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Li X, Zhao Y, Sun W, Zhang C, Yu Y, Du B, Jin A, Liu Y. Neutrophil depletion attenuates antibody-mediated rejection in a renal transplantation mouse model. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 216:211-219. [PMID: 38150328 PMCID: PMC11036104 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad128] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) can cause graft failure following renal transplantation. Neutrophils play a key role in AMR progression, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effect of neutrophils on AMR in a mouse kidney transplantation model. The mice were divided into five groups: syngeneic transplantation (Syn), allograft transplantation (Allo), and three differently treated AMR groups. The AMR mouse model was established using skin grafts to pre-sensitize recipient mice. Based on the AMR model, Ly6G-specific monoclonal antibodies were administered to deplete neutrophils (NEUT-/- + AMR) and TACI-Fc was used to block B-cell-activating factor (BAFF)/a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) signaling (TACI-Fc + AMR). Pathological changes were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining. Banff values were evaluated using the Banff 2015 criteria. Donor-specific antibody (DSA) levels were assessed using flow cytometry, and BAFF and APRIL concentrations were measured using ELISA. Compared to the Syn and Allo groups, a significantly increased number of neutrophils and increased C4d and IgG deposition were observed in AMR mice, accompanied by elevated DSA levels. Neutrophil depletion inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration and reduced C4d and IgG deposition. Neutrophil depletion significantly decreased DSA levels after transplantation and suppressed BAFF and APRIL concentrations, suggesting a mechanism for attenuating AMR-induced graft damage. Similar results were obtained after blockading BAFF/APRIL using a TACI-Fc fusion protein. In summary, neutrophil infiltration increased in the AMR mouse renal transplantation model. Neutrophil depletion or blockading the BAFF/APRIL signaling pathway significantly alleviated AMR and may provide better options for the clinical treatment of AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingku Li
- Experimental Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yakun Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenying Sun
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yadi Yu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Du
- Experimental Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - AiShun Jin
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
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Möckel T, Boegel S, Schwarting A. Transcriptome analysis of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in BAFF and BAFF-R deficient mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291619. [PMID: 37751458 PMCID: PMC10522044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291619] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) accompanies with high morbidity and mortality. Incomplete renal recovery can lead to chronic and finally end-stage kidney disease, which results in the requirement of lifelong dialysis or kidney transplantation. Consequently, finding predictive biomarker and therefore developing preventive therapeutic approaches is an urgent need. For this purpose, a better understanding of the mechanism underlying AKI is necessary. The cytokine BAFF (B cell activating factor) is related to AKI by supporting B cells, which in turn play an important role in inflammatory processes and the production of antibodies. In our study, we investigated the role of BAFF and its receptor BAFF-R in the early phase of AKI. Therefore, we performed the well-established ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model in BAFF (B6.129S2-Tnfsf13btm1Msc/J) and BAFF-R (B6(Cg)-Tnfrsf13ctm1Mass/J) deficient mice. Transcriptome of ischemic and contralateral control kidneys was analyzed and compared to wildtype littermates. We detected the upregulation of Lcn2, Lyz2, Cd44, Fn1 and Il1rn in ischemic kidneys as well as the downregulation of Kl. Furthermore, we revealed different expression patterns in BAFF and BAFF-R knockout mice. Compared to wildtype littermates, up- and downregulation of each investigated gene were higher in BAFF-R knockout and lower in BAFF knockout. Our findings indicate a positive impact of BAFF knockout in early phase of AKI, while BAFF-R knockout seems to worsen I/R injury. In addition, our study shows for the first time a remarkable renal upregulation of Lyz2 in a murine I/R model. Therefore, we consider Lyz2 as conceivable predictive or early biomarker in case of I/R and AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Möckel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Boegel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Schwarting
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Center for Rheumatic Disease Rhineland-Palatinate GmbH, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. Classic and Current Opinions in Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation. Cureus 2022; 14:e30982. [PMID: 36337306 PMCID: PMC9624478 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft tolerance is a pathophysiological condition heavily reliant on the dynamic interaction of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Genetic polymorphism determines immune responses to tissue/organ transplantation, and intricate humoral and cell-mediated mechanisms control these responses. In transplantation, the clinician's goal is to achieve a delicate equilibrium between the allogeneic immune response, undesired effects of the immunosuppressive drugs, and the existing morbidities that are potentially life-threatening. Transplant immunopathology involves sensitization, effector, and apoptosis phases which recruit and engages immunological cells like natural killer cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes. Similarly, these cells are involved in the transfer of normal or genetically engineered T cells. Advances in tissue transplantation would involve a profound knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that underpin the respective immunopathology involved and the design of precision medicines that are safe and effective.
