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Nankivell BJ, Taverniti A, Viswanathan S, Ronquillo J, Carroll R, Sharma A. The relationship of microvascular inflammation with antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation. Am J Transplant 2024:S1600-6135(24)00447-7. [PMID: 39084463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.07.023] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Microvascular inflammation (MVI) is a key diagnostic feature of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR); however, recipients without donor-specific antibodies (DSA) defy etiologic classification using C4d staining of peritubular capillaries (C4dptc) and conventional DSA assignment. We evaluated MVI ≥ 2 (Banff g + ptc ≥ 2) using Banff 2019 AMR (independent of MVI ≥ 2 but including C4dptc) with unconventional endothelial C4d staining of glomerular capillaries (C4dglom) and - arterial endothelium and/or intima (C4dart) using tissue immunoperoxidase, shared-eplet and subthreshold DSA (median fluorescence intensity, [MFI] 100-499), and capillary ultrastructure from 3398 kidney transplant samples for evidence of AMR. MVI ≥ 2 (n = 202 biopsies) from 149 kidneys (12.4% prevalence) correlated with DSA+, C4dptc+, C4dglom+, Banff cg, i, t, ti scores, serum creatinine, proteinuria, and graft failure compared with 202 propensity score matched normal controls. The laboratory reported DSA- MVI ≥ 2 (MFI ≥500) occurred in 34.7%; however, subthreshold (28.6%), eplet-directed (51.4%), and/or misclassified anti-Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DSA (12.9%) were identified in 67.1% by forensic reanalysis, with vascular C4d+ staining in 67.1%, and endothelial abnormalities in 57.1%, totaling 87.1%. Etiologic analysis attributed 62.9% to AMR (77.8% for MVI with negative reported DSA [DSA- MVI ≥2] with glomerulitis) and pure T cellular rejection in 37.1%. C4dptc-DSA- MVI ≥ 2 was unrecognized AMR in 48.0%. Functional outcomes and graft survival were comparable to normal controls. We concluded that DSA- MVI ≥ 2 frequently signified a mild "borderline" phenotype of AMR which was recognizable using novel serologic and pathological techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Nankivell
- Department of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Anne Taverniti
- New South Wales Transplantation and Immunogenetics, Australian Red Cross, LifeBlood, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - John Ronquillo
- Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, ICPMR, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert Carroll
- New South Wales Transplantation and Immunogenetics, Australian Red Cross, LifeBlood, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ankit Sharma
- Department of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Masset C, Danger R, Degauque N, Dantal J, Giral M, Brouard S. Blood Gene Signature as a Biomarker for Subclinical Kidney Allograft Rejection: Where Are We? Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00787. [PMID: 38867352 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The observation decades ago that inflammatory injuries because of an alloimmune response might be present even in the absence of concomitant clinical impairment in allograft function conduced to the later definition of subclinical rejection. Many studies have investigated the different subclinical rejections defined according to the Banff classification (subclinical T cell-mediated rejection and antibody-mediated rejection), overall concluding that these episodes worsened long-term allograft function and survival. These observations led several transplant teams to perform systematic protocolar biopsies to anticipate treatment of rejection episodes and possibly prevent allograft loss. Paradoxically, the invasive characteristics and associated logistics of such procedures paved the way to investigate noninvasive biomarkers (urine and blood) of subclinical rejection. Among them, several research teams proposed a blood gene signature developed from cohort studies, most of which achieved excellent predictive values for the occurrence of subclinical rejection, mainly antibody-mediated rejection. Interestingly, although all identified genes relate to immune subsets and pathways involved in rejection pathophysiology, very few transcripts are shared among these sets of genes, highlighting the heterogenicity of such episodes and the difficult but mandatory need for external validation of such tools. Beyond this, their application and value in clinical practice remain to be definitively demonstrated in both biopsy avoidance and prevention of clinical rejection episodes. Their combination with other biomarkers, either epidemiological or biological, could contribute to a more accurate picture of a patient's risk of rejection and guide clinicians in the follow-up of kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Masset
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Richard Danger
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Degauque
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Jacques Dantal
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Giral
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Brouard
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
