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Fernando JJ, Biswas R, Biswas L. Non-invasive molecular biomarkers for monitoring solid organ transplantation: A comprehensive overview. Int J Immunogenet 2024; 51:47-62. [PMID: 38200592 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12654] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving intervention for individuals with end-stage organ failure. Despite the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy, the risk of graft rejection persists in all viable transplants between individuals. The risk of rejection may vary depending on the degree of compatibility between the donor and recipient for both human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA gene-encoded products. Monitoring the status of the allograft is a critical aspect of post-transplant management, with invasive biopsies being the standard of care for detecting rejection. Non-invasive biomarkers are increasingly being recognized as valuable tools for aiding in the detection of graft rejection, monitoring graft status and evaluating the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy. Here, we focus on the importance of molecular biomarkers in solid organ transplantation and their potential role in clinical practice. Conventional molecular biomarkers used in transplantation include HLA typing, detection of anti-HLA antibodies, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genotypes, and anti-MHC class 1-related chain A antibodies, which are important for assessing the compatibility of the donor and recipient. Emerging molecular biomarkers include the detection of donor-derived cell-free DNA, microRNAs (regulation of gene expression), exosomes (small vesicles secreted by cells), and kidney solid organ response test, in the recipient's blood for early signs of rejection. This review highlights the strengths and limitations of these molecular biomarkers and their potential role in improving transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffy J Fernando
- Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Raja Biswas
- Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Lalitha Biswas
- Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
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Obrișcă B, Leca N, Chou-Wu E, Sibulesky L, Bakthavatsalam R, Kling CE, Alawieh R, Smith KD, Ismail G, Gimferrer I. Anti-GSTT1 antibodies and Null genotype correlate with histological changes of antibody mediated rejection in kidney transplantation. Transpl Immunol 2023; 81:101943. [PMID: 37866670 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101943] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of anti-Glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) antibodies (abs) has been hypothesized as a pathogenic contributor in antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). METHODS We aimed to evaluate the relationship between genetic variants of GSTT1, anti-GSTT1 abs and AMR in a cohort of 87 kidney transplant (KTx) patients using Immucor's non-HLA Luminex assay. Patients were classified according to biopsy-proven AMR and HLA-DSA status: AMR with positive anti-HLA-DSAs (AMR/DSA+, n = 29), AMR but no detectable anti-HLA-DSAs (AMR/DSA-, n = 28) and control patients with stable allograft function and no evidence of rejection (n = 30). RESULTS At an MFI cut-off of 3000, the overall prevalence of anti-GSTT1 abs was 18.3%. The proportion of patients with anti-GSTT1 abs was higher in the AMR/DSA- group (25%), compared to the control (13.3%) and AMR/DSA+ group (3.4%) (p = 0.06). Among patients with anti-GSTT1 abs, the MFI was higher in AMR/DSA- and GSTT1-Null patients. Of 81 patients who underwent GSTT1 genotyping, 19.8% were homozygotes for the null allele (GSTT1-Null). GSTT1-Null status in the transplant recipients was associated with the development of anti-GSTT1 abs (OR, 4.49; 95%CI, 1.2-16.7). In addition, GSTT1-Null genotype (OR 26.01; 95%CI, 1.63-404) and anti-GSTT1 ab positivity (OR 14.8; 95%CI, 1.1-190) were associated with AMR. Within AMR/DSA- patients, the presence of anti-GSTT1 abs didn't confer a higher risk of failure within the study observation period. CONCLUSION The presence of anti-GSTT1 abs and GSTT1-Null genotype is associated with AMR, but do not appear to lead to accelerated graft injury in this cohort of early allograft injury changes, with a limited period of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Obrișcă
- Fundeni Clinical Institute, Division of Nephrology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicolae Leca
- University of Washington, Division of Nephrology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elaine Chou-Wu
- Bloodworks Northwest, Immunogenetics/HLA Laboratory, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lena Sibulesky
- University of Washington, Division of Transplant Surgery, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Catherine E Kling
- University of Washington, Division of Transplant Surgery, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rasha Alawieh
- Yale Waterbury Internal Medicine Residency Program, Waterbury, CT, USA
| | - Kelly D Smith
- University of Washington, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gener Ismail
- Fundeni Clinical Institute, Division of Nephrology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Idoia Gimferrer
