1
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Halloran PF, Madill-Thomsen KS, Böhmig G, Bromberg J, Budde K, Barner M, Mackova M, Chang J, Einecke G, Eskandary F, Gupta G, Myślak M, Viklicky O, Akalin E, Alhamad T, Anand S, Arnol M, Baliga R, Banasik M, Bingaman A, Blosser C, Brennan D, Chamienia A, Chow K, Ciszek M, de Freitas D, Dęborska-Materkowska D, Debska-Ślizień A, Djamali A, Domański L, Durlik M, Fatica R, Francis I, Fryc J, Gill J, Gill J, Glyda M, Gourishankar S, Grenda R, Gryczman M, Hruba P, Hughes P, Jittirat A, Jurekovic Z, Kamal L, Kamel M, Kant S, Kasiske B, Kojc N, Konopa J, Lan J, Mannon R, Matas A, Mazurkiewicz J, Miglinas M, Mueller T, Narins S, Naumnik B, Patel A, Perkowska-Ptasińska A, Picton M, Piecha G, Poggio E, Bloudíčkova SR, Samaniego-Picota M, Schachtner T, Shin S, Shojai S, Sikosana M, Slatinská J, Smykal-Jankowiak K, Solanki A, Haler ŽV, Vucur K, Weir MR, Wiecek A, Włodarczyk Z, Yang H, Zaky Z. Subthreshold rejection activity in many kidney transplants currently classified as having no rejection. Am J Transplant 2024:S1600-6135(24)00461-1. [PMID: 39117038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Most kidney transplant patients who undergo biopsies are classified as having no rejection based on consensus thresholds. However, we hypothesized that because these patients have normal adaptive immune systems, T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) may exist as subthreshold activity in some transplants currently classified as no rejection. To examine this question, we studied genome-wide microarray results from 5086 kidney transplant biopsies (4170 patients). An updated archetypal analysis designated 56% of biopsies as no rejection. Subthreshold molecular TCMR and/or ABMR activity molecular activity was detectable as elevated classifier scores in many biopsies classified as no rejection, with ABMR activity in many TCMR biopsies and TCMR activity in many ABMR biopsies. In biopsies classified as no rejection histologically and molecularly, molecular TCMR classifier scores correlated with increases in histologic TCMR features and molecular injury, lower eGFR, and higher risk of graft loss, and molecular ABMR activity correlated with increased glomerulitis and donor-specific antibody. No rejection biopsies with high subthreshold TCMR or ABMR activity had a higher probability of having TCMR or ABMR respectively diagnosed in a future biopsy. We conclude that many kidney transplant recipients have unrecognized subthreshold TCMR or ABMR activity, with significant implications for future problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada; University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | | | | | | | - Klemens Budde
- Charite-Medical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Martina Mackova
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Chang
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Gaurav Gupta
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Ondrej Viklicky
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Tarek Alhamad
- Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sanjiv Anand
- Intermountain Transplant Services, Murray, UT, USA
| | - Miha Arnol
- University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | - Adam Bingaman
- Methodist Transplant and Specialty Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Daniel Brennan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Kevin Chow
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Iman Francis
- Henry Ford Transplant Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Justyna Fryc
- Medical University in Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - John Gill
- St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Ryszard Grenda
- The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Petra Hruba
- The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Peter Hughes
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | - Layla Kamal
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Sam Kant
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Nika Kojc
- University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - James Lan
- St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Roslyn Mannon
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | | | - Marius Miglinas
- Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Seth Narins
- PinnacleHealth Transplant Associates, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | | | - Anita Patel
- Henry Ford Transplant Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sung Shin
- University of Ulsan College of Medicine/Assan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Ashish Solanki
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Harold Yang
- PinnacleHealth Transplant Associates, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | - Ziad Zaky
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
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2
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Gupta G, Athreya A, Kataria A. Biomarkers in Kidney Transplantation: A Rapidly Evolving Landscape. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00820. [PMID: 39020463 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
The last decade has seen an explosion in clinical research focusing on the use of noninvasive biomarkers in kidney transplantation. Much of the published literature focuses on donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA). Although initially studied as a noninvasive means of identifying acute rejection, it is now clear that dd-cfDNA is more appropriately described as a marker of severe injury and irrespective of the etiology, elevated dd-cfDNA ≥0.5% portends worse graft outcomes. Blood gene expression profiling is also commercially available and has mostly been studied in the context of early identification of subclinical rejection, although additional data is needed to validate these findings. Torque teno virus, a ubiquitous DNA virus, has emerged as a biomarker of immunosuppression exposure as peripheral blood Torque teno virus copy numbers might mirror the intensity of host immunosuppression. Urinary chemokine tests including C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 have recently been assessed in large clinical trials and hold promising potential for early diagnosis of both subclinical and acute rejection, as well as, for long-term prognosis. Urinary cellular messenger RNA and exosome vesicular RNA based studies require additional validation. Although current data does not lend itself to conclusion, future studies on multimodality testing may reveal the utility of serial surveillance for individualization of immunosuppression and identify windows of opportunity to intervene early and before the irreversible allograft injury sets in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Gupta
- Hume-Lee Transplant Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Akshay Athreya
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Ashish Kataria
- Division of Nephrology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA
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Tasca P, van den Berg BM, Rabelink TJ, Wang G, Heijs B, van Kooten C, de Vries APJ, Kers J. Application of spatial-omics to the classification of kidney biopsy samples in transplantation. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024:10.1038/s41581-024-00861-x. [PMID: 38965417 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-024-00861-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Improvement of long-term outcomes through targeted treatment is a primary concern in kidney transplant medicine. Currently, the validation of a rejection diagnosis and subsequent treatment depends on the histological assessment of allograft biopsy samples, according to the Banff classification system. However, the lack of (early) disease-specific tissue markers hinders accurate diagnosis and thus timely intervention. This challenge mainly results from an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying late allograft failure. Integration of large-scale multimodal approaches for investigating allograft biopsy samples might offer new insights into this pathophysiology, which are necessary for the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the development of tailored immunotherapeutic interventions. Several omics technologies - including transcriptomic, proteomic, lipidomic and metabolomic tools (and multimodal data analysis strategies) - can be applied to allograft biopsy investigation. However, despite their successful application in research settings and their potential clinical value, several barriers limit the broad implementation of many of these tools into clinical practice. Among spatial-omics technologies, mass spectrometry imaging, which is under-represented in the transplant field, has the potential to enable multi-omics investigations that might expand the insights gained with current clinical analysis technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Tasca
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bernard M van den Berg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Einthoven Laboratory of Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ton J Rabelink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Einthoven Laboratory of Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (Renew), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gangqi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Einthoven Laboratory of Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (Renew), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Heijs
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Bruker Daltonics GmbH & Co. KG, Bremen, Germany
| | - Cees van Kooten
- Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Einthoven Laboratory of Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Aiko P J de Vries
- Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Einthoven Laboratory of Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Jesper Kers
- Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Center for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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4
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Gauthier PT, Madill-Thomsen KS, Demko Z, Prewett A, Gauthier P, Halloran PF. Distinct Molecular Processes Mediate Donor-derived Cell-free DNA Release From Kidney Transplants in Different Disease States. Transplantation 2024; 108:898-910. [PMID: 38150492 PMCID: PMC10962427 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among all biopsies in the Trifecta-Kidney Study ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04239703), elevated plasma donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) correlated most strongly with molecular antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) but was also elevated in other states: T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), acute kidney injury (AKI), and some apparently normal biopsies. The present study aimed to define the molecular correlates of plasma dd-cfDNA within specific states. METHODS Dd-cfDNA was measured by the Prospera test. Molecular rejection and injury states were defined using the Molecular Microscope system. We studied the correlation between dd-cfDNA and the expression of genes, transcript sets, and classifier scores within specific disease states, and compared AMR, TCMR, and AKI to biopsies classified as normal and no injury (NRNI). RESULTS In all 604 biopsies, dd-cfDNA was elevated in AMR, TCMR, and AKI. Within AMR biopsies, dd-cfDNA correlated with AMR activity and stage. Within AKI, the correlations reflected acute parenchymal injury, including cell cycling. Within biopsies classified as MMDx Normal and archetypal No injury (NRNI), dd-cfDNA still correlated significantly with rejection- and injury-related genes. TCMR activity (eg, the TCMR Prob classifier) correlated with dd-cfDNA, but within TCMR biopsies, top gene correlations were complex and not the top TCMR-selective genes. CONCLUSIONS In kidney transplants, elevated plasma dd-cfDNA is associated with 3 distinct molecular states in the donor tissue: AMR, recent parenchymal injury (including cell cycling), and TCMR, potentially complicated by parenchymal disruption. Moreover, subtle rejection- and injury-related changes in the donor tissue can contribute to dd-cfDNA elevations in transplants considered to have no rejection or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T. Gauthier
