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Steggerda JA, Heeger PS. The Promise of Complement Therapeutics in Solid Organ Transplantation. Transplantation 2024; 108:1882-1894. [PMID: 38361233 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004927] [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: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Transplantation is the ideal therapy for end-stage organ failure, but outcomes for all transplant organs are suboptimal, underscoring the need to develop novel approaches to improve graft survival and function. The complement system, traditionally considered a component of innate immunity, is now known to broadly control inflammation and crucially contribute to induction and function of adaptive T-cell and B-cell immune responses, including those induced by alloantigens. Interest of pharmaceutical industries in complement therapeutics for nontransplant indications and the understanding that the complement system contributes to solid organ transplantation injury through multiple mechanisms raise the possibility that targeting specific complement components could improve transplant outcomes and patient health. Here, we provide an overview of complement biology and review the roles and mechanisms through which the complement system is pathogenically linked to solid organ transplant injury. We then discuss how this knowledge has been translated into novel therapeutic strategies to improve organ transplant outcomes and identify areas for future investigation. Although the clinical application of complement-targeted therapies in transplantation remains in its infancy, the increasing availability of new agents in this arena provides a rich environment for potentially transformative translational transplant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Steggerda
- Division of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Peter S Heeger
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
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2
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Heeger PS, Haro MC, Jordan S. Translating B cell immunology to the treatment of antibody-mediated allograft rejection. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:218-232. [PMID: 38168662 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00791-0] [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] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), including chronic AMR (cAMR), causes ~50% of kidney allograft losses each year. Despite attempts to develop well-tolerated and effective therapeutics for the management of AMR, to date, none has obtained FDA approval, thereby highlighting an urgent unmet medical need. Discoveries over the past decade from basic, translational and clinical studies of transplant recipients have provided a foundation for developing novel therapeutic approaches to preventing and treating AMR and cAMR. These interventions are aimed at reducing donor-specific antibody levels, decreasing graft injury and fibrosis, and preserving kidney function. Innovative approaches emerging from basic science findings include targeting interactions between alloreactive T cells and B cells, and depleting alloreactive memory B cells, as well as donor-specific antibody-producing plasmablasts and plasma cells. Therapies aimed at reducing the cytotoxic antibody effector functions mediated by natural killer cells and the complement system, and their associated pro-inflammatory cytokines, are also undergoing evaluation. The complexity of the pathogenesis of AMR and cAMR suggest that multiple approaches will probably be required to treat these disease processes effectively. Definitive answers await results from large, double-blind, multicentre, randomized controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Heeger
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maria Carrera Haro
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Stanley Jordan
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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3
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Kanbay M, Copur S, Yilmaz ZY, Baydar DE, Bilge I, Susal C, Kocak B, Ortiz A. The role of anticomplement therapy in the management of the kidney allograft. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15277. [PMID: 38485664 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
As the number of patients living with kidney failure grows, the need also grows for kidney transplantation, the gold standard kidney replacement therapy that provides a survival advantage. This may result in an increased rate of transplantation from HLA-mismatched donors that increases the rate of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), which already is the leading cause of allograft failure. Plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, anti-CD20 therapies (i.e., rituximab), bortezomib and splenectomy have been used over the years to treat AMR as well as to prevent AMR in high-risk sensitized kidney transplant recipients. Eculizumab and ravulizumab are monoclonal antibodies targeting the C5 protein of the complement pathway and part of the expanding field of anticomplement therapies, which is not limited to kidney transplant recipients, and also includes complement-mediated microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and ANCA-vasculitis. In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the pathophysiological background and use of anti-C5 strategies (eculizumab and ravulizumab) and C1-esterase inhibitor in AMR, either to prevent AMR in high-risk desensitized patients or to treat AMR as first-line or rescue therapy and also to treat de novo thrombotic microangiopathy in kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Kanbay
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sidar Copur
- Department of Medicine, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Y Yilmaz
- Department of Medicine, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Ertoy Baydar
- Department of Pathology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilmay Bilge
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Caner Susal
- Transplant Immunology Research Center of Excellence, Koc University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Kocak
- Department of Urology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and IIS-Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Zhang H, Zhang D, Xu Y, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Hu X. Interferon-γ and its response are determinants of antibody-mediated rejection and clinical outcomes in patients after renal transplantation. Genes Immun 2024; 25:66-81. [PMID: 38246974 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-024-00254-x] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is an important cytokine in tissue homeostasis and immune response, while studies about it in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) are very limited. This study aims to comprehensively elucidate the role of IFN-γ in ABMR after renal transplantation. In six renal transplantation cohorts, the IFN-γ responses (IFNGR) biological process was consistently top up-regulated in ABMR compared to stable renal function or even T cell-mediated rejection in both allografts and peripheral blood. According to single-cell analysis, IFNGR levels were found to be broadly elevated in most cell types in allografts and peripheral blood with ABMR. In allografts with ABMR, M1 macrophages had the highest IFNGR levels and were heavily infiltrated, while kidney resident M2 macrophages were nearly absent. In peripheral blood, CD14+ monocytes had the top IFNGR level and were significantly increased in ABMR. Immunofluorescence assay showed that levels of IFN-γ and M1 macrophages were sharply elevated in allografts with ABMR than non-rejection. Importantly, the IFNGR level in allografts was identified as a strong risk factor for long-term renal graft survival. Together, this study systematically analyzed multi-omics from thirteen independent cohorts and identified IFN-γ and IFNGR as determinants of ABMR and clinical outcomes in patients after renal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zijian Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Dumortier J, Conti F, Hiriart JB, Dharancy S, Duvoux C, Besch C, Houssel-Debry P, Latournerie M, Chermak F, Meszaros M, Pageaux GP, Radenne S, Boillot O, Hardwigsen J, Kounis I, Kamar N, Saliba F, Erard D, Del Bello A. Treatment of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies-mediated rejection after liver transplantation: A French nationwide retrospective study. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:1313-1322. [PMID: 37367954 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The deleterious effect of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) after liver transplantation (LT) has been increasingly recognized during the past decade. Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) represents a rare but severe complication in the presence of DSA. However, little is known concerning the treatment of AMR after LT. The nationwide French study aimed to describe LT recipients who received specific treatment of AMR. We performed a multicenter retrospective study on 44 patients who were treated with B-cell targeting agents from January 2008 to December 2020. Median patient age at the time of AMR treatment was 51.6 years (range: 17.9-68.0). AMR was classified as acute (n = 19) or chronic (n = 25). The diagnosis of AMR was made after a median time of 16.8 months (range: 0.4-274.2) after LT. The main therapeutic combination was plasma exchange/rituximab/IVIG (n = 25, 56.8%). The median follow-up after the treatment of AMR was 32 months (range: 1-115). After the treatment, 1-, 5- and 10-year patient and graft survivals were 77%, 55.9%, and 55.9%, and 69.5%, 47.0%, and 47.0%, respectively. Initial total bilirubin (Q1-Q3 vs. Q4) was significantly associated with patient survival (log-rank test, p = 0.005) and graft survival (log-rank test, p = 0.002). After a median follow-up of 21 months (range: 12-107), DSA became undetectable in 15/38 patients (39.5%) with available DSA monitoring. In conclusion, specific treatment of AMR in LT recipients has slowly emerged in France during the past decade and has probably been considered in the most severe patients; this explains the global poor outcome, even if the outcome was favorable in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Dumortier
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Fédération des Spécialités digestives, et Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Filomena Conti
- APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Service d'hépatologie et transplantation hépatique, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Hiriart
- CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, Service de Chirurgie hépatobiliaire et de transplantation hépatique, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sébastien Dharancy
- CHU Lille, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Service des maladies de l'appareil digestif, Lille, France
| | | | - Camille Besch
- CHRU Hautepierre, Service de chirurgie hépato-bilio-pancréatique et transplantation hépatique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pauline Houssel-Debry
- Hôpital Universitaire de Pontchaillou, Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation hépatique, Rennes, France
| | - Marianne Latournerie