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Nassar A, Cashman K, Rao S, Dagher M, O'Brien C, Afif J, Cravedi P, Azzi JR. Liquid biopsy for non-invasive monitoring of patients with kidney transplants. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1148725. [PMID: 38993899 PMCID: PMC11235308 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1148725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The current tools for diagnosing and monitoring native kidney diseases as well as allograft rejection in transplant patients are suboptimal. Creatinine and proteinuria are non-specific and poorly sensitive markers of injury. Tissue biopsies are invasive and carry potential complications. In this article, we overview the different techniques of liquid biopsy and discuss their potential to improve patients' kidney health. Several diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic biomarkers have been identified with the ability to detect and monitor the activity of native kidney diseases as well as early and chronic allograft rejection, such as donor-derived cell-free DNA, exosomes, messenger RNA/microsomal RNA, proteomics, and so on. While the results are encouraging, additional research is still needed as no biomarker appears to be perfect for a routine application in clinical practice. Despite promising advancements in biomarkers, the most important issue is the lack of standardized pre-analytical criteria. Large validation studies and uniformed standard operating procedures are required to move the findings from bench to bedside. Establishing consortia such as the Liquid Biopsy Consortium for Kidney Diseases can help expedite the research process, allow large studies to establish standardized procedures, and improve the management and outcomes of kidney diseases and of kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Nassar
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Katharine Cashman
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shreya Rao
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maribel Dagher
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Connor O'Brien
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John Afif
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Translational Transplant Research Center, Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jamil R Azzi
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Masset C, Dantal J, Soulillou JP, Walencik A, Delbos F, Brouard S, Giral M. Case Report: Long-term observations from the tacrolimus weaning randomized clinical trial depicts the challenging aspects for determination of low-immunological risk patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1021481. [PMID: 36518770 PMCID: PMC9744190 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1021481] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Whilst calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are the cornerstone of immunosuppressive maintenance therapy in kidney transplantation, several studies have investigated the safety of CNI withdrawal in order to avoid their numerous side effects. In this context, we performed several years ago a clinical randomized trial evaluating CNI weaning in stable kidney transplant recipients without anti-HLA immunization. The trial was interrupted prematurely due to a high number of de novo DSA (dnDSA) and biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR) in patients who underwent tacrolimus weaning, resulting in treatment for rejection and resumption of tacrolimus. We report here the long-term outcomes of patients included in this clinical trial. Ten years after randomization, all patients are alive with a functional allograft. They all receive tacrolimus therapy except one with recurrent cutaneous neoplasia issues. Long-term eGFR was comparable between patients of the two randomized groups (46.4 ml/min vs 42.8 ml/min). All dnDSA that occurred during the study period became non-detectable and all rejections episodes were reversed. The retrospective assessment of HLA DQ single molecule epitope mismatching determined that a majority of patients who developed dnDSA after tacrolimus withdrawal would have been considered at high immunological risk. Minimization of immunosuppression remains a challenging objective, mainly because of the issues to properly select very low immunological risk patients. Valuable improvements have been made the last decade regarding evaluation of the allograft rejection notably through the determination of numerous at-risk biomarkers. However, even if the impact of such tools still need to be clarify in clinical routine, they may permit an improvement in patients' selection for immunosuppression minimization without increasing the risk of allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Masset
- Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Nantes, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Jacques Dantal
- Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Nantes, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Jean-Paul Soulillou
- Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Nantes, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Alexandre Walencik
- Laboratoire d’immunologie et HLA Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
| | - Florent Delbos
- Laboratoire d’immunologie et HLA Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Brouard
- Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Nantes, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France,*Correspondence: Magali Giral, ; Sophie Brouard,
| | - Magali Giral
- Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Nantes, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France,*Correspondence: Magali Giral, ; Sophie Brouard,
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Lebraud E, Eloudzeri M, Rabant M, Lamarthée B, Anglicheau D. Microvascular Inflammation of the Renal Allograft: A Reappraisal of the Underlying Mechanisms. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864730. [PMID: 35392097 PMCID: PMC8980419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is associated with poor transplant outcomes and was identified as a leading cause of graft failure after kidney transplantation. Although the hallmark histological features of ABMR (ABMRh), i.e., microvascular inflammation (MVI), usually correlate with the presence of anti-human leukocyte antigen donor-specific antibodies (HLA-DSAs), it is increasingly recognized that kidney transplant recipients can develop ABMRh in the absence of HLA-DSAs. In fact, 40-60% of patients with overt MVI have no circulating HLA-DSAs, suggesting that other mechanisms could be involved. In this review, we provide an update on the current understanding of the different pathogenic processes underpinning MVI. These processes include both antibody-independent and antibody-dependent mechanisms of endothelial injury and ensuing MVI. Specific emphasis is placed on non-HLA antibodies, for which we discuss the ontogeny, putative targets, and mechanisms underlying endothelial toxicity in connection with their clinical impact. A better understanding of these emerging mechanisms of allograft injury and all the effector cells involved in these processes may provide important insights that pave the way for innovative diagnostic tools and highly tailored therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lebraud