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Katelynn S. Madill-Thomsen
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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5
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Clemmensen TS, Hjort Baatrup J, Bjerre KP, Lichscheidt E, Nielsen PK, Eiskjaer H. Routine screening for HLA Antibodies in Heart Transplant patients-Does it affect clinical decision making? Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15281. [PMID: 38504577 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15281] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to assess outcomes in patients with and without donor specific antibodies (DSA) and to evaluate the relationship between DSA presence and graft function, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), and mortality. METHODS The study population comprises 193 consecutive long-term heart transplanted (HTx) patients who underwent DSA surveillance between 2016 and 2022. The patients were prospectively screened for CAV through serial coronary angiograms, graft function impairment through serial echocardiograms, and cardiac biomarkers. The patients were followed from the first DSA measurement until death, 5 years follow-up or right censuring on the 30th of June 2023. RESULTS DSAs were detected in 50 patients using a cut-off at MFI ≥1000 and 45 patients using a cut-off at ≥2000 MFI. The median time since HTx was 9.0 years [3.0-14.4]. DSA positive patients had poorer graft function and higher values of NT-proBNP and troponin T, and more prevalent CAV than DSA negative patients. In total, 25 patients underwent endomyocardial biopsies due to DSA presence while another eight patients underwent endomyocardial biopsies for other reasons. Histological antibody mediated rejection (AMR) signs were seen in three biopsies. During a median follow-up of five years [4.7-5], a total of 41 patients died. Mortality rates did not differ between DSA positive and DSA negative patients (HR 1.2, 95% CI .6-2.4). DSA positive patients were more likely to experience CAV progression than DSA negative patients (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5-4.8) CONCLUSIONS: Routine screening reveals DSA in approximately 25% of long-term HTx patients but is rarely related to histopathological AMR signs. DSA presence was associated with poorer graft function and more prevalent and progressive CAV. However, DSA positive patients had similar survival rates to DSA negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emil Lichscheidt
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Hans Eiskjaer
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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6
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Ranch D, Fei M, Kincade E, Piburn K, Hitchman K, Klein K. Utilization of donor-derived Cell-Free DNA in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A single center study. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14582. [PMID: 37550268 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
High donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) levels indicate transplant allograft injury and can identify graft rejection in kidney transplant recipients. Here, we evaluated the use of dd-cfDNA in pediatric kidney transplant rejection monitoring and treatment. METHODS Forty-two pediatric kidney transplant patients were enrolled between February 2020 and August 2021. Dd-cfDNA was tested before and after biopsy/rejection treatment. There was a total of 61 allograft biopsies (44 for-cause, 17 surveillance). RESULTS Graft rejection was found in 35/61 biopsies. Rejection was more common in basiliximab induction compared to rATG (77.1% vs. 22.9%, p = .0121). Median dd-cfDNA was higher in those with rejection (1.2% [0.34-3.12] vs. 0.24% [0.08-0.78], p < .0001). Dd-cfDNA was highest in biopsies with AMR and mixed AMR/TCMR. In addition, dd-cfDNA in basiliximab induction was higher compared to rATG (0.92% [0.27-1.8] vs. 0.26% [0.08-2], p = .0437). Median change in dd-cfDNA after rejection treatment was -0.57% (-1.67 to 0.05). Median time to dd-cfDNA <1% post-rejection treatment was 8.5 days (3.0-19.5). Dd-cfDNA in AMR was higher compared to TCMR or mixed rejection, and levels remained higher in AMR after treatment. In surveillance biopsies, 4/17 had rejection. Median dd-cfDNA was not different in those with versus without rejection (0.48% vs. 0.28%, p = .2342). Those without rejection all had dd-cfDNA <1%. In those with rejection, only one patient had dd-cfDNA >1%, and all had TCMR. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support dd-cfDNA as a useful indicator of graft rejection and response to treatment. Additional studies are needed to determine the role of dd-cfDNA in graft health surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ranch
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Mingwei Fei
- Biostatistics Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elisabeth Kincade
- University Health Transplant Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Kim Piburn
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kelley Hitchman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kelsey Klein
- University Health Transplant Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Pharmacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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7
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Walson PD. Personalized Minimal Effective Concentration Therapy. Clin Ther 2023; 45:1289-1292. [PMID: 37838561 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.09.015] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
It has been recognized for literally centuries that patients should be given only the amount of medication necessary to treat disease(s) or relieve symptoms. It is also well known that this amount can vary greatly between patients or even over time in the same patient. The ability to identify this amount, that is, to "personalize" dosing, requires a reliable measure of a patient's response to treatment. The development of analytical methods for the accurate measurement of pharmacologically meaningful drug concentrations in physiologic fluids, combined with mathematical methods for reliable prediction of how dosing changes affect these concentrations, has led to the development of therapeutic drug management (TDM) for more effective individualization of dosing. Using TDM, clinicians modify dosing to achieve concentrations or exposures (ie, AUC) found to be effective in patients with similar clinical attributes and conditions. These concentrations, called therapeutic (or target) concentrations or exposure ranges (TRs), are specific to both disease/condition and patient population. TDM is routinely used by many clinicians to adjust dosing of a wide range of medications for maximal efficacy and limited toxicity, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Failure to properly perform TDM or to appreciate the limitations of TDM have, however, contributed to the delayed acceptance of TDM by clinicians. This Commentary briefly discusses the limitations and the benefits of TR-guided TDM, and then discusses immunosuppressant drugs and anticancer medications as examples of drugs that require clinicians to change their prescribing practices from giving all patients the same or maximal tolerated doses, to instead adjusting individual doses to achieve minimal effective concentrations identified using circulating tumor- or graft-derived DNA or copy number instability rather than published TRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Walson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical School Goettingen, Hannover, Germany.
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8
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Ton C, Salehi S, Abasi S, Aggas JR, Liu R, Brandacher G, Guiseppi-Elie A, Grayson WL. Methods of ex vivo analysis of tissue status in vascularized composite allografts. J Transl Med 2023; 21:609. [PMID: 37684651 PMCID: PMC10492401 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04379-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascularized composite allotransplantation can improve quality of life and restore functionality. However, the complex tissue composition of vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) presents unique clinical challenges that increase the likelihood of transplant rejection. Under prolonged static cold storage, highly damage-susceptible tissues such as muscle and nerve undergo irreversible degradation that may render allografts non-functional. Skin-containing VCA elicits an immunogenic response that increases the risk of recipient allograft rejection. The development of quantitative metrics to evaluate VCAs prior to and following transplantation are key to mitigating allograft rejection. Correspondingly, a broad range of bioanalytical methods have emerged to assess the progression of VCA rejection and characterize transplantation outcomes. To consolidate the current range of relevant technologies and expand on potential for development, methods to evaluate ex vivo VCA status are herein reviewed and comparatively assessed. The use of implantable physiological status monitoring biochips, non-invasive bioimpedance monitoring to assess edema, and deep learning algorithms to fuse disparate inputs to stratify VCAs are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Ton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5023, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5023, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Sara Salehi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5023, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5023, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Sara Abasi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B®), Texas A&M University, Emerging Technologies Building 3120, 101 Bizzell St, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Center for Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B®), Texas A&M University, Emerging Technologies Building 3120, 101 Bizzell St, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Media and Metabolism, Wildtype, Inc., 2325 3rd St., San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
| | - John R Aggas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B®), Texas A&M University, Emerging Technologies Building 3120, 101 Bizzell St, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Center for Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B®), Texas A&M University, Emerging Technologies Building 3120, 101 Bizzell St, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Test Development, Roche Diagnostics, 9115 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46256, USA
| | - Renee Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5023, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5023, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Gerald Brandacher
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Reconstructive Transplantation Program, Center for Advanced Physiologic Modeling (CAPM), Johns Hopkins University, Ross Research Building/Suite 749D, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Anthony Guiseppi-Elie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B®), Texas A&M University, Emerging Technologies Building 3120, 101 Bizzell St, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Center for Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B®), Texas A&M University, Emerging Technologies Building 3120, 101 Bizzell St, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Institute for Academic Medicine and Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave., Houston, TX, USA.