- CHU Dijon, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie et oncologie digestive, Inserm EPICAD LNC-UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Faiza Chermak
- CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, Service de Chirurgie hépatobiliaire et de transplantation hépatique, Bordeaux, France
| | - Magdalena Meszaros
- CHU Saint Eloi, Département d'hépato-gatroentérologie et transplantation hépatique, et Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- CHU Saint Eloi, Département d'hépato-gatroentérologie et transplantation hépatique, et Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvie Radenne
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Boillot
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Fédération des Spécialités digestives, et Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Jean Hardwigsen
- APHM, Hôpital La Timone, Service chirurgie générale et transplantation hépatique Marseille, France
| | - Ilias Kounis
- AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, INSERM, Unité 1193, Hepatinov, et Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- CHU Rangueil, Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation d'Organes, Toulouse, France
| | - Faouzi Saliba
- AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, INSERM, Unité 1193, Hepatinov, et Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Domitille Erard
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Lyon, France
| | - Arnaud Del Bello
- CHU Rangueil, Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation d'Organes, Toulouse, France
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Golshayan D, Schwotzer N, Fakhouri F, Zuber J. Targeting the Complement Pathway in Kidney Transplantation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 34:1776-1792. [PMID: 37439664 PMCID: PMC10631604 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system is paramount in the clearance of pathogens and cell debris, yet is increasingly recognized as a key component in several pathways leading to allograft injury. There is thus a growing interest in new biomarkers to assess complement activation and guide tailored therapies after kidney transplantation (KTx). C5 blockade has revolutionized post-transplant management of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, a paradigm of complement-driven disease. Similarly, new drugs targeting the complement amplification loop hold much promise in the treatment and prevention of recurrence of C3 glomerulopathy. Although unduly activation of the complement pathway has been described after brain death and ischemia reperfusion, any clinical attempts to mitigate the ensuing renal insults have so far provided mixed results. However, the intervention timing, strategy, and type of complement blocker need to be optimized in these settings. Furthermore, the fast-moving field of ex vivo organ perfusion technology opens new avenues to deliver complement-targeted drugs to kidney allografts with limited iatrogenic risks. Complement plays also a key role in the pathogenesis of donor-specific ABO- and HLA-targeted alloantibodies. However, C5 blockade failed overall to improve outcomes in highly sensitized patients and prevent the progression to chronic antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). Similarly, well-conducted studies with C1 inhibitors in sensitized recipients yielded disappointing results so far, in part, because of subtherapeutic dosage used in clinical studies. The emergence of new complement blockers raises hope to significantly reduce the negative effect of ischemia reperfusion, ABMR, and nephropathy recurrence on outcomes after KTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dela Golshayan
- Transplantation Center, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nora Schwotzer
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fadi Fakhouri
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Zuber
- Service de Transplantation rénale adulte, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
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7
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Coutance G, Kobashigawa JA, Kransdorf E, Loupy A, Desiré E, Kittleson M, Patel JK. Intermediate-term outcomes of complement inhibition for prevention of antibody-mediated rejection in immunologically high-risk heart allograft recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023; 42:1464-1468. [PMID: 37182818 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.05.005] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Allosensitization represents a major barrier to heart transplantation. We previously reported favorable 1-year outcomes of complement inhibition at transplant in highly sensitized recipients. We now report a longer follow-up. In this single-arm trial (NCT02013037), 20 patients with panel reactive antibodies ≥70% and preformed donor-specific antibodies received eculizumab during the first 2 months post-transplant. The primary end-point was antibody-mediated rejection ≥ pAMR2 and/or left ventricular dysfunction. The median follow-up was 4.8 years. Beyond the first year post-transplant, there were no episodes of pAMR2 or greater and no Left Ventricular (LV) dysfunction. There were 3 deaths, 1 episode of pAMR1, and 1 patient with minimal de novo cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Compared to a matched control group, we observed a nonstatistically significant benefit of eculizumab with a lower incidence of the primary end-point or death (primary end-point: hazard ratio = 0.50, 95% confidence interval = 0.15-1.67, and p = 0.26; mortality: hazard ratio = 0.51, 95% confidence interval = 0.13-2.07, and p = 0.35). Our results support the utility of complement inhibition for high-immunological-risk recipients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinincalTrials.gov, NCT02013037. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02013037?term=eculizumab&cond=heart+transplantation&draw=2&rank=1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Coutance
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Translational Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, France; Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, Cardiology Institute, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP). Sorbonne University Medical School, Paris, France.
| | - Jon A Kobashigawa
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Evan Kransdorf
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alexandre Loupy
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Translational Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, France
| | - Eva Desiré
- Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, Cardiology Institute, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP). Sorbonne University Medical School, Paris, France
| | - Michelle Kittleson
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jignesh K Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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van den Broek DAJ, Meziyerh S, Budde K, Lefaucheur C, Cozzi E, Bertrand D, López del Moral C, Dorling A, Emonds MP, Naesens M, de Vries APJ. The Clinical Utility of Post-Transplant Monitoring of Donor-Specific Antibodies in Stable Renal Transplant Recipients: A Consensus Report With Guideline Statements for Clinical Practice. Transpl Int 2023; 36:11321. [PMID: 37560072 PMCID: PMC10408721 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.11321] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Solid phase immunoassays improved the detection and determination of the antigen-specificity of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to human leukocyte antigens (HLA). The widespread use of SPI in kidney transplantation also introduced new clinical dilemmas, such as whether patients should be monitored for DSA pre- or post-transplantation. Pretransplant screening through SPI has become standard practice and DSA are readily determined in case of suspected rejection. However, DSA monitoring in recipients with stable graft function has not been universally established as standard of care. This may be related to uncertainty regarding the clinical utility of DSA monitoring as a screening tool. This consensus report aims to appraise the clinical utility of DSA monitoring in recipients without overt signs of graft dysfunction, using the Wilson & Junger criteria for assessing the validity of a screening practice. To assess the evidence on DSA monitoring, the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) convened a dedicated workgroup, comprised of experts in transplantation nephrology and immunology, to review relevant literature. Guidelines and statements were developed during a consensus conference by Delphi methodology that took place in person in November 2022 in Prague. The findings and recommendations of the workgroup on subclinical DSA monitoring are presented in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis A. J. van den Broek
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Soufian Meziyerh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Emanuele Cozzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Transplant Immunology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Dominique Bertrand
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantation and Hemodialysis, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Covadonga López del Moral
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Anthony Dorling
- Department of Inflammation Biology, Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Paule Emonds
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory (HILA), Belgian Red Cross-Flanders, Mechelen, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Naesens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aiko P. J. de Vries
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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9
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Habibabady Z, McGrath G, Kinoshita K, Maenaka A, Ikechukwu I, Elias GF, Zaletel T, Rosales I, Hara H, Pierson RN, Cooper DKC. Antibody-mediated rejection in xenotransplantation: Can it be prevented or reversed? Xenotransplantation 2023; 30:e12816. [PMID: 37548030 PMCID: PMC11101061 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is the commonest cause of failure of a pig graft after transplantation into an immunosuppressed nonhuman primate (NHP). The incidence of AMR compared to acute cellular rejection is much higher in xenotransplantation (46% vs. 7%) than in allotransplantation (3% vs. 63%) in NHPs. Although AMR in an allograft can often be reversed, to our knowledge there is no report of its successful reversal in a pig xenograft. As there is less experience in preventing or reversing AMR in models of xenotransplantation, the results of studies in patients with allografts provide more information. These include (i) depletion or neutralization of serum anti-donor antibodies, (ii) inhibition of complement activation, (iii) therapies targeting B or plasma cells, and (iv) anti-inflammatory therapy. Depletion or neutralization of anti-pig antibody, for example, by plasmapheresis, is effective in depleting antibodies, but they recover within days. IgG-degrading enzymes do not deplete IgM. Despite the expression of human complement-regulatory proteins on the pig graft, inhibition of systemic complement activation may be necessary, particularly if AMR is to be reversed. Potential therapies include (i) inhibition of complement activation (e.g., by IVIg, C1 INH, or an anti-C5 antibody), but some complement inhibitors are not effective in NHPs, for example, eculizumab. Possible B cell-targeted therapies include (i) B cell depletion, (ii) plasma cell depletion, (iii) modulation of B cell activation, and (iv) enhancing the generation of regulatory B and/or T cells. Among anti-inflammatory agents, anti-IL6R mAb and TNF blockers are increasingly being tested in xenotransplantation models, but with no definitive evidence that they reverse AMR. Increasing attention should be directed toward testing combinations of the above therapies. We suggest that treatment with a systemic complement inhibitor is likely to be most effective, possibly combined with anti-inflammatory agents (if these are not already being administered). Ultimately, it may require further genetic engineering of the organ-source pig to resolve the problem entirely, for example, knockout or knockdown of SLA, and/or expression of PD-L1, HLA E, and/or HLA-G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Habibabady