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Louis K, Macedo C, Lefaucheur C, Metes D. Adaptive immune cell responses as therapeutic targets in antibody-mediated organ rejection. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:237-250. [PMID: 35093288 PMCID: PMC8882148 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Humoral alloimmunity of organ transplant recipient to donor can lead to antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), causing thousands of organ transplants to fail each year worldwide. However, the mechanisms of adaptive immune cell responses at the basis of humoral alloimmunity have not been entirely understood. In this review, we discuss how recent investigations have uncovered the key contributions of T follicular helper (TFH) and B cells and their coordinated actions in driving donor-specific antibody generation and immune progression towards ABMR. We show how recognition of the role of TFH-B cell interactions may allow the elaboration of improved clinical strategies for immune monitoring and the identification of novel therapeutic targets to tackle ABMR that will ultimately improve organ transplant survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Louis
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Human Immunology and Immunopathology, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR 976, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Camila Macedo
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR 970, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Diana Metes
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Steines L, Scharf M, Hoffmann P, Schuster A, Banas B, Bergler T. Monitoring B cell alloresponses in rats. J Immunol Methods 2022; 501:113212. [PMID: 34971633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2021.113212] [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: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection is a major cause of graft failure in organ transplantation. For this reason, B cell responses are of particular interest to transplantation research. Rats are important model organisms for transplant studies, but B cell alloimmune assays and B cell subset markers are poorly established in rats. We alloimmunized rats by donor blood injection using the high responder rat strain combination Brown Norway (donor) and Lewis (recipient) rats. Using splenocytes from alloimmunized and control rats, we established assays to assess allospecific B cell proliferation and the capacity to generate allospecific B memory cells and alloantibody-secreting cells after antigenic rechallenge in vitro using a mixed lymphocyte reaction. Furthermore, we defined a simple gating and sorting strategy for pre- and post-germinal center follicular B cells, as well as non-switched and switched plasmablasts. Our protocols for assessing B cell alloresponses and B cell subsets in rats may help to accelerate research into the role of B cells and manipulation of humoral alloresponses in transplant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Steines
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Mona Scharf
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | - Petra Hoffmann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany; Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Schuster
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Banas
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bergler
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
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Agarwal D, Luning Prak ET, Bharani T, Everly M, Migone TS, Cancro M, Allman D, Choe I, Kearns JD, Trofe-Clark J, Naji A, Kamoun M. BLyS neutralization results in selective anti-HLA alloantibody depletion without successful desensitization. Transpl Immunol 2021; 69:101465. [PMID: 34506905 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pre-existing anti-HLA allo-antibodies (allo-Abs) are a major barrier to successful kidney transplantation, resulting in an elevated risk for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and eventual graft loss. The cytokine B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) promotes B cell maturation and plasma cell survival; consequently, anti-BLyS therapy represents a potential therapeutic opportunity in diminishing pre-existing allo-Abs. Here we report that in our 1-year pilot trial, BLyS neutralization failed to reduce total anti-HLA allo-Ab levels in highly sensitized candidates awaiting kidney transplant in a clinically meaningful way. Additionally, we performed a post hoc analysis using sera from trial candidates which revealed selective depletion of anti-HLA class I and class II Abs in response to belimumab treatment, restricted to certain allele specificities and IgG subclasses. Altogether, we observed that BLyS blockade only results in selective depletion of anti-HLA Abs recognizing a few discrete HLA allele specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyansh Agarwal
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eline T Luning Prak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tina Bharani
- Department of General Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | | | - Thi-Sau Migone
- Iconic Therapeutics, Shoreline Court, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Michael Cancro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Insuk Choe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jane D Kearns
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer Trofe-Clark
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.; Department of Medicine, Division of Renal, Electrolyte and Hypertension, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ali Naji
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Malek Kamoun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Olaso D, Manook M, Moris D, Knechtle S, Kwun J. Optimal Immunosuppression Strategy in the Sensitized Kidney Transplant Recipient. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3656. [PMID: 34441950 PMCID: PMC8396983 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with previous sensitization events against anti-human leukocyte antigens (HLA) often have circulating anti-HLA antibodies. Following organ transplantation, sensitized patients have higher rates of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) compared to those who are non-sensitized. More stringent donor matching is required for these patients, which results in a reduced donor pool and increased time on the waitlist. Current approaches for sensitized patients focus on reducing preformed antibodies that preclude transplantation; however, this type of desensitization does not modulate the primed immune response in sensitized patients. Thus, an optimized maintenance immunosuppressive regimen is necessary for highly sensitized patients, which may be distinct from non-sensitized patients. In this review, we will discuss the currently available therapeutic options for induction, maintenance, and adjuvant immunosuppression for sensitized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (D.O.); (M.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (D.O.); (M.M.); (D.M.)
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B-cell activating factor BAFF as a novel alert marker for the immunological risk stratification after kidney transplantation. Immunol Res 2021; 69:487-495. [PMID: 34373996 PMCID: PMC8580904 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09205-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The B cell activating factor BAFF has gained importance in the context of kidney transplantation due to its role in B cell survival. Studies have shown that BAFF correlates with an increased incidence of antibody-mediated rejection and the development of donor-specific antibodies. In this study, we analyzed a defined cohort of kidney transplant recipients who were treated with standardized immunosuppressive regimens according to their immunological risk profile. The aim was to add BAFF as an awareness marker in the course after transplantation to consider patient’s individual immunological risk profile. Included patients were transplanted between 2016 and 2018. Baseline data, graft function, the occurrence of rejection episodes, signs of microvascular infiltration, and DSA kinetics were recorded over 3 years. BAFF levels were determined 14 d, 3 and 12 months post transplantation. Although no difference in graft function could be observed, medium-risk patients showed a clear dynamic in their BAFF levels with low levels shortly after transplantation and an increase in values of 123% over the course of 1 year. Patients with high BAFF values were more susceptible to rejection, especially antibody-mediated rejection and displayed intensified microvascular inflammation; the combination of high BAFF + DSA puts patients at risk. The changing BAFF kinetics of the medium risk group as well as the increased occurrence of rejections at high BAFF values enables BAFF to be seen as an awareness factor. To compensate the changing immunological risk, a switch from a weaker induction therapy to an intensified maintenance therapy is required.