- ABTECH Scientific, Inc., Biotechnology Research Park, 800 East Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Warren L Grayson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5023, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5023, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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9
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Rizvi A, Faiz S, Thakkar PH, Hussain S, Gamilla-Crudo AN, Kueht M, Mujtaba MA. Kidney Allograft Monitoring by Combining Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA and Molecular Gene Expression: A Clinical Management Perspective. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1205. [PMID: 37623456 PMCID: PMC10455393 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081205] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) may safely assess kidney allograft rejection. Molecular Microscope (MMDx®) gene expression may offer increased precision to histology. This single-center retrospective study monitored kidney transplant recipients for rejection at specified time intervals by utilizing creatinine (SCr), proteinuria, donor-specific antibodies (DSAs), and dd-cfDNA. A clinically indicated biopsy sample was sent for histopathology and MMDx®. Patients were categorized into rejection (Rej) and non-rejection (NRej) groups, and further grouped according to antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) subtypes. Rej and NRej groups included 52 and 37 biopsies, respectively. Median follow-up duration was 506 days. DSAs were positive in 53% and 22% of patients in both groups, respectively (p = 0.01). Among these groups, pre- and post-intervention median SCr, proteinuria, and dd-cfDNA at 1 month, 2 months, and at the last follow-up revealed significant difference for dd-cfDNA (all p = 0.01), however, no difference was found for SCr and proteinuria (p > 0.05). The AUC was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.69-0.91), with an optimal dd-cfDNA criterion of 2.2%. Compared to histology, MMDx® was more likely to diagnose ABMR (79% vs. 100%) with either C4d positivity or negativity and/or DSA positivity or negativity. Hence, a pre- and post-intervention allograft monitoring protocol in combination with dd-cfDNA, MMDx®, and histology has aided in early diagnosis and timely individualized intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Rizvi
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplant Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.R.); (P.H.T.); (S.H.); (A.N.G.-C.)
| | - Sara Faiz
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Parin H. Thakkar
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplant Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.R.); (P.H.T.); (S.H.); (A.N.G.-C.)
| | - Syed Hussain
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplant Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.R.); (P.H.T.); (S.H.); (A.N.G.-C.)
| | - Ann N. Gamilla-Crudo
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplant Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.R.); (P.H.T.); (S.H.); (A.N.G.-C.)
| | - Michael Kueht
- Department of Transplant Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Muhammad A. Mujtaba
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplant Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.R.); (P.H.T.); (S.H.); (A.N.G.-C.)
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10
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Manzi J, Hoff CO, Ferreira R, Glehn-Ponsirenas R, Selvaggi G, Tekin A, O'Brien CB, Feun L, Vianna R, Abreu P. Cell-Free DNA as a Surveillance Tool for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients after Liver Transplant. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3165. [PMID: 37370775 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123165] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the world's sixth most common primary tumor site, responsible for approximately 5% of all cancers and over 8% of cancer-related deaths. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant type of liver cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all primary liver tumors. A major therapeutic tool for this disease is liver transplantation. Two of the most significant issues in treating HCC are tumor recurrence and graft rejection. Currently, the detection and monitoring of HCC recurrence and graft rejection mainly consist of imaging methods, tissue biopsies, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) follow-up. However, they have limited accuracy and precision. One of the many possible components of cfDNA is circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which is cfDNA derived from tumor cells. Another important component in transplantation is donor-derived cfDNA (dd-cfDNA), derived from donor tissue. All the components of cfDNA can be analyzed in blood samples as liquid biopsies. These can play a role in determining prognosis, tumor recurrence, and graft rejection, assisting in an overall manner in clinical decision-making in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Manzi
- School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Camilla O Hoff
- School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Raphaella Ferreira
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | - Gennaro Selvaggi
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Akin Tekin
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Christopher B O'Brien
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lynn Feun
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Rodrigo Vianna
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Phillipe Abreu
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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11
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Cox DRA, McClure T, Zhang F, Wong BKL, Testro A, Goh SK, Muralidharan V, Dobrovic A. Graft-Derived Cell-Free DNA Quantification following Liver Transplantation Using Tissue-Specific DNA Methylation and Donor-Specific Genotyping Techniques: An Orthogonal Comparison Study. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:11. [PMID: 37367181 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7020011] [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: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Graft-derived cell-free DNA (gdcfDNA) analysis has shown promise as a non-invasive tool for monitoring organ health following solid organ transplantation. A number of gdcfDNA analysis techniques have been described; however, the majority rely on sequencing or prior genotyping to detect donor-recipient mis-matched genetic polymorphisms. Differentially methylated regions of DNA can be used to identify the tissue-of-origin of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments. In this study, we aimed to directly compare the performance of gdcfDNA monitoring using graft-specific DNA methylation analysis and donor-recipient genotyping techniques in a pilot cohort of clinical samples from patients post-liver transplantation. Results: 7 patients were recruited prior to LT, 3 developed early, biopsy-proven TCMR in the first 6 weeks post-LT. gdcfDNA was successfully quantified in all samples using both approaches. There was a high level of technical correlation between results using the two techniques (Spearman testing, rs = 0.87, p < 0.0001). gdcfDNA levels quantified using the genotyping approach were significantly greater across all timepoints in comparison to the tissue-specific DNA methylation-based approach: e.g., day 1 post-LT median 31,350 copies/mL (IQR 6731-64,058) vs. 4133 copies/mL (IQR 1100-8422), respectively. Qualitative trends in gdcfDNA levels for each patient were concordant between the two assays. Acute TCMR was preceded by significant elevations in gdcfDNA as quantified by both techniques. Elevations in gdcfDNA, using both techniques, were suggestive of TCMR in this pilot study with a 6- and 3-day lead-time prior to histological diagnosis in patients 1 and 2. Conclusions: Both the graft-specific methylation and genotyping techniques successfully quantified gdcfDNA in patients post-LT with statistically significant concordance. A direct comparison of these two techniques is not only important from a technical perspective for orthogonal validation, but significantly adds weight to the evidence that gdcfDNA monitoring reflects the underlying biology. Both techniques identified LT recipients who developed acute TCMR, with several days lead-time in comparison to conventional diagnostic workflows. Whilst the two assays performed comparably, gdcfDNA monitoring based on graft-specific DNA methylation patterns in cfDNA offers major practical advantages over the donor-recipient genotyping, and hence enhances the potential to translate this emerging technology into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R A Cox
- Department of Surgery (Austin Precinct), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- HPB & Liver Transplant Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- BEACON Biomarkers Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Tess McClure
- Department of Surgery (Austin Precinct), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- BEACON Biomarkers Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Fan Zhang
- BEACON Biomarkers Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Boris Ka Leong Wong
- BEACON Biomarkers Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Adam Testro
- Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Su Kah Goh
- Department of Surgery (Austin Precinct), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Vijayaragavan Muralidharan
- Department of Surgery (Austin Precinct), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- HPB & Liver Transplant Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- BEACON Biomarkers Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Alexander Dobrovic
- Department of Surgery (Austin Precinct), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- BEACON Biomarkers Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
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12