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gannon McGrath
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kohei Kinoshita
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Akihiro Maenaka
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ileka Ikechukwu
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gabriela F. Elias
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tjasa Zaletel
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ivy Rosales
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hidetaka Hara
- Yunnan Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Richard N. Pierson
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David K. C. Cooper
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Mizera J, Pilch J, Giordano U, Krajewska M, Banasik M. Therapy in the Course of Kidney Graft Rejection-Implications for the Cardiovascular System-A Systematic Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1458. [PMID: 37511833 PMCID: PMC10381422 DOI: 10.3390/life13071458] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney graft failure is not a homogenous disease and the Banff classification distinguishes several types of graft rejection. The maintenance of a transplant and the treatment of its failure require specific medications and differ due to the underlying molecular mechanism. As a consequence, patients suffering from different rejection types will experience distinct side-effects upon therapy. The review is focused on comparing treatment regimens as well as presenting the latest insights into innovative therapeutic approaches in patients with an ongoing active ABMR, chronic active ABMR, chronic ABMR, acute TCMR, chronic active TCMR, borderline and mixed rejection. Furthermore, the profile of cardiovascular adverse effects in relation to the applied therapy was subjected to scrutiny. Lastly, a detailed assessment and comparison of different approaches were conducted in order to identify those that are the most and least detrimental for patients suffering from kidney graft failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Mizera
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-551 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Pilch
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-551 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ugo Giordano
- University Clinical Hospital, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-551 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-551 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mirosław Banasik
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-551 Wroclaw, Poland
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11
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Gibson B, Connelly C, Moldakhmetova S, Sheerin NS. Complement activation and kidney transplantation; a complex relationship. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152396. [PMID: 37276614 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Although kidney transplantation is the best treatment for end stage kidney disease, the benefits are limited by factors such as the short fall in donor numbers, the burden of immunosuppression and graft failure. Although there have been improvements in one-year outcomes, the annual rate of graft loss beyond the first year has not significantly improved, despite better therapies to control the alloimmune response. There is therefore a need to develop alternative strategies to limit kidney injury at all stages along the transplant pathway and so improve graft survival. Complement is primarily part of the innate immune system, but is also known to enhance the adaptive immune response. There is increasing evidence that complement activation occurs at many stages during transplantation and can have deleterious effects on graft outcome. Complement activation begins in the donor and occurs again on reperfusion following a period of ischemia. Complement can contribute to the development of the alloimmune response and may directly contribute to graft injury during acute and chronic allograft rejection. The complexity of the relationship between complement activation and allograft outcome is further increased by the capacity of the allograft to synthesise complement proteins, the contribution complement makes to interstitial fibrosis and complement's role in the development of recurrent disease. The better we understand the role played by complement in kidney transplant pathology the better placed we will be to intervene. This is particularly relevant with the rapid development of complement therapeutics which can now target different the different pathways of the complement system. Combining our basic understanding of complement biology with preclinical and observational data will allow the development and delivery of clinical trials which have best chance to identify any benefit of complement inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Gibson
- Clinical and Translational Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - C Connelly
- Clinical and Translational Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - S Moldakhmetova
- Clinical and Translational Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - N S Sheerin
- Clinical and Translational Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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12
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Roux A, Hachem RR. Point-Counterpoint: Desensitization to improve the likelihood of lung transplantation. Hum Immunol 2023; 84:43-45. [PMID: 36328804 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Roux
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | - Ramsey R Hachem
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA.
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13
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Novel Complement C5 Small-interfering RNA Lipid Nanoparticle Prolongs Graft Survival in a Hypersensitized Rat Kidney Transplant Model. Transplantation 2022; 106:2338-2347. [PMID: 35749284 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prophylaxis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) caused by donor-specific antibodies remains challenging. Given the critical roles of complement activity in antibody-mediated graft injury, we developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation of small-interfering RNA against complement C5 (C5 siRNA-LNP) and investigated whether C5 siRNA-LNP could downregulate the complement activity and act as an effective treatment for AMR. METHODS Lewis recipient rats were sensitized by skin grafting from Brown Norway donor rats. Kidney transplantation was performed at 4 wk post-skin grafting.C5 siRNA- or control siRNA-LNP was administered intravenously, and the weekly injections were continued until the study's conclusion. Cyclosporin (CsA) and/or deoxyspergualin (DSG) were used as adjunctive immunosuppressants. Complement activity was evaluated using hemolysis assays. The deposition of C5b9 in the grafts was evaluated using immunohistochemical analysis on day 7 posttransplantation. RESULTS C5 siRNA-LNP completely suppressed C5 expression and complement activity (hemolytic activity ≤ 20%) 7 d postadministration. C5 siRNA-LNP in combination with CsA and DSG (median survival time: 56.0 d) prolonged graft survival compared with control siRNA-LNP in combination with CsA and DSG (median survival time: 21.0 d; P = 0.0012; log-rank test). Immunohistochemical analysis of the grafts revealed that downregulation of C5 expression was associated with a reduction in C5b9-positive area ( P = 0.0141, Steel-Dwass test). CONCLUSIONS C5 siRNA-LNP combined with immunosuppressants CsA and DSG downregulated C5 activity and significantly prolonged graft survival compared with control siRNA-LNP with CsA and DSG. Downregulation of C5 expression using C5 siRNA-LNP may be an effective therapeutic approach for AMR.
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14
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Kervella D, Blancho G. New immunosuppressive agents in transplantation. Presse Med 2022; 51:104142. [PMID: 36252821 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2022.104142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressive agents have enabled the development of allogenic transplantation during the last 40 years, allowing considerable improvement in graft survival. However, several issues remain such as the nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors, the cornerstone of immunosuppressive regimens and/or the higher risk of opportunistic infections and cancers. Most immunosuppressive agents target T cell activation and may not be efficient enough to prevent allo-immunization in the long term. Finally, antibody mediated rejection due to donor specific antibodies strongly affects allograft survival. Many drugs have been tested in the last decades, but very few have come to clinical use. The most recent one is CTLA4-Ig (belatacept), a costimulation blockade molecule that targets the second signal of T cell activation and is associated with a better long term kidney function than calcineurin inhibitors, despite an increased risk of acute cellular rejection. The research of new maintenance long-term immunosuppressive agents focuses on costimulation blockade. Agents inhibiting CD40-CD40 ligand interaction may enable a good control of both T cells and B cells responses. Anti-CD28 antibodies may promote regulatory T cells. Agents targeting this costimulation pathways are currently evaluated in clinical trials. Immunosuppressive agents for ABMR treatment are scarce since anti-CD20 agent rituximab and proteasome inhibitor bortezomib have failed to demonstrate an interest in ABMR. New drugs focusing on antibodies removal (imlifidase), B cell and plasmablasts (anti-IL-6/IL-6R, anti-CD38…) and complement inhibition are in the pipeline, with the challenge of their evaluation in such a heterogeneous pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Kervella
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Service de Néphrologie et d'immunologie clinique, ITUN, Nantes, France; Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Gilles Blancho
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Service de Néphrologie et d'immunologie clinique, ITUN, Nantes, France; Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000 Nantes, France.