- Bloodworks Northwest, Immunogenetics/HLA Laboratory, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Berezina TA, Berezin AE. Cell-free DNA as a plausible biomarker of chronic kidney disease. Epigenomics 2023; 15:879-890. [PMID: 37791402 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0255] [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] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) is released from dead and/or apoptotic leukocytes and due to neutrophil extracellular traps contributing to an inflammatory response. Previous clinical studies have reported that the peak concentrations and dynamic changes of cf-DNA may be used as a noninvasive biomarker of worsening kidney function as well as a guide to the management of kidney allograft rejection. We hypothesized that the pattern and dynamic changes of cf-DNA might be a plausible predictive biomarker for patients at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), including individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, cardiovascular disease and established CKD. Along with it, pre- and posthemodialysis levels of serum cf-DNA appear to be a independent predictor for all-cause mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetiana A Berezina
- VitaCenter, Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Zaporozhye, 69000, Ukraine
| | - Alexander E Berezin
- Paracelsus Medical University, Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
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Graver AS, Lee D, Power DA, Whitlam JB. Understanding Donor-derived Cell-free DNA in Kidney Transplantation: An Overview and Case-based Guide for Clinicians. Transplantation 2023; 107:1675-1686. [PMID: 36579675 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004482] [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: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Kidney transplant recipients undergo lifelong monitoring of allograft function and evaluation for transplant complications. The current monitoring paradigm utilizes blood, urine, and tissue markers that are insensitive, nonspecific, or invasive to obtain. As a result, problems are detected late, after significant damage has accrued, and often beyond the time at which complete resolution is possible. Indeed, most kidney transplants eventually fail, usually because of chronic rejection and other undetected injury. There is a clear need for a transplant-specific biomarker that enables a proactive approach to monitoring via early detection of reversible pathology. A biomarker that supports timely and personalized treatment would assist in achieving the ultimate goal of improving allograft survival and limiting therapeutic toxicity to the recipient. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (ddcfDNA) has been proposed as one such transplant biomarker. Although the test is presently utilized most in the United States, it is conceivable that its use will become more widespread. This review covers aspects of ddcfDNA that support informed use of the test by general nephrologists, including the basic biology of ddcfDNA, methodological nuances of testing, and general recommendations for use in the kidney transplant population. Clinical contexts are used to illustrate evidence-supported interpretation of ddcfDNA results and subsequent management. Finally, knowledge gaps and areas for further study are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Graver
- Kidney Transplant Service, Department of Nephrology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Darren Lee
- Kidney Transplant Service, Department of Nephrology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - David A Power
- Kidney Transplant Service, Department of Nephrology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John B Whitlam
- Kidney Transplant Service, Department of Nephrology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Gniewkiewicz M, Czerwinska K, Zielniok K, Durlik M. Association of Circulating Anti-HLA Donor-Specific Antibodies and Their Characteristics, including C1q-Binding Capacity, in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Long-Term Renal Graft Outcomes. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041312. [PMID: 36835848 PMCID: PMC9962721 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-transplant antihuman leukocyte antigen donor-specific antibodies (anti-HLA DSAs) monitoring in kidney transplant recipients remains unclear and is currently under investigation. The pathogenicity of anti-HLA DSAs is determined by antibody classes, specificity, mean fluorescent intensity (MFI), C1q-binding capacity, and IgG subclasses. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of circulating DSAs and their characteristics with renal allograft long-term outcomes. The study included 108 consecutive patients from our transplant center who underwent kidney allograft biopsy between November 2018 and November 2020, 3 to 24 months after kidney transplantation. At the time of biopsy, patients' sera were collected for analysis of anti-HLA DSAs. Patients were followed for a median time of 39.0 months (Q1-Q3, 29.8-45.0). Detection of anti-HLA DSAs at the time of biopsy (HR = 5.133, 95% CI 2.150-12.253, p = 0.0002) and their C1q-binding capacity (HR = 14.639, 95% CI 5.320-40.283, p ≤ 0.0001) were independent predictors of the composite of sustained 30% reduction from estimated glomerular filtration rate or death-censored graft failure. Identification of anti-HLA DSAs and their C1q-binding capacity could be useful in identifying kidney transplant recipients at risk for inferior renal allograft function and graft failure. Analysis of C1q is noninvasive, accessible, and should be considered in clinical practice in post-transplant monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Gniewkiewicz
