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Bartoli G, Dello Strologo A, Grandaliano G, Pesce F. Updates on C3 Glomerulopathy in Kidney Transplantation: Pathogenesis and Treatment Options. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6508. [PMID: 38928213 PMCID: PMC11204074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126508] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy is a rare disease, characterized by an abnormal activation of the complement's alternative pathway that leads to the accumulation of the C3 component in the kidney. The disease recurs in more than half of kidney transplant recipients, with a significant impact on graft survival. Recurrence of the primary disease represents the second cause of graft loss after organ rejection. In C3 glomerulopathy, there are several risk factors which can promote a recurrence during transplantation, such as delayed graft function, infection and monoclonal gammopathy. All these events can trigger the alternative complement pathway. In this review, we summarize the impact of C3 glomerulopathy on kidney grafts and present the latest treatment options. The most widely used treatments for the disease include corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, which are already used chronically by kidney transplant recipients; thus, additional treatments for C3 glomerulopathy are required. Currently, several studies using anti-complement drugs (i.e., eculizumab, Ravalizumab, avacopan) for C3 glomerulopathy in kidney transplant patients are ongoing with encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bartoli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica dl Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Andrea Dello Strologo
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica dl Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Grandaliano
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica dl Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.S.); (G.G.)
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pesce
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica dl Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.S.); (G.G.)
- Division of Renal Medicine, “Ospedale Isola Tiberina—Gemelli Isola”, 00186 Rome, Italy
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Obata S, Vaz de Castro PAS, Riella LV, Cravedi P. Recurrent C3 glomerulopathy after kidney transplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2024; 38:100839. [PMID: 38412598 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2024.100839] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The complement system is part of innate immunity and is pivotal in protecting the body against pathogens and maintaining host homeostasis. Activation of the complement system is triggered through multiple pathways, including antibody deposition, a mannan-binding lectin, or activated complement deposition. C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare glomerular disease driven by complement dysregulation with high post-transplantation recurrence rates. Its treatment is mainly based on immunosuppressive therapies, specifically mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids. Recent years have seen significant progress in understanding complement biology and its role in C3G pathophysiology. New complement-tergeting treatments have been developed and initial trials have shown promising results. However, challenges persist in C3G, with recurrent post-transplantation cases leading to suboptimal outcomes. This review discusses the pathophysiology and management of C3G, with a focus on its recurrence after kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Obata
- Precision Immunology Institute, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Pedro A S Vaz de Castro
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Unit of Pediatric Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Leonardo V Riella
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Precision Immunology Institute, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.
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Golshayan D, Schwotzer N, Fakhouri F, Zuber J. Targeting the Complement Pathway in Kidney Transplantation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 34:1776-1792. [PMID: 37439664 PMCID: PMC10631604 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system is paramount in the clearance of pathogens and cell debris, yet is increasingly recognized as a key component in several pathways leading to allograft injury. There is thus a growing interest in new biomarkers to assess complement activation and guide tailored therapies after kidney transplantation (KTx). C5 blockade has revolutionized post-transplant management of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, a paradigm of complement-driven disease. Similarly, new drugs targeting the complement amplification loop hold much promise in the treatment and prevention of recurrence of C3 glomerulopathy. Although unduly activation of the complement pathway has been described after brain death and ischemia reperfusion, any clinical attempts to mitigate the ensuing renal insults have so far provided mixed results. However, the intervention timing, strategy, and type of complement blocker need to be optimized in these settings. Furthermore, the fast-moving field of ex vivo organ perfusion technology opens new avenues to deliver complement-targeted drugs to kidney allografts with limited iatrogenic risks. Complement plays also a key role in the pathogenesis of donor-specific ABO- and HLA-targeted alloantibodies. However, C5 blockade failed overall to improve outcomes in highly sensitized patients and prevent the progression to chronic antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). Similarly, well-conducted studies with C1 inhibitors in sensitized recipients yielded disappointing results so far, in part, because of subtherapeutic dosage used in clinical studies. The emergence of new complement blockers raises hope to significantly reduce the negative effect of ischemia reperfusion, ABMR, and nephropathy recurrence on outcomes after KTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dela Golshayan
- Transplantation Center, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nora Schwotzer
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fadi Fakhouri
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Zuber
- Service de Transplantation rénale adulte, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