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Delaura IF, Gao Q, Anwar IJ, Abraham N, Kahan R, Hartwig MG, Barbas AS. Complement-targeting therapeutics for ischemia-reperfusion injury in transplantation and the potential for ex vivo delivery. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1000172. [PMID: 36341433 PMCID: PMC9626853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ shortages and an expanding waitlist have led to increased utilization of marginal organs. All donor organs are subject to varying degrees of IRI during the transplant process. Extended criteria organs, including those from older donors and organs donated after circulatory death are especially vulnerable to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Involvement of the complement cascade in mediating IRI has been studied extensively. Complement plays a vital role in the propagation of IRI and subsequent recruitment of the adaptive immune elements. Complement inhibition at various points of the pathway has been shown to mitigate IRI and minimize future immune-mediated injury in preclinical models. The recent introduction of ex vivo machine perfusion platforms provides an ideal window for therapeutic interventions. Here we review the role of complement in IRI by organ system and highlight potential therapeutic targets for intervention during ex vivo machine preservation of donor organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel F. Delaura
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Qimeng Gao
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Imran J. Anwar
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nader Abraham
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Riley Kahan
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Matthew G. Hartwig
- Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Andrew S. Barbas
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Anwar IJ, DeLaura I, Ladowski J, Gao Q, Knechtle SJ, Kwun J. Complement-targeted therapies in kidney transplantation-insights from preclinical studies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:984090. [PMID: 36311730 PMCID: PMC9606228 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.984090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the complement system contributes to solid-organ graft dysfunction and failure. In kidney transplantation, the complement system is implicated in the pathogenesis of antibody- and cell-mediated rejection, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and vascular injury. This has led to the evaluation of select complement inhibitors (e.g., C1 and C5 inhibitors) in clinical trials with mixed results. However, the complement system is highly complex: it is composed of more than 50 fluid-phase and surface-bound elements, including several complement-activated receptors-all potential therapeutic targets in kidney transplantation. Generation of targeted pharmaceuticals and use of gene editing tools have led to an improved understanding of the intricacies of the complement system in allo- and xeno-transplantation. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the role of the complement system as it relates to rejection in kidney transplantation, specifically reviewing evidence gained from pre-clinical models (rodent and nonhuman primate) that may potentially be translated to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stuart J. Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Antibodies against complement component C5 prevent antibody-mediated rejection after lung transplantation in murine orthotopic models with skin-graft-induced pre-sensitization. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 2022; 70:1032-1041. [PMID: 35767165 DOI: 10.1007/s11748-022-01844-0] [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: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) could induce acute or chronic graft failure during organ transplantation. Several reports have shown that anti-C5 antibodies are effective against AMR after kidney transplantation. However, few reports have assessed the efficacy of anti-C5 antibodies against AMR after lung transplantation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this novel therapy against AMR after lung transplantation. METHODS BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were used as donors and recipients. One group was pre-sensitized (PS) by skin transplantation 14 days before lung transplantation. The other group was non-sensitized (NS). Orthotopic left-lung transplantation was performed in both groups. Animals were killed at 2 or 7 days after lung transplantation and evaluated for histopathology, C4d immunostaining, and serum donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) (n = 5 per group). Isograft (IS) models with C57BL/6 mice were used as controls. To evaluate the efficacy of C5 inhibition, other animals, which received similar treatments to those in the PS group, were treated with anti-C5 antibodies, cyclosporine/methylprednisolone, anti-C5 antibodies/cyclosporine/methylprednisolone, or isotype-matched irrelevant control monoclonal antibodies (n = 5 per group). RESULTS Two days after lung transplantation, the NS group exhibited mild, localized graft-rejection features (rejection score: 0.45 ± 0.08, p = 0.107). The PS group exhibited AMR features with a significantly higher rejection score (2.29 ± 0.42, p = 0.001), C4d vascular-endothelium deposition, and substantial presence of serum DSA. On day 7 after lung transplantation, both groups showed extensive graft alveolar wall destruction, and high acute-rejection scores. Mice receiving anti-C5 antibodies or anti-C5/antibodies/cyclosporine/methylprednisolone demonstrated significantly lower acute-rejection scores (0.63 ± 0.23, p = 0.002; 0.59 ± 0.22, p = 0.001, respectively) than those receiving isotype control antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Murine orthotopic allograft lung transplant models met the clinical diagnosis and pathogenesis classification criteria of AMR. In these models, anti-C5 antibodies suppressed AMR. Therefore, anti-C5 therapy may be effective against AMR after lung transplantation.
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Mayer KA, Budde K, Jilma B, Doberer K, Böhmig GA. Emerging drugs for antibody-mediated rejection after kidney transplantation: a focus on phase II & III trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:151-167. [PMID: 35715978 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2091131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is a leading cause of kidney allograft failure. Its therapy continues to be challenge, and no treatment has been approved for the market thus far. AREAS COVERED In this article, we discuss the pathophysiology and phenotypic presentation of ABMR, the current level of evidence to support the use of available therapeutic strategies, and the emergence of tailored drugs now being evaluated in systematic clinical trials. We searched PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov and Citeline's Pharmaprojects for pertinent information on emerging anti-rejection strategies, laying a focus on phase II and III trials. EXPERT OPINION Currently, we rely on the use of apheresis for alloantibody depletion and intravenous immunoglobulin (referred to as standard of care), preferentially in early active ABMR. Recent systematic trials have questioned the benefits of using the CD20 antibody rituximab or the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. However, there are now several promising treatment approaches in the pipeline, which are being trialed in phase II and III studies. These include interleukin-6 antagonism, CD38-targeting antibodies, and selective inhibitors of complement. On the basis of the information that has emerged so far, it seems that innovative treatment strategies for clinical use in ABMR may be available within the next 5-10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina A Mayer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Jilma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Konstantin Doberer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Novel treatment strategies for acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis and related disorders. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103104. [PMID: 35452851 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The presence of autoantibodies directed against the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is the most common cause of myasthenia gravis (MG). These antibodies damage the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction and cause muscle weakness by depleting AChRs and thus impairing synaptic transmission. As one of the best-characterized antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases, AChR-MG has often served as a reference model for other autoimmune disorders. Classical pharmacological treatments, including broad-spectrum immunosuppressive drugs, are effective in many patients. However, complete remission cannot be achieved in all patients, and 10% of patients do not respond to currently used therapies. This may be attributed to production of autoantibodies by long-lived plasma cells which are resistant to conventional immunosuppressive drugs. Hence, novel therapies specifically targeting plasma cells might be a suitable therapeutic approach for selected patients. Additionally, in order to reduce side effects of broad-spectrum immunosuppression, targeted immunotherapies and symptomatic treatments will be required. This review presents established therapies as well as novel therapeutic approaches for MG and related conditions, with a focus on AChR-MG.
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Tiller G, Lammerts RGM, Karijosemito JJ, Alkaff FF, Diepstra A, Pol RA, Meter-Arkema AH, Seelen MA, van den Heuvel MC, Hepkema BG, Daha MR, van den Born J, Berger SP. Weak Expression of Terminal Complement in Active Antibody-Mediated Rejection of the Kidney. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845301. [PMID: 35493506 PMCID: PMC9044906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe role of the complement system in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is insufficiently understood. We aimed to investigate the role of local and systemic complement activation in active (aABMR). We quantified complement activation markers, C3, C3d, and C5b-9 in plasma of aABMR, and acute T-cell mediated rejection (aTCMR), and non-rejection kidney transplant recipients. Intra-renal complement markers were analyzed as C4d, C3d, C5b-9, and CD59 deposition. We examined in vitro complement activation and CD59 expression on renal endothelial cells upon incubation with human leukocyte antigen antibodies.MethodsWe included 50 kidney transplant recipients, who we histopathologically classified as aABMR (n=17), aTCMR (n=18), and non-rejection patients (n=15).ResultsComplement activation in plasma did not differ across groups. C3d and C4d deposition were discriminative for aABMR diagnosis. Particularly, C3d deposition was stronger in glomerular (P<0,01), and peritubular capillaries (P<0,05) comparing aABMR to aTCMR rejection and non-rejection biopsies. In contrast to C3d, C5b-9 was only mildly expressed across all groups. For C5b-9, no significant difference between aABMR and non-rejection biopsies regarding peritubular and glomerular C5b-9 deposition was evident. We replicated these findings in vitro using renal endothelial cells and found complement pathway activation with C4d and C3d, but without terminal C5b-9 deposition. Complement regulator CD59 was variably present in biopsies and constitutively expressed on renal endothelial cells in vitro.ConclusionOur results indicate that terminal complement might only play a minor role in late aABMR, possibly indicating the need to re-evaluate the applicability of terminal complement inhibitors as treatment for aABMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesa Tiller
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rosa G. M. Lammerts
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jessy J. Karijosemito
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Firas F. Alkaff
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapy, Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Arjan Diepstra
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Robert A. Pol
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anita H. Meter-Arkema
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Marc. A. Seelen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Marius C. van den Heuvel
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Bouke G. Hepkema
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mohamed R. Daha
- Department of Nephrology, University of Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jacob van den Born
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Stefan P. Berger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Stefan P. Berger,
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Koslik MA, Friebus-Kardash J, Heinemann FM, Kribben A, Bräsen JH, Eisenberger U. Differential Treatment Effects for Renal Transplant Recipients With DSA-Positive or DSA-Negative Antibody-Mediated Rejection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:816555. [PMID: 35174191 PMCID: PMC8841765 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.816555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is the main cause of renal allograft loss. The most common treatment strategy is based on plasmapheresis plus the subsequent administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Unfortunately, no approved long-term therapy is available for ABMR. The current study was designed to analyze the effect of various ABMR treatment approaches on allograft survival and to compare treatment effects in the presence or absence of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs). Methods This single-center study retrospectively analyzed 102 renal allograft recipients who had biopsy-proven ABMR after transplant. DSA was detectable in 61 of the 102 patients. Initial standard treatment of ABMR consisted of plasmapheresis (PS) or immunoadsorption (IA), followed by a single course of IVIG. In case of nonresponse or recurrence, additional immunosuppressive medications, such as rituximab, bortezomib, thymoglobulin, or eculizumab, were administered. In a second step, persistent ABMR was treated with increased maintenance immunosuppression, long-term therapy with IVIG (more than 1 year), or both. Results Overall graft survival among transplant patients with ABMR was <50% after 3 years of follow-up. Compared to the use of PS/IA and IVIG alone, the use of additional immunosuppressive medications had no beneficial effect on allograft survival (p = 0.83). Remarkably, allografts survival rates were comparable between patients treated with the combination of PS/IA and IVIG and those treated with a single administration of IVIG (p = 0.18). Renal transplant patients with ABMR but without DSAs benefited more from increased maintenance immunosuppression than did DSA-positive patients with ABMR (p = 0.01). Recipients with DSA-positive ABMR exhibited significantly better allograft survival after long-term application of IVIG for more than 1 year than did recipients with DSA-negative ABMR (p = 0.02). Conclusions The results of our single-center cohort study involving kidney transplant recipients with ABMR suggest that long-term application of IVIG is more favorable for DSA-positive recipients, whereas intensification of maintenance immunosuppression is more effective for recipients with DSA-negative ABMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Andreas Koslik
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Justa Friebus-Kardash
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Falko Markus Heinemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Transplantation Diagnostics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kribben
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Hinrich Bräsen
- Nephropathology Unit, Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pathology, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ute Eisenberger
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ute Eisenberger
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Kamel MH, Jaberi A, Gordon CE, Beck LH, Francis J. The Complement System in the Modern Era of Kidney Transplantation: Mechanisms of Injury and Targeted Therapies. Semin Nephrol 2022; 42:14-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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23
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Nikolova A, Patel JK. Induction Therapy and Therapeutic Antibodies. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 272:85-116. [PMID: 35474024 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_570] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prevention of allograft rejection is one of the crucial goals in solid organ transplantation to ensure durability of the graft and is chiefly mediated by cellular and humoral pathways targeting cell surface alloantigens. The risk of rejection is highest in the first post-transplant year and wanes with time albeit the risk always exists and varies with the type of organ transplanted. Induction therapies refer to the use of high-intensity immunosuppression in the immediate post-operative period to mitigate the highest risk of rejection. This term encompasses chiefly the use of antibody therapies directed against one of the key pathways in T-cell activation or abrogating effects of circulating alloantibodies. These antibodies carry more potent immunomodulatory effect than maintenance immunosuppressive therapy alone and many of them lead to durable immune cell depletion. A variety of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies have been utilized for use not only for induction therapy, but also for treatment of allograft rejection when it occurs and as components of desensitization therapy before and after transplantation to modulate circulating alloantibodies.