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Jiménez-Coll V, El Kaaoui El Band J, Llorente S, González-López R, Fernández-González M, Martínez-Banaclocha H, Galián JA, Botella C, Moya-Quiles MR, Minguela A, Legaz I, Muro M. All That Glitters in cfDNA Analysis Is Not Gold or Its Utility Is Completely Established Due to Graft Damage: A Critical Review in the Field of Transplantation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1982. [PMID: 37370877 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13121982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In kidney transplantation, a biopsy is currently the gold standard for monitoring the transplanted organ. However, this is far from an ideal screening method given its invasive nature and the discomfort it can cause the patient. Large-scale studies in renal transplantation show that approximately 1% of biopsies generate major complications, with a risk of macroscopic hematuria greater than 3.5%. It would not be until 2011 that a method to detect donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) employing digital PCR was devised based on analyzing the differences in SNPs between the donor and recipient. In addition, since the initial validation studies were carried out at the specific moments in which rejection was suspected, there is still not a good understanding of how dd-cfDNA levels naturally evolve post-transplant. In addition, various factors, both in the recipient and the donor, can influence dd-cfDNA levels and cause increases in the levels of dd-cfDNA themselves without suspicion of rejection. All that glitters in this technology is not gold; therefore, in this article, we discuss the current state of clinical studies, the benefits, and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Jiménez-Coll
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jaouad El Kaaoui El Band
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Santiago Llorente
- Nephrology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Rosana González-López
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Marina Fernández-González
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Helios Martínez-Banaclocha
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Botella
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Rosa Moya-Quiles
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
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13
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Yoo A, Riedel A, Qian I, Bartosic A, Soltani R, Kibria G, Haririan A, Drachenberg CB, Abrams PL, Odorico JS, Cooper M, Bromberg JS, Scalea JR. An Initial Analysis of the Baseline Levels of Dd-cfDNA After Pancreas Transplantation: A Prospective Study From High-volume Centers in the United States. Transplant Direct 2023; 9:e1459. [PMID: 36935870 PMCID: PMC10019258 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreas transplantation offers patients with diabetes an opportunity for glucose homeostasis. Current blood tests to surveil for rejection have poor sensitivity and specificity for identifying rejection, and pancreas biopsies are challenging and associated with morbidity and graft loss. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is shed from transplanted organs and detectable in peripheral blood. Thus, a potential dd-cfDNA blood test assessing rejection would be clinically advantageous. Methods One hundred eighty-one dd-cfDNA samples (n) were collected from 77 patients (N) up to 132 mo posttransplant. Results The median dd-cfDNA level among all subjects was 0.28% (0.13%, 0.71%). In simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant recipients, the median dd-cfDNA level was 0.29% (0.13%, 0.71%), and it was 0.23% (0.08%, 0.71%) in pancreas transplant alone (PTA) recipients. When isolating for when without infection or rejection, the median dd-cfDNA level was 0.28% (0.13%, 0.64%) for SPK and 0.20% (0.00%, 0.32%) for PTA. Both transplant types approached 1.0% ≤1 mo posttransplant followed by a decrease in median dd-cfDNA. During episodes of rejection or infection, median dd-cfDNA levels were greater among all transplant types. Conclusions The mean dd-cfDNA level for all pancreas transplant recipients is <1.0%, consistent with the published kidney transplant rejection threshold (>1.0%), regardless of SPK or PTA. Early posttransplant dd-cfDNA levels are transiently higher than later measurements. Dd-cfDNA elevation also correlates with rejection and infection and thus is a promising biomarker for surveilling pancreas transplant dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Yoo
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alexandria Riedel
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ian Qian
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Amanda Bartosic
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Rudi Soltani
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Gulam Kibria
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Abdolreza Haririan
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Cinthia B. Drachenberg
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Jon S. Odorico
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | | | - Jonathan S. Bromberg
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Joseph R. Scalea
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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14
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Holzhauser L, DeFilippis EM, Nikolova A, Byku M, Contreras JP, De Marco T, Hall S, Khush KK, Vest AR. The End of Endomyocardial Biopsy?: A Practical Guide for Noninvasive Heart Transplant Rejection Surveillance. JACC. HEART FAILURE 2023; 11:263-276. [PMID: 36682960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive heart transplant rejection surveillance using gene expression profiling (GEP) to monitor immune activation is widely used among heart transplant programs. With the new development of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) assays, more programs are transitioning to a predominantly noninvasive rejection surveillance protocol with a reduced frequency of endomyocardial biopsies. As a result, many practical questions arise that potentially delay implementation of these valuable new tools. The purpose of this review is to provide practical guidance for clinicians transitioning toward a less invasive acute rejection monitoring protocol after heart transplantation, and to answer 10 common questions about the GEP and dd-cfDNA assays. Evidence supporting GEP and dd-cfDNA testing is reviewed, as well as guidance on test interpretation and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Holzhauser
- Division of Cardiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ersilia M DeFilippis
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andriana Nikolova
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mirnela Byku
- Department of Cardiology, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Teresa De Marco
- Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shelley Hall
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kiran K Khush
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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15
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Halloran PF, Reeve J, Madill-Thomsen KS, Demko Z, Prewett A, Gauthier P, Billings P, Lawrence C, Lowe D, Hidalgo LG. Antibody-mediated Rejection Without Detectable Donor-specific Antibody Releases Donor-derived Cell-free DNA: Results From the Trifecta Study. Transplantation 2023; 107:709-719. [PMID: 36190186 PMCID: PMC9946174 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trifecta (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT04239703) is a prospective trial defining relationships between donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA), donor-specific antibody (DSA), and molecular findings in kidney transplant biopsies. Previous analyses of double results showed dd-cfDNA was strongly associated with rejection-associated molecules in the biopsy. The present study analyzed the triple results in 280 biopsies, focusing on the question of dd-cfDNA levels in DSA-negative antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). METHODS Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System biopsy testing was performed at Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, dd-cfDNA testing at Natera, Inc, and central HLA antibody testing at One Lambda Inc. Local DSA and histologic diagnoses were assigned per center standard-of-care. RESULTS DSA was frequently negative in both molecular (56%) and histologic (51%) AMR. DSA-negative AMR had slightly less molecular AMR activity and histologic peritubular capillaritis than DSA-positive AMR. However, all AMRs-DSA-positive or -negative-showed elevated %dd-cfDNA. There was no association between dd-cfDNA and DSA in biopsies without rejection. In AMR, %dd-cfDNA ≥1.0 was more frequent (75%) than DSA positivity (44%). In logistic regression, dd-cfDNA percent (area under the curve [AUC] 0.85) or quantity (AUC 0.86) predicted molecular AMR better than DSA (AUC 0.66). However, the best predictions incorporated both dd-cfDNA and DSA, plus time posttransplant (AUC 0.88). CONCLUSIONS DSA-negative AMR has moderately decreased mean molecular and histologic AMR-associated features compared with DSA-positive AMR, though similarly elevated dd-cfDNA levels. In predicting AMR at the time of indication biopsies in this population, dd-cfDNA is superior to DSA, reflecting the prevalence of DSA-negative AMR, but the optimal predictions incorporated both dd-cfDNA and DSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transcriptome Sciences, Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeff Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luis G. Hidalgo
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
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16
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Lin Y, Huang H, Chen L, Chen R, Liu J, Zheng S, Ling Q. Assessing Donor Liver Quality and Restoring Graft Function in the Era of Extended Criteria Donors. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:219-230. [PMID: 36406331 PMCID: PMC9647107 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the final treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease. The increasing donor shortage results in the wide usage of grafts from extended criteria donors across the world. Using such grafts is associated with the elevated incidences of post-transplant complications including initial nonfunction and ischemic biliary tract diseases, which significantly reduce recipient survival. Although several clinical factors have been demonstrated to impact donor liver quality, accurate, comprehensive, and effective assessment systems to guide decision-making for organ usage, restoration or discard are lacking. In addition, the development of biochemical technologies and bioinformatic analysis in recent years helps us better understand graft injury during the perioperative period and find potential ways to restore graft function. Moreover, such advances reveal the molecular profiles of grafts or perfusate that are susceptible to poor graft function and provide insight into finding novel biomarkers for graft quality assessment. Focusing on donors and grafts, we updated potential biomarkers in donor blood, liver tissue, or perfusates that predict graft quality following LT, and summarized strategies for restoring graft function in the era of extended criteria donors. In this review, we also discuss the advantages and drawbacks of these potential biomarkers and offer suggestions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimou Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haitao Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lifeng Chen
