific T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and cytotoxic capacities. This severe functional impairment is associated with an overexpression of lymphocyte inhibitory receptors (programmed cell death 1 [PD1], cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4, T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains, and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing-3), highlighting an exhausted-like phenotype of BKPyV-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells in bp-BKPyVAN. This T cell dysfunction is associated with low class II donor-recipient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) divergence. In contrast, in the context of higher class II donor-recipient HLA (D/R-HLA) divergence, allogeneic CD4 T cells can provide help that sustains BKPyV-specific CD8 T cell responses. In vitro, allogeneic HLA-mismatched CD4 T cells rescue BKPyV-specific CD8 T cell responses. Conclusion Our findings suggest that in KTRs, allogeneic CD4 T cells can help to maintain an effective BKPyV-specific CD8 T cell response that better controls BKPyV replication in the kidney allograft and may protect against BKPyVAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Dekeyser
- INSERM 1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
- Department of Nephrology, Center Hospitalier Régional Universitaire d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | | | - Houria Hendel-Chavez
- INSERM 1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Romain Lhotte
- Laboratory of Immunology and Histocompatibility, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM U976 (Team 3), Paris, France
| | - Ivan Scriabine
- INSERM 1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Karen Bargiel
- INSERM 1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Boutin
- Unit of Clinical Research, Henri Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Creteil, France
- Paris Est Creteil University, INSERM, IMRB, CEpiA Team, Creteil, France
| | - Florence Herr
- INSERM 1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Luc Taupin
- Laboratory of Immunology and Histocompatibility, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM U976 (Team 3), Paris, France
| | - Yassine Taoufik
- INSERM 1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Durrbach
- INSERM 1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, Henri Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Creteil, France
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Durairaj J, Follonier OM, Leuzinger K, Alexander LT, Wilhelm M, Pereira J, Hillenbrand CA, Weissbach FH, Schwede T, Hirsch HH. Structural implications of BK polyomavirus sequence variations in the major viral capsid protein Vp1 and large T-antigen: a computational study. mSphere 2024; 9:e0079923. [PMID: 38501831 PMCID: PMC11036806 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00799-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a double-stranded DNA virus causing nephropathy, hemorrhagic cystitis, and urothelial cancer in transplant patients. The BKPyV-encoded capsid protein Vp1 and large T-antigen (LTag) are key targets of neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T-cells, respectively. Our single-center data suggested that variability in Vp1 and LTag may contribute to failing BKPyV-specific immune control and impact vaccine design. We, therefore, analyzed all available entries in GenBank (1516 VP1; 742 LTAG) and explored potential structural effects using computational approaches. BKPyV-genotype (gt)1 was found in 71.18% of entries, followed by BKPyV-gt4 (19.26%), BKPyV-gt2 (8.11%), and BKPyV-gt3 (1.45%), but rates differed according to country and specimen type. Vp1-mutations matched a serotype different than the assigned one or were serotype-independent in 43%, 18% affected more than one amino acid. Notable Vp1-mutations altered antibody-binding domains, interactions with sialic acid receptors, or were predicted to change conformation. LTag-sequences were more conserved, with only 16 mutations detectable in more than one entry and without significant effects on LTag-structure or interaction domains. However, LTag changes were predicted to affect HLA-class I presentation of immunodominant 9mers to cytotoxic T-cells. These global data strengthen single center observations and specifically our earlier findings revealing mutant 9mer epitopes conferring immune escape from HLA-I cytotoxic T cells. We conclude that variability of BKPyV-Vp1 and LTag may have important implications for diagnostic assays assessing BKPyV-specific immune control and for vaccine design. IMPORTANCE Type and rate of amino acid variations in BKPyV may provide important insights into BKPyV diversity in human populations and an important step toward defining determinants of BKPyV-specific immunity needed to protect vulnerable patients from BKPyV diseases. Our analysis of BKPyV sequences obtained from human specimens reveals an unexpectedly high genetic variability for this double-stranded DNA virus that strongly relies on host cell DNA replication machinery with its proof reading and error correction mechanisms. BKPyV variability and immune escape should be taken into account when designing further approaches to antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines for patients at risk of BKPyV diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani Durairaj
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Océane M. Follonier
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karoline Leuzinger
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinical Virology, Laboratory Medicine, Department Theragnostic, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leila T. Alexander
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maud Wilhelm
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joana Pereira
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Caroline A. Hillenbrand
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabian H. Weissbach