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Freiwald T, Afzali B. Renal diseases and the role of complement: Linking complement to immune effector pathways and therapeutics. Adv Immunol 2021; 152:1-81. [PMID: 34844708 PMCID: PMC8905641 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is an ancient and phylogenetically conserved key danger sensing system that is critical for host defense against pathogens. Activation of the complement system is a vital component of innate immunity required for the detection and removal of pathogens. It is also a central orchestrator of adaptive immune responses and a constituent of normal tissue homeostasis. Once complement activation occurs, this system deposits indiscriminately on any cell surface in the vicinity and has the potential to cause unwanted and excessive tissue injury. Deposition of complement components is recognized as a hallmark of a variety of kidney diseases, where it is indeed associated with damage to the self. The provenance and the pathophysiological role(s) played by complement in each kidney disease is not fully understood. However, in recent years there has been a renaissance in the study of complement, with greater appreciation of its intracellular roles as a cell-intrinsic system and its interplay with immune effector pathways. This has been paired with a profusion of novel therapeutic agents antagonizing complement components, including approved inhibitors against complement components (C)1, C3, C5 and C5aR1. A number of clinical trials have investigated the use of these more targeted approaches for the management of kidney diseases. In this review we present and summarize the evidence for the roles of complement in kidney diseases and discuss the available clinical evidence for complement inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilo Freiwald
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Behdad Afzali
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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25
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Cornell LD. Histopathologic Features of Antibody Mediated Rejection: The Banff Classification and Beyond. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718122. [PMID: 34646262 PMCID: PMC8503253 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody mediated rejection (ABMR) in the kidney can show a wide range of clinical presentations and histopathologic patterns. The Banff 2019 classification currently recognizes four diagnostic categories: 1. Active ABMR, 2. Chronic active ABMR, 3. Chronic (inactive) ABMR, and 4. C4d staining without evidence of rejection. This categorization is limited in that it does not adequately represent the spectrum of antibody associated injury in allograft, it is based on biopsy findings without incorporating clinical features (e.g., time post-transplant, de novo versus preformed DSA, protocol versus indication biopsy, complement inhibitor drugs), the scoring is not adequately reproducible, and the terminology is confusing. These limitations are particularly relevant in patients undergoing desensitization or positive crossmatch kidney transplantation. In this article, I discuss Banff criteria for these ABMR categories, with a focus on patients with pre-transplant DSA, and offer a framework for considering the continuum of allograft injury associated with donor specific antibody in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn D Cornell
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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26
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Eguchi S. Available weapons in our arsenal for de novo antibody-mediated rejection following liver transplantation-Fighting an invisible foe. Hepatol Res 2021; 51:921-922. [PMID: 34469635 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Eguchi
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we discuss achievements in immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients published at last 18 months. RECENT FINDINGS Results of recent trials with everolimus in low-risk primary kidney transplant recipients suggest that lowTAC/EVR combination is noninferior and CMV and BKV viral infections are less frequent to standTAC/MPA. Iscalimab monoclonal antibody, which prevents CD40 to CD154 binding, has just recently entered phase II clinical studies in kidney transplantation. Eculizumab, anti-C5 monoclonal antobody was recently shown to improve outcomes in DSA+ living-donor kidney transplant recipients requiring pretransplant desensitization because of crossmatch positivity. Proximal complement C1 inhibition in patients with antibody-mediated rejection was studied in several phase I trials. SUMMARY Recent knowledge creates a path towards future immunosuppression success in sensitized recipients and in those in high risk of viral infections or CNI nephrotoxicity.
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Codina S, Manonelles A, Tormo M, Sola A, Cruzado JM. Chronic Kidney Allograft Disease: New Concepts and Opportunities. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:660334. [PMID: 34336878 PMCID: PMC8316649 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.660334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing in most countries and kidney transplantation is the best option for those patients requiring renal replacement therapy. Therefore, there is a significant number of patients living with a functioning kidney allograft. However, progressive kidney allograft functional deterioration remains unchanged despite of major advances in the field. After the first post-transplant year, it has been estimated that this chronic allograft damage may cause a 5% graft loss per year. Most studies focused on mechanisms of kidney graft damage, especially on ischemia-reperfusion injury, alloimmunity, nephrotoxicity, infection and disease recurrence. Thus, therapeutic interventions focus on those modifiable factors associated with chronic kidney allograft disease (CKaD). There are strategies to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury, to improve the immunologic risk stratification and monitoring, to reduce calcineurin-inhibitor exposure and to identify recurrence of primary renal disease early. On the other hand, control of risk factors for chronic disease progression are particularly relevant as kidney transplantation is inherently associated with renal mass reduction. However, despite progress in pathophysiology and interventions, clinical advances in terms of long-term kidney allograft survival have been subtle. New approaches are needed and probably a holistic view can help. Chronic kidney allograft deterioration is probably the consequence of damage from various etiologies but can be attenuated by kidney repair mechanisms. Thus, besides immunological and other mechanisms of damage, the intrinsic repair kidney graft capacity should be considered to generate new hypothesis and potential therapeutic targets. In this review, the critical risk factors that define CKaD will be discussed but also how the renal mechanisms of regeneration could contribute to a change chronic kidney allograft disease paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Codina
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Manonelles
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Tormo
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sola
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M. Cruzado
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Patel JK, Coutance G, Loupy A, Dilibero D, Hamilton M, Kittleson M, Kransdorf E, Azarbal B, Seguchi O, Zhang X, Chang D, Geft D, Czer L, Varnous S, Kobashigawa JA. Complement inhibition for prevention of antibody-mediated rejection in immunologically high-risk heart allograft recipients. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:2479-2488. [PMID: 33251691 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Allosensitization represents a major barrier to heart transplantation (HTx). We assessed the efficacy and safety of complement inhibition at transplant in highly sensitized heart transplant recipients. We performed a single-center, single-arm, open-label trial (NCT02013037). Patients with panel reactive antibodies (PRA) ≥70% and pre-formed donor-specific antibodies (DSA) were eligible. In addition to standard of care, patients received nine infusions of eculizumab during the first 2 months posttransplant. The primary composite endpoint was antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) ≥pAMR2 and/or left ventricular dysfunction during the first year. Secondary endpoints included hemodynamic compromise, allograft rejection, and patient survival. Twenty patients were included. Median cPRA and mean fluorescence intensity of immunodominant DSA were 95% (90%-97%) and 6250 (5000-10 000), respectively. Retrospective B cell and T cell flow crossmatches were positive in 14 and 11 patients, respectively. The primary endpoint occurred in four patients (20%). Survival at 1 year was 90% with no deaths resulting from AMR. In a prespecified analysis comparing treated patients to matched control patients, we observed a dramatic reduction in the risk of biopsy-proven AMR in patients treated with eculizumab (HR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.14-0.95, p = .032). Our findings support the prophylactic use of complement inhibition for heart transplantation at high immunological risk. ClinincalTrials.gov, NCT02013037.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jignesh K Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Guillaume Coutance
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, Cardiology Institute, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Sorbonne University Medical School, Paris, France.,Paris Translational Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Loupy
- Paris Translational Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris, France.,Kidney Transplant Department, Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Deanna Dilibero
- Department of Pharmacy, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michele Hamilton
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michelle Kittleson
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Evan Kransdorf
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Babak Azarbal
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Osamu Seguchi
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Transplant Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xiaohai Zhang
- HLA Laboratory, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Chang
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dael Geft
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lawrence Czer
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shaida Varnous
- Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, Cardiology Institute, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Sorbonne University Medical School, Paris, France
| | - Jon A Kobashigawa
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
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30
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Matsuda Y, Watanabe T, Li XK. Approaches for Controlling Antibody-Mediated Allograft Rejection Through Targeting B Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682334. [PMID: 34276669 PMCID: PMC8282180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682334] [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: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Both acute and chronic antibody-mediated allograft rejection (AMR), which are directly mediated by B cells, remain difficult to treat. Long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) in bone marrow (BM) play a crucial role in the production of the antibodies that induce AMR. However, LLPCs survive through a T cell-independent mechanism and resist conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Desensitization therapy is therefore performed, although it is accompanied by severe side effects and the pathological condition may be at an irreversible stage when these antibodies, which induce AMR development, are detected in the serum. In other words, AMR control requires the development of a diagnostic method that predicts its onset before LLPC differentiation and enables therapeutic intervention and the establishment of humoral immune monitoring methods providing more detailed information, including individual differences in the susceptibility to immunosuppressive agents and the pathological conditions. In this study, we reviewed recent studies related to the direct or indirect involvement of immunocompetent cells in the differentiation of naïve-B cells into LLPCs, the limitations of conventional methods, and the possible development of novel control methods in the context of AMR. This information will significantly contribute to the development of clinical applications for AMR and improve the prognosis of patients who undergo organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Matsuda