- Department of Clinical Engineering and Information Technology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruihan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jimin Liu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multiorgan Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Ling
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multiorgan Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Correspondence to: Qi Ling, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Key Laboratory of Combined Multiorgan Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7377-2381. Tel/Fax: +86-571-87236629, E-mail:
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17
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Clausen FB, Jørgensen KMCL, Wardil LW, Nielsen LK, Krog GR. Droplet digital PCR-based testing for donor-derived cell-free DNA in transplanted patients as noninvasive marker of allograft health: Methodological aspects. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282332. [PMID: 36827438 PMCID: PMC9955980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In solid organ transplantation, donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a promising universal noninvasive biomarker for allograft health, where high levels of dd-cfDNA indicate organ damage. Using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), we aimed to develop an assay setup for monitoring organ health. We aimed to identify the least distinguishable percentage-point increase in the fraction of minute amounts of cfDNA in a large cfDNA background by using assays targeting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We mimicked a clinical sample from a recipient in a number of spike-in experiments, where cfDNA from healthy volunteers were mixed. A total of 40 assays were tested and approved by qPCR and ddPCR. Limit of detection (LOD) was demonstrated to be approximately 3 copies per reaction, observed at a fraction of 0.002%, and which would equal 6 copies per mL plasma. Limit of quantification (LOQ) was 35 copies per reaction, estimated to 0.038%. The lowest detectable increase in percentage point of dd-cfDNA was approximately 0.04%. Our results demonstrated that ddPCR has great sensitivity, high precision, and exceptional ability to quantify low levels of cfDNA. The ability to distinguish small differences in mimicking dd-cfDNA was far beyond the desired capability. While these methodological data are promising, further prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of the proposed method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Banch Clausen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Kristine Mathilde Clara Lund Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Technology, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Witt Wardil
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Technology, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leif Kofoed Nielsen
- Department of Technology, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grethe Risum Krog
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Biomarkers for Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction: Ready for Prime Time? Transplantation 2023; 107:341-350. [PMID: 35980878 PMCID: PMC9875844 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) remains a major hurdle impairing lung transplant outcome. Parallel to the better clinical identification and characterization of CLAD and CLAD phenotypes, there is an increasing urge to find adequate biomarkers that could assist in the earlier detection and differential diagnosis of CLAD phenotypes, as well as disease prognostication. The current status and state-of-the-art of biomarker research in CLAD will be discussed with a particular focus on radiological biomarkers or biomarkers found in peripheral tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage' and circulating blood' in which significant progress has been made over the last years. Ultimately, although a growing number of biomarkers are currently being embedded in the follow-up of lung transplant patients, it is clear that one size does not fit all. The future of biomarker research probably lies in the rigorous combination of clinical information with findings in tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage' or blood. Only by doing so, the ultimate goal of biomarker research can be achieved, which is the earlier identification of CLAD before its clinical manifestation. This is desperately needed to improve the prognosis of patients with CLAD after lung transplantation.
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19
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Donor-Derived Cell-free DNA for Personalized Immunosuppression in Renal Transplantation. Ther Drug Monit 2023; 45:20-25. [PMID: 36127770 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000001023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term outcomes of solid organ transplantation remain suboptimal. Therefore, appropriate biomarkers are needed in addition to immunosuppressive drugs and other traditional approaches for graft monitoring to achieve personalized immunosuppression and reduce premature graft loss. METHODS Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a minimally invasive biomarker of cell death due to graft injury. It can be quantified using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing. Fractional dd-cfDNA determination can be affected by changes in recipient cfDNA, such as those caused by leukopenia or infection, leading to false-positive or false-negative results, respectively. Absolute quantification of dd-cfDNA helps in overcoming this limitation. RESULTS Overall, there is sufficient evidence of the clinical validity of dd-cfDNA. It detects rejection episodes early at an actionable stage and reflects the severity of graft injury without being rejection-specific. Owing to its high negative predictive value, dd-cfDNA is very useful for ruling out graft injury. Dd-cfDNA complements histological findings and can help in avoiding unnecessary biopsies. It indicates a response to rejection treatment and detects underimmunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring changes in dd-cfDNA over time may be helpful in adapting immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection. Moreover, serial dd-cfDNA determination may increase the effectiveness of transplant recipient surveillance and facilitate personalized immunosuppression when combined with other relevant clinical and diagnostic findings.
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20
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Donor-derived Cell-free DNA Measurement in Kidney Transplant Patients Without Allograft Dysfunction: More Evidence and More Questions. Transplantation 2023; 107:25-26. [PMID: 35913058 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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Baumann AK, Beck J, Kirchner T, Hartleben B, Schütz E, Oellerich M, Wedemeyer H, Jaeckel E, Taubert R. Elevated fractional donor-derived cell-free DNA during subclinical graft injury after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:1911-1919. [PMID: 35429207 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Personalized immunosuppression (IS) promises to improve the balance of necessary control of alloreactivity and dose-dependent adverse effects of long-term IS such as kidney insufficiency, infections, and malignancies. The majority of liver transplantation (LT) recipients exhibit graft injuries (graft inflammation and/or fibrosis) that are not eligible for an IS reduction according to current Banff criteria, even when liver enzymes are normal or only marginally elevated. This cross-sectional study evaluated the noninvasive prediction of such subclinical graft injuries in surveillance liver biopsies via donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA). Absolute and fractional dd-cfDNA increased stepwise from patients without histological signs of rejection (n = 26) over subclinical graft injury (n = 61), including subclinical T cell-mediated rejection to clinical overt T cell-mediated rejection (n = 21). Thus, fractional plasma dd-cfDNA was significantly elevated paired to surveillance biopsies with relevant subclinical graft injury according to 2016 Banff criteria compared with those with minimal or absent histological graft injury. In contrast, the presence of donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies was not associated with the amount of dd-cfDNA. The sensitivity and specificity of fractional dd-cfDNA to noninvasively predict relevant subclinical graft injury was rather limited with 73% and 52% at the cutoff value of 2.1% fractional dd-cfDNA. The positive predictive value of fractional dd-cfDNA above 2.1% was 76% to noninvasively predict subclinical graft injury, calculated on the prevalence of graft injury in our prospective surveillance biopsy program, whereas the negative predictive values was not predictive (47%). In conclusion, dd-cfDNA has a rather limited diagnostic fidelity in addition to other noninvasive markers for the assessment of subclinical graft injury in personalized IS approaches after LT in a cross-sectional setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Baumann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Theresa Kirchner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Björn Hartleben
- Institute for Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Michael Oellerich
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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22