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Schwede
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans H. Hirsch
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, Department Acute Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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4
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Gorriceta JH, Lopez Otbo A, Uehara G, Posadas Salas MA. BK viral infection: A review of management and treatment. World J Transplant 2023; 13:309-320. [PMID: 38174153 PMCID: PMC10758681 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v13.i6.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BK viral infection remains to be a challenging post-transplant infection, which can result in kidney dysfunction. The mainstay approach to BK infection is reduction of immunosuppression. Alterations in immunosuppressive regimen with minimization of calcineurin inhibitors, use of mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors, and leflunomide have been attempted with variable outcomes. Over the past few years, investigators have explored potential therapeutic options for BK infection. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis and treatment was found to have no benefit in kidney transplant recipients. The utility of cidofovir is limited by its nephrotoxicity. Intravenous immunoglobulin is becoming a popular option for treatment and prophylaxis for BK infection, as it increases the neutralizing antibody titers against the most common BK virus serotypes. Virus-specific T cell therapy is an emerging treatment option for BK viremia. In this review, we will explore management and therapeutic options for BK infection and recent evidence available in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Lopez Otbo
- Department of Medicine, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon 1112, Philippines
| | - Genta Uehara
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Maria Aurora Posadas Salas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
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5
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Koldehoff M, Eiz-Vesper B, Maecker-Kolhoff B, Steckel NK, Dittmer U, Horn PA, Lindemann M. Long-Term Follow-Up after Adoptive Transfer of BK-Virus-Specific T Cells in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040845. [PMID: 37112757 PMCID: PMC10141379 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040845] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The BK virus (BKV) causes severe hemorrhagic cystitis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. To eliminate reactivated BKV, symptomatic patients can be treated with a reduction of the immunosuppressive therapy, with the antiviral drug cidofovir, or with virus-specific T cells (VSTs). In the current study, we compared the effect of VSTs to other treatment options, following up specific T cells using interferon-gamma ELISpot assay. We observed BKV large T-specific cellular responses in 12 out of 17 HSCT recipients with BKV-related cystitis (71%). In recipients treated with VSTs, 6 out of 7 showed specific T-cell responses, and that number in those without VSTs was 6 out of 10. In comparison, 27 out of 50 healthy controls (54%) responded. In HSCT recipients treated for BKV-related cystitis, absolute CD4+ T-cell numbers and renal function correlated with BKV-specific cellular responses (p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). In one patient, BKV-specific cellular immunity could already be detected at baseline, on day 35 after HSCT and prior to VSTs, and remained increased until day 226 after VSTs (78 vs. 7 spots increment). In conclusion, the ELISpot appears to be suitable to sensitively monitor BKV-specific cellular immunity in HSCT recipients, even early after transplantation or in the long term after VSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Koldehoff
- Zotz Klimas, MVZ Düsseldorf, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Britta Eiz-Vesper
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Maecker-Kolhoff
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina K Steckel
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- 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
| | - Monika Lindemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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6
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Innate Immunity Response to BK Virus Infection in Polyomavirus-Associated Nephropathy in Kidney Transplant Recipients. TRANSPLANTOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/transplantology3010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKV) mainly causes infection in uroepithelial and renal tubular epithelial cells of either immunocompetent or immunocompromised hosts. Despite asymptomatic or mild clinical features in immunocompetent hosts with BK infection, serious complications are frequently found in immunocompromised patients, especially patients with kidney transplantation. Accordingly, BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVN) demonstrates a wide range of clinical manifestations, including ureteric stenosis and hemorrhagic cystitis. In addition, BKV re-infection in post-kidney transplantation is also a main cause of kidney allograft dysfunction and graft loss. Since the direct anti-BKV is unavailable, immune response against BKV infection is the main mechanism for organism control and might be a novel strategy to treat or suppress BKV. As such, the innate immunity, consisting of immune cells and soluble molecules, does not only suppress BKV but also enhances the subsequent adaptive immunity to eradicate the virus. Furthermore, the re-activation of BKV in BKVN of kidney-transplanted recipients seems to be related to the status of innate immunity. Therefore, this review aims to collate the most recent knowledge of innate immune response against BKV and the association between the innate immunity status of kidney-transplanted recipients and BKV re-activation.