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Xiao-Kang Li
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Park Y, Ko EJ, Chung BH, Yang CW. Kidney transplantation in highly sensitized recipients. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2021; 40:355-370. [PMID: 34233438 PMCID: PMC8476304 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.21.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In kidney transplantation (KT), overcoming donor shortage is particularly challenging in patients with preexisting donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) against human leukocyte antigen (HLA), called HLA-incompatible KT (HLAi KT), carrying the risk of rejection and allograft loss. Thus, it is necessary to accurately evaluate the degree of sensitization before HLAi KT, and undertake appropriate pretreatment strategies. To determine the degree of sensitization, complement-dependent cytotoxicity has been the only method employed; the development of a method using flow cytometry further improved the test sensitivity. However, these tests present disadvantages, including the need for living cells, with a solid-phase assay developed to resolve this problem. Currently, the method using Luminex (Luminex Corp.) is widely used in clinical practice. As this method measures DSAs using single antigen beads, it is possible to classify immunological risks by measuring the type and amount of DSAs. Furthermore, there have been major advances in methods that involve DSA removal before HLAi KT. In the early stages of desensitization, plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulins were the main treatment methods employed; however, the introduction of CD20 monoclonal antibody and proteasome inhibitors further increased the success rate of desensitization. Currently, HLAi KT has been established as an important transplant method, but an understanding of DSAs and a novel desensitization treatment are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan Park
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine and Transplantation Research Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Ko
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine and Transplantation Research Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Ha Chung
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine and Transplantation Research Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Woo Yang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine and Transplantation Research Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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32
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Wanner N, Eden T, Liaukouskaya N, Koch-Nolte F. Nanobodies: new avenue to treat kidney disease. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 385:445-456. [PMID: 34131806 PMCID: PMC8205650 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Current therapeutic options for renal diseases are limited, and the search for disease-specific treatments is ongoing. Nanobodies, single-domain antibodies with many advantages over conventional antibodies, provide flexible, easy-to-format biologicals with many possible applications. Here, we discuss the potential use of nanobodies for renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Wanner
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Eden
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nastassia Liaukouskaya
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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33
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Lai X, Zheng X, Mathew JM, Gallon L, Leventhal JR, Zhang ZJ. Tackling Chronic Kidney Transplant Rejection: Challenges and Promises. Front Immunol 2021; 12:661643. [PMID: 34093552 PMCID: PMC8173220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in post-transplant management, the long-term survival rate of kidney grafts and patients has not improved as approximately forty percent of transplants fails within ten years after transplantation. Both immunologic and non-immunologic factors contribute to late allograft loss. Chronic kidney transplant rejection (CKTR) is often clinically silent yet progressive allogeneic immune process that leads to cumulative graft injury, deterioration of graft function. Chronic active T cell mediated rejection (TCMR) and chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) are classified as two principal subtypes of CKTR. While significant improvements have been made towards a better understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms and diagnostic classifications of CKTR, lack of early detection, differential diagnosis and effective therapies continue to pose major challenges for long-term management. Recent development of high throughput cellular and molecular biotechnologies has allowed rapid development of new biomarkers associated with chronic renal injury, which not only provide insight into pathogenesis of chronic rejection but also allow for early detection. In parallel, several novel therapeutic strategies have emerged which may hold great promise for improvement of long-term graft and patient survival. With a brief overview of current understanding of pathogenesis, standard diagnosis and challenges in the context of CKTR, this mini-review aims to provide updates and insights into the latest development of promising novel biomarkers for diagnosis and novel therapeutic interventions to prevent and treat CKTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqiang Lai
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Organ Transplant Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Urology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - James M. Mathew
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lorenzo Gallon
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joseph R. Leventhal
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Zheng Jenny Zhang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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Kearney K, Macdonald P, Hayward C, Muthiah K. The use of eculizumab as a bridge to retransplantation for chronic antibody-mediated rejection in a heart transplant recipient: a case report. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CASE REPORTS 2021; 5:ytab180. [PMID: 33997604 PMCID: PMC8110694 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytab180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) remains a major management challenge in heart transplantation given the complexity of pathological diagnosis and dearth of evidence for effective management. Eculizumab, an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody which inhibits terminal complement activation, has been reported to decrease early AMR in sensitized renal transplant recipients. Case summary We report a case of a 29-year-old gentleman with chronic AMR 8 years after heart transplantation, manifesting as significant graft dysfunction. Donor-specific antibodies to DQ7 were found to be causative. Antibody-mediated rejection was managed with quadruple oral immunosuppressive therapy (mycophenolate, prednisolone, everolimus, and tacrolimus) as well as a sequence of broad-spectrum immunological therapies; intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, IV immunoglobulin, rituximab, bortezomib, tocilizumab, and splenic irradiation. No treatment had a sustained impact on donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSAs) or graft function. After testing showed the DQ7 antibodies were complement-binding, a trial of eculizumab was started. This improved DSAs somewhat, and improved graft function and New York Heart Association functional class substantially. The patient was relisted for heart transplantation and successfully retransplanted in March 2018. Specifically, the new organ and recipient were matched at DQ7. After discontinuation of eculizumab, the patient has remained healthy and well, with normal graft function 28 months after retransplantation. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of chronic AMR in a heart transplant patient, successfully stabilized with eculizumab and bridged to retransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Kearney
- Heart Failure and Transplant Unit, St Vincent’s Hospital, 406 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- Corresponding author. Tel: (02) 8382 1111,
| | - Peter Macdonald
- Heart Failure and Transplant Unit, St Vincent’s Hospital, 406 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Christopher Hayward
- Heart Failure and Transplant Unit, St Vincent’s Hospital, 406 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Kavitha Muthiah
- Heart Failure and Transplant Unit, St Vincent’s Hospital, 406 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
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35
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Schinstock C, Tambur A, Stegall M. Current Approaches to Desensitization in Solid Organ Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:686271. [PMID: 34046044 PMCID: PMC8144637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.686271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Major advancements in the development of HLA antibody detection techniques and our understanding of the outcomes of solid organ transplant in the context of HLA antibody have occurred since the relevance of sensitization was first recognized nearly 50 years ago. Additionally, kidney paired donation programs (KPD) have become widespread, deceased donor allocation policies have changed, and several new therapeutic options have become available with promise to reduce HLA antibody. In this overview we aim to provide thoughtful guidance about when desensitization in kidney transplantation should be considered taking into account the outcomes of HLA incompatible transplantation. Novel therapeutics, desensitization endpoints, and strategies for future study will also be discussed. While most of our understanding about desensitization comes from studying kidney transplant candidates and recipients, many of the concepts discussed can be easily applied to desensitization in all of solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Schinstock
- William J. von Liebig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Anat Tambur
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mark Stegall
- William J. von Liebig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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36
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Kim MY, Brennan DC. Therapies for Chronic Allograft Rejection. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:651222. [PMID: 33935762 PMCID: PMC8082459 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.651222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Remarkable advances have been made in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) over the past decades, leading to improved graft outcomes. However, long-term failure is still high and effective treatment for chronic ABMR, an important cause of graft failure, has not yet been identified. Chronic ABMR has a relatively different phenotype from active ABMR and is a slowly progressive disease in which graft injury is mainly caused by de novo donor specific antibodies (DSA). Since most trials of current immunosuppressive therapies for rejection have focused on active ABMR, treatment strategies based on those data might be less effective in chronic ABMR. A better understanding of chronic ABMR may serve as a bridge in establishing treatment strategies to improve graft outcomes. In this in-depth review, we focus on the pathophysiology and characteristics of chronic ABMR along with the newly revised Banff criteria in 2017. In addition, in terms of chronic ABMR, we identify the reasons for the resistance of current immunosuppressive therapies and look at ongoing research that could play a role in setting better treatment strategies in the future. Finally, we review non-invasive biomarkers as tools to monitor for rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel C. Brennan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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37