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Lim JH, Shin SW, Kim MS, Han MH, Kim YJ, Jung HY, Choi JY, Cho JH, Park SH, Kim YL, Hwang D, Yun WS, Kim HK, Huh S, Yoo ES, Won DI, Kim CD. Recurrent C3 Glomerulonephritis along with BK-Virus-Associated Nephropathy after Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1308. [PMID: 37512118 PMCID: PMC10383463 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) is a rare cause of end-stage kidney disease and frequently recurrent in allografts following kidney transplantation (KT). Herein, we describe the case of a kidney transplant recipient who developed recurrent C3GN along with BK-virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) following KT. A 33-year-old man diagnosed with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis 17 years ago underwent preemptive KT with a donor kidney from his aunt. Proteinuria gradually increased after 3 months following KT, and graft biopsy was performed 30 months after KT. Histopathological examination revealed recurrent C3GN. The dosages of triple immunosuppressive maintenance therapy agents were increased. Subsequently, serum C3 levels recovered to normal levels. However, at 33 months following KT, the BK viral load increased and graft function gradually deteriorated; a second graft biopsy was performed at 46 months following KT, which revealed BKVAN and decreased C3GN activity. The dosages of immunosuppressive agents were decreased; subsequently, BKVAN improved and graft function was maintained with normal serum C3 levels at 49 months following KT. This case indicates that C3GN is highly prone to recurrence following KT and that immunosuppressive therapy for C3GN increases the risk of BKVAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hoon Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Won Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee-Seon Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Hoon Han
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Yeon Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Hee Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hee Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Lim Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Deokbi Hwang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Yun
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Kee Kim
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Huh
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sang Yoo
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Il Won
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Duck Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
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Heiderscheit AK, Hauer JJ, Smith RJH. C3 glomerulopathy: Understanding an ultra-rare complement-mediated renal disease. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2022; 190:344-357. [PMID: 35734939 PMCID: PMC9613507 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) describes a pathologic pattern of injury diagnosed by renal biopsy. It is characterized by the dominant deposition of the third component of complement (C3) in the renal glomerulus as resolved by immunofluorescence microscopy. The underlying pathophysiology is driven by dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement in the fluid-phase and in the glomerular microenvironment. Characterization of clinical features and a targeted evaluation for indices and drivers of complement dysregulation are necessary for optimal patient care. Autoantibodies to the C3 and C5 convertases of complement are the most commonly detected drivers of complement dysregulation, although genetic mutations in complement genes can also be found. Approximately half of patients progress to end-stage renal disease within 10 years of diagnosis, and, while transplantation is a viable option, there is high risk for disease recurrence and allograft failure. This poor outcome reflects the lack of disease-specific therapy for C3G, relegating patients to symptomatic treatment to minimize proteinuria and suppress renal inflammation. Fortunately, the future is bright as several anti-complement drugs are currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Heiderscheit
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA,Graduate PhD Program in Immunology, Carver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Jill J. Hauer
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Richard J. H. Smith
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA,Graduate PhD Program in Immunology, Carver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
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Treatment of C3 Glomerulopathy in Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review. Med Sci (Basel) 2020; 8:medsci8040044. [PMID: 33096866 PMCID: PMC7712822 DOI: 10.3390/medsci8040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a rare glomerular disease mediated by alternative complement pathway dysregulation, is associated with a high rate of recurrence and graft loss after kidney transplantation (KTx). We aimed to assess the efficacy of different treatments for C3G recurrence after KTx. METHODS Databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database) were searched from inception through 3 May, 2019. Studies were included that reported outcomes of adult KTx recipients with C3G. Effect estimates from individual studies were combined using the random-effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird., The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42019125718). RESULTS Twelve studies (7 cohort studies and 5 case series) consisting of 122 KTx patients with C3G (73 C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) and 49 dense deposit disease (DDD)) were included. The pooled estimated rates of allograft loss among KTx patients with C3G were 33% (95% CI: 12-57%) after eculizumab, 42% (95% CI: 2-89%) after therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), and 81% (95% CI: 50-100%) after rituximab. Subgroup analysis based on type of C3G was performed. Pooled estimated rates of allograft loss in C3GN KTx patients were 22% (95% CI: 5-46%) after eculizumab, 56% (95% CI: 6-100%) after TPE, and 70% (95% CI: 24-100%) after rituximab. Pooled estimated rates of allograft loss in DDD KTx patients were 53% (95% CI: 0-100%) after eculizumab. Data on allograft loss in DDD after TPE (1 case series, 0/2 (0%) allograft loss at 6 months) and rituximab (1 cohort, 3/3 (100%) allograft loss) were limited. Among 66 patients (38 C3GN, 28 DDD) who received no treatment (due to stable allograft function at presentation and/or clinical judgment of physicians), pooled estimated rates of allograft loss were 32% (95% CI: 7-64%) and 53% (95% CI: 28-77%) for C3GN and DDD, respectively. Among treated C3G patients, data on soluble membrane attack complex of complement (sMAC) were limited to patients treated with eculizumab (N = 7). 80% of patients with elevated sMAC before eculizumab responded to treatment. In addition, all patients who responded to eculizumab had normal sMAC levels after post-eculizumab. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the lowest incidence of allograft loss (33%) among KTX patients with C3G are those treated with eculizumab. Among those who received no treatment for C3G due to stable allograft function, there is a high incidence of allograft loss of 32% in C3GN and 53% in DDD. sMAC level may help to select good responders to eculizumab.
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