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Katarzyna Czerwinska
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Zielniok
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Durlik
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
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Louis K, Lefaucheur C. DSA in solid organ transplantation: is it a matter of specificity, amount, or functional characteristics? Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:392-398. [PMID: 35881421 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review describes the clinical relevance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) donor-specific antibodies (HLA-DSAs) as biomarkers of alloimmunity and summarizes recent improvements in their characterization that provide insights into immune risk assessment, precision diagnosis, and prognostication in transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have addressed the clinical utility of HLA-DSAs as biomarkers for immune risk assessment in pretransplant and peritransplant, diagnosis and treatment evaluation of antibody-mediated rejection, immune monitoring posttransplant, and risk stratification. SUMMARY HLA-DSAs have proved to be the most advanced immune biomarkers in solid organ transplantation in terms of analytical validity, clinical validity and clinical utility. Recent studies are integrating multiple HLA-DSA characteristics including antibody specificity, HLA class, quantity, immunoglobulin G subclass, and complement-binding capacity to improve risk assessment peritransplant, diagnosis and treatment evaluation of antibody-mediated rejection, immune monitoring posttransplant, and transplant prognosis evaluation. In addition, integration of HLA-DSAs to clinical, functional and histological transplant parameters has further consolidated the utility of HLA-DSAs as robust biomarkers and allows to build new tools for monitoring, precision diagnosis, and risk stratification for individual patients. However, prospective and randomized-controlled studies addressing the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of HLA-DSA-based monitoring and patient management strategies are required to demonstrate that the use of HLA-DSAs as biomarkers can improve current clinical practice and transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Louis
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris
- Human Immunology and Immunopathology, Université de Paris
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR-S970, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Combining donor-derived cell-free DNA and donor specific antibody testing as non-invasive biomarkers for rejection in kidney transplantation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15061. [PMID: 36064740 PMCID: PMC9445050 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19017-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Donor specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) have lead to substantial progress in the non-invasive monitoring of the renal allograft by being able to detect or rule out subclinical rejection and guide immunosuppressive changes. In this study we sought to analyze the clinical, de novo DSA (dnDSA) and histological determinants of dd-cfDNA levels. The study included a cohort of stable renal function kidney transplant (KT) recipients who underwent anti-HLA dnDSA and dd-cfDNA testing between September 2017-December 2019. Statistical models were constructed to detect association with predictors of dd-cfDNA levels and other clinical characteristics. 171 renal allograft recipients were tested for dd-cfDNA and dnDSA at a median 1.06 years posttransplant (IQR: 0.37–4.63). Median dd-cfDNA was 0.25% (IQR: 0.19–0.51), 18.7% of patients having a dd-cfDNA ≥ 1%. In a multivariate linear regression model the presence of dnDSA MFI ≥ 2500 was the best independent determinant of dd-cfDNA level (p < 0.001). Among patients tested, 54 had concurrent dd-cfDNA determination at the time of an allograft biopsy. dd-cfDNA had an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI 0.69–0.91; p < 0.001) and of 0.96 (95% CI 0.87–0.99) to discriminate any rejection and ABMR, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the models that included ABMR (R = 0.82, R2 = 0.67, p < 0.001), or ptc (R = 0.79, R2 = 0.63, p < 0.001) showed the best correlation with dd-cfDNA level. We are confirming a strong association of dd-cfDNA with dnDSA and underlying alloimmune-mediated injury in renal allograft recipients in a cohort of patients with unsuspecting clinical characteristics for rejection and excellent allograft function. Our findings support the need for noninvasive biomarker surveillance in KT recipients and we propose that dd-cfDNA may complement dnDSA screening.
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