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Meier RPH, Longchamp A, Mohiuddin M, Manuel O, Vrakas G, Maluf DG, Buhler LH, Muller YD, Pascual M. Recent progress and remaining hurdles toward clinical xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2021; 28:e12681. [PMID: 33759229 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xenotransplantation has made tremendous progress over the last decade. METHODS We discuss kidney and heart xenotransplantation, which are nearing initial clinical trials. RESULTS Life sustaining genetically modified kidney xenografts can now last for approximately 500 days and orthotopic heart xenografts for 200 days in non-human primates. Anti-swine specific antibody screening, preemptive desensitization protocols, complement inhibition and targeted immunosuppression are currently being adapted to xenotransplantation with the hope to achieve better control of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and improve xenograft longevity. These newest advances could probably facilitate future clinical trials, a significant step for the medical community, given that dialysis remains difficult for many patients and can have prohibitive costs. Performing a successful pig-to-human clinical kidney xenograft, that could last for more than a year after transplant, seems feasible but it still has significant potential hurdles to overcome. The risk/benefit balance is progressively reaching an acceptable equilibrium for future human recipients, e.g. those with a life expectancy inferior to two years. The ultimate question at this stage would be to determine if a "proof of concept" in humans is desirable, or whether further experimental/pre-clinical advances are still needed to demonstrate longer xenograft survival in non-human primates. CONCLUSION In this review, we discuss the most recent advances in kidney and heart xenotransplantation, with a focus on the prevention and treatment of AMR and on the recipient's selection, two aspects that will likely be the major points of discussion in the first pig organ xenotransplantation clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael P H Meier
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alban Longchamp
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Muhammad Mohiuddin
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Oriol Manuel
- Transplantation Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Vrakas
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel G Maluf
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leo H Buhler
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Yannick D Muller
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Pascual
- Transplantation Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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38
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Infectious Risks Associated with Biologics Targeting Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Signaling and Complement Pathway for Inflammatory Diseases. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2021; 34:271-310. [PMID: 32444011 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The recognition of the role of complement and Janus kinase (JAK)-dependent cytokines in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders has revolutionized the treatment of a myriad of rheumatological and inflammatory diseases. C5 inhibitors and Janus kinase inhibitors have emerged as attractive therapeutic options. Because of the blockage of immune pathways, these targeted therapies carry an increased risk of infection. This article reviews the mechanism of action and the approved and off-label indications of the agents with most clinical experience within this drug classes. It discusses the associated risks of infection, proposing screening, prevention, and risk mitigation strategies.
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39
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O'Neill MA, Hidalgo LG. NK cells in antibody-mediated rejection - Key effector cells in microvascular graft damage. Int J Immunogenet 2021; 48:110-119. [PMID: 33586864 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) stands as the major limitation to long-term transplant outcome. The immunologic understanding of ABMR continues to progress and has identified natural killer (NK) cells as key effector cells promoting and coordinating the immune attack on the graft microvascular endothelium. This review discusses the current concepts outlining the different ways that allow for NK cell recognition of graft endothelial cells which includes antibody-dependent as well as independent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A O'Neill
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), Madison, WI, USA
| | - Luis G Hidalgo
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), Madison, WI, USA
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40
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Chang DH, Youn JC, Dilibero D, Patel JK, Kobashigawa JA. Heart Transplant Immunosuppression Strategies at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEART FAILURE 2021; 3:15-30. [PMID: 36263111 PMCID: PMC9536714 DOI: 10.36628/ijhf.2020.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Heart transplant is the optimal treatment for selected patients with end-stage heart failure. Immunosuppression after heart transplantation has significantly reduced the incidence of rejection and improved patient outcomes with the routine use of calcineurin inhibitors. Antimetabolites and proliferation signal inhibitors add to the improvement in patient outcomes as well. The goal of induction therapy is to provide intense immunosuppression when the risk of allograft rejection is highest. Most maintenance immunosuppressive protocols employ a 3-drug regimen consisting of a calcineurin inhibitor, an antimetabolite agent and glucocorticoids. The management of rejection proceeds in a stepwise fashion based on the severity of rejection detected on biopsy and the patient's clinical presentation. This review will cover induction, maintenance, rejection therapy and some special considerations including sensitization, renal sparing protocol, and corticosteroid weaning. It will end in consideration of potential future directions in immunosuppressive strategies to promote patient and graft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H. Chang
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jong-Chan Youn
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Deanna Dilibero
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jignesh K. Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jon A. Kobashigawa
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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41
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Pilch NA, Bowman LJ, Taber DJ. Immunosuppression trends in solid organ transplantation: The future of individualization, monitoring, and management. Pharmacotherapy 2020; 41:119-131. [PMID: 33131123 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunosuppression regimens used in solid organ transplant have evolved significantly over the past 70 years in the United States. Early immunosuppression and targets for allograft success were measured by incidence and severity of allograft rejection and 1-year patient survival. The limited number of agents, infancy of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching techniques and lack of understanding of immunoreactivity limited the early development of effective regimens. The 1980s and 1990s saw incredible advancements in these areas, with acute rejection rates halving in a short span of time. However, the constant struggle to achieve the optimal balance between under- and overimmunosuppression is weaved throughout the history of transplant immunosuppression. The aim of this paper is to discuss the different eras of immunosuppression and highlight the important milestones that were achieved while also discussing this in the context of rational agent selection and regimen design. This discussion sets the stage for how we can achieve optimal long-term outcomes during the next era of immunosuppression, which will move from universal protocols to patient-specific optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Pilch
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Outcomes Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lyndsey J Bowman
- Department of Pharmacy, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - David J Taber
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Services, Ralph H. Johnson VAMC, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarises recent developments in monitoring and immunosuppressive management in kidney transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Long-term kidney allograft outcomes have not changed substantially mainly as a result of acute and chronic antibody-mediated rejection. Several groups have recently attempted to determine peripheral molecular fingerprints of ongoing rejection. But while this research is promising, it is not generalised for further spreading among different cohorts. Measurements of donor-derived cell-free DNA levels in recent studies have revealed better predictive values for antibody-mediated rejection. The Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System for assessing kidney graft biopsies has been gradually introduced within clinical practice, especially in complicated cases aimed at improving histological diagnostics. Molecular studies on accommodation in ABO-incompatible transplantation have shown increased complement regulation and lower expression of epithelial transporters and class 1 metallothioneins. Additionally, in clinical studies of sensitised patients, imlifidase has been shown to enable transplantation across significant immunological barriers, while the co-stimulation blockade has been tested to prevent donor specific antibodies development. In low-risk patients, everolimus/tacrolimus-based regimens have also proven their antiviral effects in large clinical trials. SUMMARY Recent developments in non-invasive monitoring have paved the way for the introduction of future larger clinical trials with multiple patient cohorts.
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43
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Recommended Treatment for Antibody-mediated Rejection After Kidney Transplantation: The 2019 Expert Consensus From the Transplantion Society Working Group. Transplantation 2020; 104:911-922. [PMID: 31895348 PMCID: PMC7176344 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
With the development of modern solid-phase assays to detect anti-HLA antibodies and a more precise histological classification, the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has become more common and is a major cause of kidney graft loss. Currently, there are no approved therapies and treatment guidelines are based on low-level evidence. The number of prospective randomized trials for the treatment of AMR is small, and the lack of an accepted common standard for care has been an impediment to the development of new therapies. To help alleviate this, The Transplantation Society convened a meeting of international experts to develop a consensus as to what is appropriate treatment for active and chronic active AMR. The aim was to reach a consensus for standard of care treatment against which new therapies could be evaluated. At the meeting, the underlying biology of AMR, the criteria for diagnosis, the clinical phenotypes, and outcomes were discussed. The evidence for different treatments was reviewed, and a consensus for what is acceptable standard of care for the treatment of active and chronic active AMR was presented. While it was agreed that the aims of treatment are to preserve renal function, reduce histological injury, and reduce the titer of donor-specific antibody, there was no conclusive evidence to support any specific therapy. As a result, the treatment recommendations are largely based on expert opinion. It is acknowledged that properly conducted and powered clinical trials of biologically plausible agents are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes.