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Mayer KA, Omic H, Weseslindtner L, Doberer K, Reindl-Schwaighofer R, Viard T, Tillgren A, Haindl S, Casas S, Eskandary F, Heinzel A, Kozakowski N, Kikić Ž, Böhmig GA, Eder M. Levels of donor-derived cell-free DNA and chemokines in BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14785. [PMID: 35894263 PMCID: PMC10078585 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) carries a risk of irreversible allograft injury. While detection of BK viremia and biopsy assessment are the current diagnostic gold standard, the diagnostic value of biomarkers reflecting tissue injury (donor-derived cell-free DNA [dd-cfDNA]) or immune activation (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand [CXCL]9 and CXCL10) remains poorly defined. METHODS For this retrospective study, 19 cases of BKPyVAN were selected from the Vienna transplant cohort (biopsies performed between 2012 and 2019). Eight patients with T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), 17 with antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) and 10 patients without polyomavirus nephropathy or rejection served as controls. Fractions of dd-cfDNA were quantified using next-generation sequencing and CXCL9 and CXCL10 were detected using multiplex immunoassays. RESULTS BKPyVAN was associated with a slight increase in dd-cfDNA (median; interquartile range: .38% [.27%-1.2%] vs. .21% [.12%-.34%] in non-rejecting control patients; p = .005). Levels were far lower than in ABMR (1.2% [.82%-2.5%]; p = .004]), but not different from TCMR (.54% [.26%-3.56%]; p = .52). Within the BKPyVAN cohort, we found no relationship between dd-cfDNA levels and the extent of tubulo-interstitial infiltrates, BKPyVAN class and BK viremia/viruria, respectively. In some contrast to dd-cfDNA, concentrations of urinary CXCL9 and CXCL10 exceeded those detected in ABMR, but similar increases were also found in TCMR. CONCLUSION BKPyVAN can induce moderate increases in dd-cfDNA and concomitant high urinary excretion of chemokines, but this pattern may be indistinguishable from that of TCMR. Our results argue against a significant value of these biomarkers to reliably distinguish BKPyVAN from rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina A Mayer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Haris Omic
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Konstantin Doberer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roman Reindl-Schwaighofer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thierry Viard
- CareDx Inc., Brisbane, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Susanne Haindl
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Casas
- CareDx Inc., Brisbane, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Heinzel
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Željko Kikić
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Eder
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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23
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Cheng LY, Dai P, Wu LR, Patel AA, Zhang DY. Direct capture and sequencing reveal ultra-short single-stranded DNA in biofluids. iScience 2022; 25:105046. [PMID: 36147958 PMCID: PMC9486625 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105046] [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] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has become the predominant analyte of liquid biopsy; however, recent studies suggest the presence of subnucleosomal-sized DNA fragments in circulation that are likely single-stranded. Here, we report a method called direct capture and sequencing (DCS) tailored to recover such fragments from biofluids by directly capturing them using short degenerate probes followed by single strand-based library preparation and next-generation sequencing. DCS revealed a new DNA population in biofluids, named ultrashort single-stranded DNA (ussDNA). Evaluation of the size distribution and abundance of ussDNA manifested generality of its presence in humans, animal species, and plants. In humans, red blood cells were found to contain abundant ussDNA; plasma-derived ussDNA exhibited modal size at 50 nt. This work reports the presence of an understudied DNA population in circulation, and yet more work is awaiting to study its generation mechanism, tissue of origin, disease implications, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Y Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peng Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lucia R Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abhijit A Patel
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Yu Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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24
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Oellerich M, Budde K, Osmanodja B, Bornemann-Kolatzki K, Beck J, Schütz E, Walson PD. Donor-derived cell-free DNA as a diagnostic tool in transplantation. Front Genet 2022; 13:1031894. [PMID: 36339004 PMCID: PMC9634115 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1031894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need to improve personalized immunosuppression in organ transplantation to reduce premature graft loss. Biomarkers are needed to better detect rejection, asymptomatic graft injury, and under-immunosuppression. Assessment of minimal necessary exposure to guide tapering and prevent immune activation is also important. There is robust clinical evidence from a large number of published studies supporting the role of dd-cfDNA for monitoring graft integrity and detection or exclusion of rejection. Dd-cfDNA indicates graft cell death without being rejection specific. It can be determined in plasma through droplet digital PCR using preselected SNPs or next generation sequencing. Changes in recipient cfDNA (e.g., by infection) can affect the results of dd-cfDNA fractional determination. This limitation can be overcome using absolute dd-cfDNA quantification. The combination of fractional and absolute determination including total cfDNA is recommended for meaningful interpretation of the results. The value proposition for the patient includes earlier transplant injury detection and intervention, less full blown rejection risk, an alternative to invasive biopsies, and personalized immunosuppression with potential for improved long-term outcome. Transplant physicians benefit from better immunosuppressive guidance and having an alternative when biopsies are refused or contraindicated. Further advantages are improved biopsy interpretation, less trial and error changes in immunosuppression, and less time dealing with complications. The laboratory medicine specialist can provide more effective services. Hospital management and insurance companies could benefit from more cost-effective surveillance of transplant recipients. Potential cost savings would result from fewer biopsies as a result of the tests’ high negative predictive value, fewer re-transplantations, and less organ failure with return to dialysis. A pathway to implementation and metrics is suggested to measure the effectiveness of dd-cfDNA testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oellerich
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Oellerich,
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Intensive Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bilgin Osmanodja
- Department of Nephrology and Intensive Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Julia Beck
- Chronix Biomedical GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Philip D. Walson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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25
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Ward C, Odorico JS, Rickels MR, Berney T, Burke GW, Kay TW, Thaunat O, Uva PD, de Koning EJP, Arbogast H, Scholz H, Cattral MS, Stratta RJ, Stock PG. International Survey of Clinical Monitoring Practices in Pancreas and Islet Transplantation. Transplantation 2022; 106:1647-1655. [PMID: 35019897 PMCID: PMC9271126 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term outcomes of both pancreas and islet allotransplantation have been compromised by difficulties in the detection of early graft dysfunction at a time when a clinical intervention can prevent further deterioration and preserve allograft function. The lack of standardized strategies for monitoring pancreas and islet allograft function prompted an international survey established by an International Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association/European Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association working group. METHODS A global survey was administered to 24 pancreas and 18 islet programs using Redcap. The survey addressed protocolized and for-cause immunologic and metabolic monitoring strategies following pancreas and islet allotransplantation. All invited programs completed the survey. RESULTS The survey identified that in both pancreas and islet allograft programs, protocolized clinical monitoring practices included assessing body weight, fasting glucose/C-peptide, hemoglobin A1c, and donor-specific antibody. Protocolized monitoring in islet transplant programs relied on the addition of mixed meal tolerance test, continuous glucose monitoring, and autoantibody titers. In the setting of either suspicion for rejection or serially increasing hemoglobin A1c/fasting glucose levels postpancreas transplant, Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography, autoantibody titers, and pancreas graft biopsy were identified as adjunctive strategies to protocolized monitoring studies. No additional assays were identified in the setting of serially increasing hemoglobin A1c levels postislet transplantation. CONCLUSIONS This international survey identifies common immunologic and metabolic monitoring strategies utilized for protocol and for cause following pancreas and islet transplantation. In the absence of any formal studies to assess the efficacy of immunologic and metabolic testing to detect early allograft dysfunction, it can serve as a guidance document for developing monitoring algorithms following beta-cell replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Ward
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jon S. Odorico
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Michael R. Rickels
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Thierry Berney
- Division of Transplantation and Visceral Surgery, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - George W. Burke
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, and Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Thomas W.H. Kay
- Department of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital, and St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Olivier Thaunat
- Department of Transplantation, Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pablo D. Uva
- Department of Kidney Pancreas Transplantation, Instituto de Trasplantes y Alta Complejidad (ITAC – Nephrology), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Helmut Arbogast