- Necker-Enfants Malades Institute, Inserm U1151, Université de Paris, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Necker Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Maëva Eloudzeri
- Necker-Enfants Malades Institute, Inserm U1151, Université de Paris, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Necker Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Marion Rabant
- Department of Renal Pathology, Necker Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Lamarthée
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, EFS BFC, Inserm UMR1098, RIGHT Interactions Greffon-Hôte-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Dijon, France
| | - Dany Anglicheau
- Necker-Enfants Malades Institute, Inserm U1151, Université de Paris, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Necker Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
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Callemeyn J, Lamarthée B, Koenig A, Koshy P, Thaunat O, Naesens M. Allorecognition and the spectrum of kidney transplant rejection. Kidney Int 2021; 101:692-710. [PMID: 34915041 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Detection of mismatched human leukocyte antigens by adaptive immune cells is considered as the main cause of transplant rejection, leading to either T-cell mediated rejection or antibody-mediated rejection. This canonical view guided the successful development of immunosuppressive therapies and shaped the diagnostic Banff classification for kidney transplant rejection that is used in clinics worldwide. However, several observations have recently emerged that question this dichotomization between T-cell mediated rejection and antibody-mediated rejection, related to heterogeneity in the serology, histology, and prognosis of the rejection phenotypes. In parallel, novel insights were obtained concerning the dynamics of donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies, the immunogenicity of donor-recipient non-human leukocyte antigen mismatches, and the autoreactivity against self-antigens. Moreover, the potential of innate allorecognition was uncovered, as exemplified by natural killer cell-mediated microvascular inflammation through missing self, and by the emerging evidence on monocyte-driven allorecognition. In this review, we highlight the gaps in the current classification of rejection, provide an overview of the expanding insights into the mechanisms of allorecognition, and critically appraise how these could improve our understanding and clinical approach to kidney transplant rejection. We argue that consideration of the complex interplay of various allorecognition mechanisms can foster a more integrated view of kidney transplant rejection and can lead to improved risk stratification, targeted therapies, and better outcome after kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Callemeyn
- Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Baptiste Lamarthée
- Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Necker-Enfants Malades Institute, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) Unit 1151, Paris, France
| | - Alice Koenig
- CIRI, INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, CNRS UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Transplantation, Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France; Lyon-Est Medical Faculty, Claude Bernard University (Lyon 1), Lyon, France
| | - Priyanka Koshy
- Department of Morphology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olivier Thaunat
- CIRI, INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, CNRS UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, University Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Transplantation, Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France; Lyon-Est Medical Faculty, Claude Bernard University (Lyon 1), Lyon, France
| | - Maarten Naesens
- Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Filippone EJ, Gulati R, Farber JL. Noninvasive Assessment of the Alloimmune Response in Kidney Transplantation. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2021; 28:548-560. [PMID: 35367023 DOI: 10.1053/j.ackd.2021.08.002] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation remains the optimal mode of kidney replacement therapy, but unfortunately long-term graft survival after 1 year remains suboptimal. The main mechanism of chronic allograft injury is alloimmune, and current clinical monitoring of kidney transplants includes measuring serum creatinine, proteinuria, and immunosuppressive drug levels. The most important biomarker routinely monitored is human leukocyte antigen (HLA) donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) with the frequency based on underlying immunologic risk. HLA-DSA should be measured if there is graft dysfunction, immunosuppression minimization, or nonadherence. Antibody strength is semiquantitatively estimated as mean fluorescence intensity, with titration studies for equivocal cases and for following response to treatment. Determination of in vitro C1q or C3d positivity or HLA-DSA IgG subclass analysis remains of uncertain significance, but we do not recommend these for routine use. Current evidence does not support routine monitoring of non-HLA antibodies except anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies when the phenotype is appropriate. The monitoring of both donor-derived cell-free DNA in blood or gene expression profiling of serum and/or urine may detect subclinical rejection, although mainly as a supplement and not as a replacement for biopsy. The optimal frequency and cost-effectiveness of using these noninvasive assays remain to be determined. We review the available literature and make recommendations.
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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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