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44
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Schwotzer N, Paganetti G, Barchi M, Perrottet N, Aubert V, Sadallah S, Rotman S, Venetz JP, Matter M, Golshayan D, Pascual M. Upfront use of eculizumab to treat early acute antibody-mediated rejection after kidney allotransplantation and relevance for xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2020; 27:e12630. [PMID: 32698246 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) early after transplant remains a challenge, both in allotransplantation and in xenotransplantation. We report the case of an early and severe acute AMR episode in a kidney transplant recipient that was successfully treated with upfront eculizumab. A 58-year-old woman had been on dialysis since 2014. She underwent a first kidney transplant in 2018 with primary non-function and received several blood transfusions. Postoperatively, she developed anti-HLA antibodies. One year later, she received a second allograft from a deceased donor. At day 0, there was only one preformed low-level donor-specific antibody (DSA) anti-DQ7. After initial excellent allograft function, serum creatinine increased on days 7-9, and this was associated with oligo-anuria. On day 7, there was an increase in her DSA anti-DQ7 and 4 de novo DSA had developed at high MFI values. Allograft biopsy showed severe active AMR with diffuse C4d deposits in peritubular capillaries. The early acute AMR episode was treated with upfront eculizumab administration (2 doses) with efficient CH50 blockade (< 10% CH50). Rituximab was also administered on day 12, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was given over the following days. There was an excellent clinical response to eculizumab administration. Eculizumab administration rapidly reversed the acute AMR episode without the need for plasmapheresis. Rituximab and IVIG were also used as B-cell immunomodulators to decrease DSA. Blocking efficiently the terminal complement pathway may become a useful strategy to treat acute AMR in sensitized recipients of allografts, and possibly in recipients of discordant xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Schwotzer
- Transplantation Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Paganetti
- Transplantation Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Barchi
- Transplantation Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nancy Perrottet
- Service of Pharmacy, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Aubert
- Service of Immunology and Allergy, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Salima Sadallah
- Service of Immunology and Allergy, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Rotman
- Service of clinical Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pierre Venetz
- Transplantation Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maurice Matter
- Visceral Surgery Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dela Golshayan
- Transplantation Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Pascual
- Transplantation Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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45
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Abstract
Complement plays important roles in both ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) of solid organ allografts. One approach to possibly improve outcomes after transplantation is the use of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH), which blocks the first step in both the classical and lectin pathways of complement activation and also inhibits the contact, coagulation, and kinin systems. C1-INH can also directly block leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. C1-INH contrasts with eculizumab and other distal inhibitors, which do not affect C4b or C3b deposition or noncomplement pathways. Authors of reports on trials in kidney transplant recipients have suggested that C1-INH treatment may reduce IRI and delayed graft function, based on decreased requirements for dialysis in the first month after transplantation. This effect was particularly marked with grafts with Kidney Disease Profile Index ≥ 85. Other clinical studies and models suggest that C1-INH may decrease sensitization and donor-specific antibody production and might improve outcomes in AMR, including in patients who are refractory to other modalities. However, the studies have been small and often only single-center. This article reviews clinical data and ongoing trials with C1-INH in transplant recipients, compares the results with those of other complement inhibitors, and summarizes potentially productive directions for future research.
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46
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Eculizumab as Primary Therapy for Active Antibody-mediated Rejection of Renal Allografts: A Matter of Timing, Severity, and Donor-specific Antibodies. Transplantation 2020; 103:2219-2220. [PMID: 31343563 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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47
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Parquin F, Cuquemelle E, Camps E, Devaquet J, Phillips Houllbracq M, Sage E, Brugière O, Le Guen M, Longchampt E, Malard S, Picard C, Taupin JL, Roux A. C1-esterase inhibitor treatment for antibody-mediated rejection after lung transplantation: two case reports. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.02027-2019. [PMID: 32079639 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02027-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eve Camps
- Pharmacy Dept, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | | | | | - Edouard Sage
- Thoracic Surgery Dept, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France.,Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles, France
| | - Olivier Brugière
- Pneumology, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center and Lung Transplantation Dept, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | - Morgan Le Guen
- Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles, France.,Anesthesiology Dept, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | | | - Stéphanie Malard
- Laboratoire Régional d'Histocompatibilité, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Jean Luc Taupin
- Laboratoire Régional d'Histocompatibilité, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Roux
- Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles, France.,Pneumology, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center and Lung Transplantation Dept, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
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48
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Bhalla A, Alachkar N, Alasfar S. Complement-Based Therapy in the Management of Antibody-Mediated Rejection. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2020; 27:138-148. [PMID: 32553246 DOI: 10.1053/j.ackd.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is one of the leading causes of kidney allograft failure and is usually mediated by anti-human leukocyte antigen donor-specific antibodies (DSAs). Activation of classical pathway of the complement system is responsible for downstream effects of DSA and account for significant manifestations of AMR. Currently, the treatment of AMR is based on strategies to remove preformed antibodies or to prevent their production; however, these strategies are often unsuccessful. It is theoretically possible to inhibit complement activity to prevent the effect of DSA on kidney allograft function. Complement inhibitors such as eculizumab, a complement 5 monoclonal antibody, and complement 1 esterase inhibitors (C1 INHs) have been used in prevention and treatment of AMR with variable success. Eculizumab and C1 INH seem to reduce the incidence of early AMR and allow transplantation in highly sensitized kidney transplant recipients, but data on their long-term effect on kidney allograft function are limited. Several case reports described the successful use of eculizumab in the treatment of AMR, but there are no randomized controlled studies that showed efficacy. Treatment of AMR with C1 INH, in addition to standard of care, did not change short-term outcome but long-term studies are underway.
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49
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Abstract
Advances in immunosuppressive therapy have drastically improved acute rejection rates in kidney transplant recipients over the past five decades. Nevertheless, it should remain high on any differential diagnosis of unexplained graft dysfunction because of the potential negative effect on graft longevity. Understanding the pre- and post-transplant risk factors for acute rejection can help estimate the probability of immunologic graft damage, and accurate identification of the type and severity of acute rejection will guide appropriate treatment. Tissue biopsy remains the gold standard for evaluating immunologic graft damage, and the histologic definition of acute rejection has evolved in recent years. Intravenous steroids and T cell depletion remain the standard therapy for T cell-mediated rejection and are effective in reversing most cases. Plasma exchange and intravenous Ig, with or without rituximab, are most commonly used for the treatment of antibody-mediated rejection and several newer agents have recently been investigated for severe cases. This review aims to provide the general nephrologist caring for transplant recipients with an approach to immunologic risk assessment and a summary of recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of acute graft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Cooper
- Division of Renal Disease and Hypertension, Transplant Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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50
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Plaza Lara E, Hernández García E, Ruiz Fuentes MDC, Caba Molina M, De Gracia Guindo MDC, Osuna Ortega A. Plasma Cell-Rich Acute Rejection in Renal Transplantation: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:512-514. [PMID: 32059940 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Plasma cell-rich acute rejection (PCAR) is a rare type of allograft rejection in renal transplantation. It is characterized by the presence of mature plasma cells that compromise more than 10% of inflammatory cells infiltrating the renal graft. The pathogenesis of PCAR is unknown, appears late, and has been related mainly to insufficient immunosuppression or infections. The treatment is not clearly defined, and the graft survival is poor. Here, we report a case series of 3 Spanish patients diagnosed with PCAR accompanied by donor-specific antibodies (DSA) after kidney transplantation. Mean to diagnosis was 2-12 years post-transplantation, and they began with abrupt deterioration of renal function. All patients were women and had preceding viral infection. In addition, two of the three patients recognize a doubtful adherence to immunosuppression. About treatment, 2 of the 3 patients, because the biopsy of the renal graft showed signs suggestive of incipient antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) (glomerulitis, capilaritis, transplant glomerulopathy), were started with corticosteroids, anti-thymoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulins. The last patient, who only showed PCAR at biopsy, was treated with corticosteroids and anti-thymoglobulin. After treatment, graft function improved in all of them, but one patient developed an ABMR and another required a dialysis program, all of which indicates the difficulty in management and treatment of PCAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Plaza Lara
- Nephrology Deparment, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.
| | | | | | - Mercedes Caba Molina
- Pathological Anatomic Deparment, University Hospital San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
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