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7
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Halloran PF, Madill-Thomsen KS, Böhmig GA, Myslak M, Gupta G, Kumar D, Viklicky O, Perkowska-Ptasinska A, Famulski KS. A 2-fold Approach to Polyoma Virus (BK) Nephropathy in Kidney Transplants: Distinguishing Direct Virus Effects From Cognate T Cell-mediated Inflammation. Transplantation 2021; 105:2374-2384. [PMID: 34310102 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BK nephropathy (BKN) in kidney transplants diagnosed by histology is challenging because it involves damage from both virus activity and cognate T cell-mediated inflammation, directed against alloantigens (rejection) or viral antigens. The present study of indication biopsies from the Integrated Diagnostic System in the International Collaborative Microarray Study Extension study measured major capsid viral protein 2 (VP2) mRNA to assess virus activity and a T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) classifier to assess cognate T cell-mediated inflammation. METHODS Biopsies were assessed by local standard-of-care histology and by genome-wide microarrays and Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) algorithms to detect rejection and injury. In a subset of 102 biopsies (50 BKN and 52 BKN-negative biopsies with various abnormalities), we measured VP2 transcripts by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS BKN was diagnosed in 55 of 1679 biopsies; 30 had cognate T cell-mediated activity assessed by by MMDx and TCMR lesions, but only 3 of 30 were histologically diagnosed as TCMR. We developed a BKN probability classifier that predicted histologic BKN (area under the curve = 0.82). Virus activity (VP2 expression) was highly selective for BKN (area under the curve = 0.94) and correlated with acute injury, atrophy-fibrosis, macrophage activation, and the BKN classifier, but not with the TCMR classifier. BKN with molecular TCMR had more tubulitis and inflammation than BKN without molecular TCMR. In 5 BKN cases with second biopsies, VP2 mRNA decreased in second biopsies, whereas in 4 of 5 TCMR classifiers, scores increased. Genes and pathways associated with BKN and VP2 mRNA were similar, reflecting injury, inflammation, and macrophage activation but none was selective for BKN. CONCLUSIONS Risk-benefit decisions in BKN may be assisted by quantitative assessment of the 2 major pathologic processes, virus activity and cognate T cell-mediated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marek Myslak
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, SPWSZ Hospital in Szczecin, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Dhiren Kumar
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Ondrej Viklicky
- Department of Nephrology and Transplant Center, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
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8
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Wu Z, Graf FE, Hirsch HH. Antivirals against human polyomaviruses: Leaving no stone unturned. Rev Med Virol 2021; 31:e2220. [PMID: 33729628 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) encompass more than 10 species infecting 30%-90% of the human population without significant illness. Proven HPyV diseases with documented histopathology affect primarily immunocompromised hosts with manifestations in brain, skin and renourinary tract such as polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN), polyomavirus-associated haemorrhagic cystitis (PyVHC), polyomavirus-associated urothelial cancer (PyVUC), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) and pruritic hyperproliferative keratinopathy. Although virus-specific immune control is the eventual goal of therapy and lasting cure, antiviral treatments are urgently needed in order to reduce or prevent HPyV diseases and thereby bridging the time needed to establish virus-specific immunity. However, the small dsDNA genome of only 5 kb of the non-enveloped HPyVs only encodes 5-7 viral proteins. Thus, HPyV replication relies heavily on host cell factors, thereby limiting both, number and type of specific virus-encoded antiviral targets. Lack of cost-effective high-throughput screening systems and relevant small animal models complicates the preclinical development. Current clinical studies are limited by small case numbers, poorly efficacious compounds and absence of proper randomized trial design. Here, we review preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated small molecules with presumed antiviral activity against HPyVs and provide an outlook regarding potential new antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongsong Wu
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice E Graf
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Clinical Virology, Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Leuzinger K, Kaur A, Wilhelm M, Hirsch HH. Variations in BK Polyomavirus Immunodominant Large Tumor Antigen-Specific 9mer CD8 T-Cell Epitopes Predict Altered HLA-Presentation and Immune Failure. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121476. [PMID: 33371492 PMCID: PMC7767524 DOI: 10.3390/v12121476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Failing BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)-specific immune control is underlying onset and duration of BKPyV-replication and disease. We focused on BKPyV-specific CD8 T-cells as key effectors and characterized immunodominant 9mer epitopes in the viral large tumor-antigen (LTag). We investigated the variation of LTag-epitopes and their predicted effects on HLA-class 1 binding and T-cell activation. Available BKPyV sequences in the NCBI-nucleotide (N = 3263), and the NCBI protein database (N = 4189) were extracted (1368 sequences) and analyzed for non-synonymous aa-exchanges in LTag. Variant 9mer-epitopes were assessed for predicted changes in HLA-A and HLA-B-binding compared to immunodominant 9mer reference. We identified 159 non-synonymous aa-exchanges in immunodominant LTag-9mer T-cell epitopes reflecting different BKPyV-genotypes as well as genotype-independent variants altering HLA-A/HLA-B-binding scores. Decreased binding scores for HLA-A/HLA-B were found in 27/159 (17%). This included the immunodominant LPLMRKAYL affecting HLA-B*07:02-, HLA-B*08:01- and HLA-B*51:01-presentation. In two healthy BKPyV-seropositive HLA-B*07:02 blood donors, variant LSLMRKAYL showed reduced CD8 T-cell responses compared to LPLMRKAYL. Thus, despite LTag being highly conserved, aa-exchanges occur in immunodominant CD8 T-cell epitopes of BKPyV-genotypes as well as of genotypes -independent variants, which may contribute to genotype-dependent and genotype-independent failure of cellular immune control over BKPyV-replication. The data warrant epidemiological and immunological investigations in carefully designed clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Leuzinger
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland; (K.L.); (A.K.); (M.W.)
- Clinical Virology, Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amandeep Kaur
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland; (K.L.); (A.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Maud Wilhelm
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland; (K.L.); (A.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Hans H. Hirsch
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland; (K.L.); (A.K.); (M.W.)
- Clinical Virology, Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-61-207-3266 or +41-61-207-3225
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