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Steines L, Poth H, Schuster A, Amann K, Banas B, Bergler T. Disruption of Tfh:B Cell Interactions Prevents Antibody-Mediated Rejection in a Kidney Transplant Model in Rats: Impact of Calcineurin Inhibitor Dose. Front Immunol 2021; 12:657894. [PMID: 34135891 PMCID: PMC8201497 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.657894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the mechanisms of humoral immune activation in ABMR using a MHC-mismatched rat kidney transplant model. We applied low dose cyclosporine A (loCNI) to allow donor-specific antibody (DSA) formation and rejection and high dose cyclosporine A (hiCNI) for non-rejection. DSA and leukocyte subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Germinal centers (GC), T follicular helper cells (Tfh), plasma cells and interleukin-21 (IL-21) expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Expression of important costimulatory molecules and cytokines was measured by qRT-PCR. Allograft rejection was evaluated by a nephropathologist. We found that DSA formation correlated with GC frequency and expansion, and that GC size was linked to the number of activated Tfh. In hiCNI, GC and activated Tfh were virtually absent, resulting in fewer plasma cells and no DSA or ABMR. Expression of B cell activating T cell cytokine IL-21 was substantially inhibited in hiCNI, but not in loCNI. In addition, hiCNI showed lower expression of ICOS ligand and IL-6, which stimulate Tfh differentiation and maintenance. Overall, Tfh:B cell crosstalk was controlled only by hiCNI treatment, preventing the development of DSA and ABMR. Additional strategies targeting Tfh:B cell interactions are needed for preventing alloantibody formation and ABMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Steines
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Helen Poth
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Schuster
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Amann
- Department of Nephropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Banas
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bergler
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Abstract
The majority of cells comprising the inflammatory infiltrates in kidney allografts undergoing acute and/or chronic rejection are typically T cells and monocyte/macrophages with B cells, plasma cells, and eosinophils accounting for <5%. In a significant minority of biopsies, B lineage cells (B cells and/or plasma cells) may be found more abundantly. Although plasma cell infiltrates tend to be more diffuse, B cells tend to aggregate into nodules that may mature into tertiary lymphoid organs. Given the ability to target B cells with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and plasma cells with proteasome inhibitors and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, it is increasingly important to determine the significance of such infiltrates. Both cell types are potential effectors of rejection, but both also have a tolerizing potential. B cell infiltrates have been associated with steroid resistance and reduced graft survival in some studies but not in others, and their presence should not prompt automatic depletional therapy. Plasma cell-rich infiltrates tend to occur later, may be associated with cell-mediated and/or antibody-mediated rejection, and portend an adverse outcome. Viral infection and malignancy must be ruled out. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the appropriateness of specific therapy when B cells and/or plasma cells are found. No strong therapeutic recommendations can be made at this time.
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Steines L, Poth H, Herrmann M, Schuster A, Banas B, Bergler T. B Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) Is Required for the Development of Intra-Renal Tertiary Lymphoid Organs in Experimental Kidney Transplantation in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218045. [PMID: 33126753 PMCID: PMC7662293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-renal tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) are associated with worsened outcome in kidney transplantation (Ktx). We used an anti-BAFF (B cell activating factor) intervention to investigate whether BAFF is required for TLO formation in a full MHC-mismatch Ktx model in rats. Rats received either therapeutic immunosuppression (no rejection, NR) or subtherapeutic immunosuppression (chronic rejection, CR) and were sacrificed on d56. One group additionally received an anti-BAFF antibody (CR + AB). Intra-renal T (CD3+) and B (CD20+) cells, their proliferation (Ki67+), and IgG+ plasma cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Formation of T and B cell zones and TLOs was assessed. Intra-renal expression of TLO-promoting factors, molecules of T:B crosstalk, and B cell differentiation was analyzed by qPCR. Intra-renal B and T cell zones and TLOs were detected in CR and were associated with elevated intra-renal mRNA expression of TLO-promoting factors, including CXCL13, CCL19, lymphotoxin-β, and BAFF. Intra-renal plasma cells were also elevated in CR. Anti-BAFF treatment significantly decreased intra-renal B cell zones and TLO, as well as intra-renal B cell-derived TLO-promoting factors and B cell differentiation markers. We conclude that BAFF-dependent intra-renal B cells promote TLO formation and advance local adaptive alloimmune responses in chronic rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Steines
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-941-9447301; Fax: +49-941-9447302
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