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig Maximilian's University, Munich, Germany
| | - Hanne Scholz
- Department of Transplant Medicine and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mark S Cattral
- Department of Surgery, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert J. Stratta
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
| | - Peter G. Stock
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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26
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One Biomarker to Diagnose Them All? Transplantation 2022; 106:1300-1301. [PMID: 35731151 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Silva TD, Voisey J, Hopkins P, Apte S, Chambers D, O'Sullivan B. Markers of rejection of a lung allograft: state of the art. Biomark Med 2022; 16:483-498. [PMID: 35315284 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2021-1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) affects approximately 50% of all lung transplant recipients by 5 post-operative years and is the leading cause of death in lung transplant recipients. Early CLAD diagnosis or ideally prediction of CLAD is essential to enable early intervention before significant lung injury occurs. New technologies have emerged to facilitate biomarker discovery, including epigenetic modification and single-cell RNA sequencing. This review examines new and existing technologies for biomarker discovery and the current state of research on biomarkers for identifying lung transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharushi de Silva
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics & Personalised Heath, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joanne Voisey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics & Personalised Heath, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Hopkins
- Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Prince Charles Hospital Northside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simon Apte
- Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Prince Charles Hospital Northside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Chambers
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics & Personalised Heath, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Prince Charles Hospital Northside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brendan O'Sullivan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics & Personalised Heath, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Lung Transplant Service, Ground Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Prince Charles Hospital Northside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 4032, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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28
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Lewis D, Glehn-Ponsirenas R, Gulbahce N, Hooey LJ, Chaffin JM, Miles J, Woodward R, Duarte S, Beduschi T, Zarrinpar A. High levels of donor-derived cell-free DNA in a case of graft-versus-host-disease following liver transplantation. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:973-976. [PMID: 34825479 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) after solid organ transplantation is made difficult by its variable clinical presentation and lack of sensitive and specific biomarkers to evaluate the immune state of transplant recipients. Emerging noninvasive diagnostic techniques like the quantification of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) for surveillance may improve the current standard-of-care. Herein, we report the use of this methodology in a patient with GVHD and corresponding levels of dd-cfDNA without any evidence of graft injury. Correlation of dd-cfDNA levels with the clinical course and its novel application here could lead to improvements in the rapid diagnosis of GVHD and in monitoring of response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Lewis
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Natali Gulbahce
- Research & Development Department, CareDx, Inc., Brisbane, California
| | - Leah J Hooey
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Joanna M Chaffin
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jake Miles
- Medical Affairs Department, CareDx, Inc., Brisbane, California
| | - Robert Woodward
- Research & Development Department, CareDx, Inc., Brisbane, California
| | - Sergio Duarte
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Thiago Beduschi
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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29
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Wang EY, Perni UC, Gregg AR. Genetic Screening and Teratogenic Exposures: Considerations in Caring for the Uterus Transplant Patient. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 65:76-83. [PMID: 35045028 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Counseling the uterus transplant patient requires an enhanced knowledge of unique genetic challenges that include an understanding of the spectrum of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. Patients should understand their options for genetic screening and testing including preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, genetic screening, and diagnostic testing. This patient population is potentially at risk for fetal anomalies due to the increased susceptibility to infections, such as cytomegalovirus. There are management strategies to minimize this risk. The risk of teratogenicity from mycophenolate is eliminated by a washout period before embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Y Wang
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Uma C Perni
- Women's Health Institute, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Anthony R Gregg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health, Columbia, South Carolina
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30
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Westphal SG, Mannon RB. Emerging biomarkers in kidney transplantation and challenge of clinical implementation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:15-21. [PMID: 34939960 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite improvement in short-term outcomes after kidney transplantation, long-term outcomes remain suboptimal. Conventional biomarkers are limited in their ability to reliably identify early immunologic and nonimmunologic injury. Novel biomarkers are needed for noninvasive diagnosis of subclinical injury, prediction of response to treatment, and personalization of the care of kidney transplant recipients. RECENT FINDINGS Recent biotechnological advances have led to the discovery of promising molecular biomarker candidates. However, translating potential biomarkers from bench to clinic is challenging, and many potential biomarkers are abandoned prior to clinical implementation. Despite these challenges, several promising urine, blood, and tissue novel molecular biomarkers have emerged and are approaching incorporation into clinical practice. SUMMARY This article highlights the challenges in adopting biomarker-driven posttransplant management and reviews several promising emerging novel biomarkers that are approaching clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Westphal
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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31
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Levitsky J, Kandpal M, Guo K, Kleiboeker S, Sinha R, Abecassis M. Donor-derived cell-free DNA levels predict graft injury in liver transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:532-540. [PMID: 34510731 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) has been evaluated as a rejection marker in organ transplantation. This study sought to assess the utility of dd-cfDNA to diagnose graft injury in liver transplant recipients (LTR) and as a predictive biomarker prior to different causes of graft dysfunction. Plasma from single and multicenter LTR cohorts was analyzed for dd-cfDNA. Phenotypes of treated biopsy-proven acute rejection (AR, N = 57), normal function (TX, N = 94), and acute dysfunction no rejection (ADNR; N = 68) were divided into training and test sets. In the training set, dd-cfDNA was significantly different between AR versus TX (AUC 0.95, 5.3% cutoff) and AR versus ADNR (AUC 0.71, 20.4% cutoff). Using these cutoffs in the test set, the accuracy and NPV were 87% and 100% (AR vs. TX) and 66.7% and 87.8% (AR vs. ADNR). Blood samples collected serially from LTR demonstrated incremental elevations in dd-cfDNA prior to the onset of graft dysfunction (AR > ADNR), but not in TX. Dd-cfDNA also decreased following treatment of rejection. In conclusion, the serial elevation of dd-cfDNA identifies pre-clinical graft injury in the context of normal liver function tests and is greatest in rejection. This biomarker may help detect early signs of graft injury and rejection to inform LTR management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Levitsky
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Manoj Kandpal
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kexin Guo
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Rohita Sinha
- Eurofins Viracor Clinical Diagnostics, Lee's Summit, Missouri
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32
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Novel biomarkers of chronic lung allograft dysfunction: is there anything reliable? Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:1-6. [PMID: 34939958 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) remains a major barrier preventing long-term survival following lung transplantation. As our clinical knowledge regarding its definition and presentation has significantly improved over the last years, adequate biomarkers to predict development of CLAD, phenotype of CLAD or prognosis post-CLAD diagnosis are definitely needed. RECENT FINDINGS Radiological and physiological markers are gradually entering routine clinical practice. In-depth investigation of biological samples including broncho-alveolar lavage, biopsy and serum has generated potential biomarkers involved in fibrogenesis, airway injury and inflammation but none of these are universally accepted or implemented although progress has been made, specifically regarding donor-derived cell-free DNA and donor-specific antibodies. SUMMARY Although a lot of promising biomarkers have been put forward, a very limited number has made it to routine clinical practice. Nevertheless, a biomarker that leads to earlier detection or more adequate disease phenotyping would advance the field enormously.
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Halloran PF, Reeve J, Madill-Thomsen KS, Demko Z, Prewett A, Billings P. The Trifecta Study: Comparing Plasma Levels of Donor-derived Cell-Free DNA with the Molecular Phenotype of Kidney Transplant Biopsies. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:387-400. [PMID: 35058354 PMCID: PMC8819982 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2021091191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between the donor-derived cell-free DNA fraction (dd-cfDNA[%]) in plasma in kidney transplant recipients at time of indication biopsy and gene expression in the biopsied allograft has not been defined. METHODS In the prospective, multicenter Trifecta study, we collected tissue from 300 biopsies from 289 kidney transplant recipients to compare genome-wide gene expression in biopsies with dd-cfDNA(%) in corresponding plasma samples drawn just before biopsy. Rejection was assessed with the microarray-based Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System using automatically assigned rejection archetypes and molecular report sign-outs, and histology assessments that followed Banff guidelines. RESULTS The median time of biopsy post-transplantation was 455 days (5 days to 32 years), with a case mix similar to that of previous studies: 180 (60%) no rejection, 89 (30%) antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), and 31 (10%) T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and mixed. In genome-wide mRNA measurements, all 20 top probe sets correlating with dd-cfDNA(%) were previously annotated for association with ABMR and all types of rejection, either natural killer (NK) cell-expressed (e.g., GNLY, CCL4, TRDC, and S1PR5) or IFN-γ-inducible (e.g., PLA1A, IDO1, CXCL11, and WARS). Among gene set and classifier scores, dd-cfDNA(%) correlated very strongly with ABMR and all types of rejection, reasonably strongly with active TCMR, and weakly with inactive TCMR, kidney injury, and atrophy fibrosis. Active ABMR, mixed, and active TCMR had the highest dd-cfDNA(%), whereas dd-cfDNA(%) was lower in late-stage ABMR and less-active TCMR. By multivariate random forests and logistic regression, molecular rejection variables predicted dd-cfDNA(%) better than histologic variables. CONCLUSIONS The dd-cfDNA(%) at time of indication biopsy strongly correlates with active molecular rejection and has the potential to reduce unnecessary biopsies. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04239703.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada,Transcriptome Sciences Inc., Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jeff Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Katelynn S. Madill-Thomsen
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, Canada,Transcriptome Sciences Inc., Edmonton, Canada
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Halloran PF, Einecke G, Sikosana MLN, Madill-Thomsen K. The Biology and Molecular Basis of Organ Transplant Rejection. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 272:1-26. [PMID: 35091823 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Allograft rejection is defined as tissue injury in a transplanted allogeneic organ produced by the effector mechanisms of the adaptive alloimmune response. Effector T lymphocytes and IgG alloantibodies cause two different types of rejection that can occur either individually or simultaneously: T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). In TCMR, cognate effector T cells infiltrate the graft and orchestrate an interstitial inflammatory response in the kidney interstitium in which effector T cells engage antigen-presenting myeloid cells, activating the T cells, antigen-presenting cells, and macrophages. The result is intense expression of IFNG and IFNG-induced molecules, expression of effector T cell molecules and macrophage molecules and checkpoints, and deterioration of parenchymal function. The diagnostic lesions of TCMR follow, i.e. interstitial inflammation, parenchymal deterioration, and intimal arteritis. In ABMR, HLA IgG alloantibodies produced by plasma cells bind to the donor antigens on graft microcirculation, leading to complement activation, margination, and activation of NK cells and neutrophils and monocytes, and endothelial injury, sometimes with intimal arteritis. TCMR becomes infrequent after 5-10 years post-transplant, probably reflecting adaptive mechanisms such as checkpoints, but ABMR can present even decades post-transplant. Some rejection is triggered by inadequate immunosuppression and non-adherence, challenging the clinician to target effective immunosuppression even decades post-transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Majid L N Sikosana
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Jerič Kokelj B, Štalekar M, Vencken S, Dobnik D, Kogovšek P, Stanonik M, Arnol M, Ravnikar M. Feasibility of Droplet Digital PCR Analysis of Plasma Cell-Free DNA From Kidney Transplant Patients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:748668. [PMID: 34692738 PMCID: PMC8531215 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.748668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing research demonstrates the potential of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) as a biomarker for monitoring the health of various solid organ transplants. Several methods have been proposed for cfDNA analysis, including real-time PCR, digital PCR, and next generation sequencing-based approaches. We sought to revise the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)-based approach to quantify relative dd-cfDNA in plasma from kidney transplant (KTx) patients using a novel pilot set of assays targeting single nucleotide polymorphisms that have a very high potential to distinguish cfDNA from two individuals. The assays are capable of accurate quantification of down to 0.1% minor allele content when analyzing 165 ng of human DNA. We found no significant differences in the yield of extracted cfDNA using the three different commercial kits tested. More cfDNA was extracted from the plasma of KTx patients than from healthy volunteers, especially early after transplantation. The median level of donor-derived minor alleles in KTx samples was 0.35%. We found that ddPCR using the evaluated assays within specific range is suitable for analysis of KTx patients' plasma but recommend prior genotyping of donor DNA and performing reliable preamplification of cfDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Jerič Kokelj
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Štalekar
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - David Dobnik
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Kogovšek
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Miha Arnol
- Department of Nephrology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Ravnikar
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Garg N, Mandelbrot DA, Parajuli S, Aziz F, Astor BC, Chandraker A, Djamali A. The clinical value of donor-derived cell-free DNA measurements in kidney transplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2021; 35:100649. [PMID: 34507254 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2021.100649] [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: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis is critical to minimizing the damage rejection can do to the transplanted kidney. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) represents non-encapsulated fragmented DNA that is continuously shed into the bloodstream from the allograft undergoing injury, with a half-life of about 30 min. This article reviews the available evidence regarding the diagnostic value of dd-cfDNA in kidney transplantation, as a result of which two assays, Allosure and Prospera, have garnered Medicare approval. We provide information on important scenarios and contexts including antibody-mediated rejection, T-cell mediated rejection, pre-test probability of rejection, timing of the test, repeat transplants, and background cell-free DNA levels to help our understanding of the test characteristics and utility of these assays in clinical practice. Data on multimodality assays including gene expression profiles and serial monitoring of dd-cfDNA in high risk situations are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetika Garg
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Didier A Mandelbrot
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Sandesh Parajuli
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Fahad Aziz
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Brad C Astor
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Anil Chandraker
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Arjang Djamali
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Madison, WI, USA.
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Parajuli S, Swanson KJ, Alstott J, Aziz F, Garg N, Zhong W, Djamali A, Mandelbrot D. Transplant kidney biopsy for proteinuria with stable creatinine: Findings and outcomes. Clin Transplant 2021; 35:e14436. [PMID: 34291509 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14436] [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: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known aboutbiopsy findings and outcomes when kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) undergo biopsy for isolated proteinuria with stable serum creatinine (SCr). METHODS We analyzed all KTRs who underwent biopsy for isolated proteinuria with stable SCr between January 2016 and June 2020. Patients were divided into three groups based on the biopsy findings: Active Rejection (AR), Glomerulonephritis (GN), and Other. RESULTS A total of 130 KTRs fulfilled our selection criteria; 38 (29%) in the AR group, 26 (20%) in the GN group, and 66 (51%) in the Other group. Most baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. In multivariate analysis, higher HLA mismatch (HR per mismatch: 1.30; 95% CI:1.06-1.59; P = .01) and male gender (HR: .45; 95% CI .23-.89; P = .02) were associated with AR. There was no significant correlation between the degree of proteinuria and rejection (r = .05, P = .58) or GN (r = .07, P = .53). Graft survival was also similar between the groups. Likely due to the early diagnosis without a significant rise in SCr, outcomes were similar among all three groups. CONCLUSION Routine monitoring for proteinuria followed by a biopsy and appropriate management may help to identify early acute graft injury and prevent graft failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandesh Parajuli
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kurtis J Swanson
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - James Alstott
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Fahad Aziz
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Neetika Garg
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Weixiong Zhong
- Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Arjang Djamali
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Didier Mandelbrot
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Correlation of Donor-Derived Cell-free DNA with Histology and Molecular Diagnoses of Kidney Transplant Biopsies. Transplantation 2021; 106:1061-1070. [PMID: 34075006 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating donor-derived cell free DNA (cfDNA), a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for kidney transplant rejection, was validated using traditional histology. The Molecular Microscope (MMDx) tissue gene expression platform may provide increased precision to traditional histology. METHODS In this single-center prospective study of 208 biopsies (median=5.8 months) post-transplant, we report on the calibration of cfDNA with simultaneous biopsy assessments using MMDx and histology by Area under the curve (AUC) analyses for optimal criterion, as well as for, previously published cfDNA cut-offs ≤0.21% to 'rule-out' rejection and ≥1% to 'rule-in' rejection. RESULTS There were significant discrepancies between histology and MMDx, with MMDx identifying more antibody-mediated rejection (65; 31%) than histology (43; 21%); the opposite was true for T-cell mediated rejection [TCMR; histology: 27 (13%) vs MMDx: 13 (6%)]. Most of the TCMR discrepancies were seen for histologic borderline/1A TCMR. AUC Curves for cfDNA and prediction of rejection were slightly better with MMDx (AUC=0.80; 95%CI: 0.74-0.86) vs. histology (AUC=0.75; 95%CI: 0.69-0.81). A cfDNA≤0.21% had similar sensitivity (~91%) to 'rule-out' rejection by histology and MMDx. Specificity was slightly higher with MMDx (92%) compared with histology (85%) to 'rule-in' rejection using cfDNA criterion≥1%. Strong positive quantitative correlations were observed between cfDNA scores and molecular acute kidney injury (AKI) for both 'rejection' and 'nonrejection' biopsies. CONCLUSIONS Molecular diagnostics using tissue gene expression and blood-based donor-derived cell-free DNA may add precision to some cases of traditional histology. The positive correlation of cfDNA with molecular AKI suggests a dose-dependent association with tissue injury irrespective of rejection characteristics.
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