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Adams AB, Faber D, Lovasik BP, Matar AJ, Kim SC, Burlak C, Tector M, Tector AJ. Iscalimab Combined With Transient Tesidolumab Prolongs Survival in Pig-to-Rhesus Monkey Renal Xenografts. Xenotransplantation 2024; 31:e12880. [PMID: 39185772 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12880] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinically relevant anti-CD40 antibody iscalimab for baseline immunosuppression in a preclinical pig-to-rhesus renal xenograft model. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA CD40/CD40L co-stimulation blockade-based immunosuppression has been more successful than calcineurin-based protocols in prolonging xenograft survival in preclinical models. METHODS GGTA1 knockout/CD55 transgenic pig kidneys were transplanted into rhesus monkeys (n = 6) receiving an iscalimab-based immunosuppressive regimen. RESULTS Two grafts were lost early (22 and 26 days) because of ectatic donor ureters with otherwise normal histology. The other recipients survived 171, 315, 422, and 439 days with good renal function throughout the posttransplant course. None of the recipients experienced serious infectious morbidity. CONCLUSIONS It may be reasonable to evaluate an iscalimab-based immunosuppressive regimen in clinical renal xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Adams
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David Faber
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brendan P Lovasik
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Abraham J Matar
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Steven C Kim
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christopher Burlak
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Alfred J Tector
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Manook M, Olaso D, Anwar I, DeLaura I, Yoon J, Bae Y, Barbas A, Shaw B, Moris D, Song M, Farris AB, Stiede K, Youd M, Knechtle S, Kwun J. Prolonged xenokidney graft survival in sensitized NHP recipients by expression of multiple human transgenes in a triple knockout pig. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadk6152. [PMID: 38865482 PMCID: PMC11328991 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adk6152] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Genetic modification of porcine donors, combined with optimized immunosuppression, has been shown to improve outcomes of experimental xenotransplant. However, little is known about outcomes in sensitized recipients, a population that could potentially benefit the most from the clinical implementation of xenotransplantation. Here, five highly allosensitized rhesus macaques received a porcine kidney from GGTA1 (α1,3-galactosyltransferase) knockout pigs expressing the human CD55 transgene (1KO.1TG) and were maintained on an anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based immunosuppressive regimen. These recipients developed de novo xenoreactive antibodies and experienced xenograft rejection with evidence of thrombotic microangiopathy and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). In comparison, three highly allosensitized rhesus macaques receiving a kidney from GGTA1, CMAH (cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase), and b4GNT2/b4GALNT2 (β-1,4-N-acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase 2) knockout pigs expressing seven human transgenes including human CD46, CD55, CD47, THBD (thrombomodulin), PROCR (protein C receptor), TNFAIP3 (tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 3), and HMOX1 (heme oxygenase 1) (3KO.7TG) experienced significantly prolonged graft survival and reduced AMR, associated with dampened post-transplant humoral responses, early monocyte and neutrophil activation, and T cell repopulation. After withdrawal of all immunosuppression, recipients who received kidneys from 3KO.7TG pigs rejected the xenografts via AMR. These data suggest that allosensitized recipients may be suitable candidates for xenografts from genetically modified porcine donors and could benefit from an optimized immunosuppression regimen designed to target the post-transplant humoral response, thereby avoiding AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Manook
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Danae Olaso
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Imran Anwar
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Isabel DeLaura
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yeeun Bae
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Andrew Barbas
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Brian Shaw
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dimitrios Moris
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mingqing Song
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | - Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Désy O, Béland S, Thivierge MP, Marcoux M, Desgagnés JS, Bouchard-Boivin F, Gama A, Riopel J, Latulippe E, De Serres SA. T follicular helper cells expansion in transplant recipients correlates with graft infiltration and adverse outcomes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1275933. [PMID: 38384450 PMCID: PMC10879567 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1275933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The process of immunization following vaccination in humans bears similarities to that of immunization with allografts. Whereas vaccination aims to elicit a rapid response, in the transplant recipient, immunosuppressants slow the immunization to alloantigens. The induction of CD4+CXCR5+ T follicular helper (Tfh) cells has been shown to correlate with the success of vaccine immunization. Method We studied a cohort of 65 transplant recipients who underwent histological evaluation concurrent with PBMC isolation and follow-up sampling to investigate the phenotypic profiles in the blood and allotissue and analyze their association with clinical events. Results The proportion of circulating Tfh cells was heterogeneous over time. Patients in whom this compartment increased had lower CCR7-PD1+CD4+CXCR5+ T cells during follow-up. These patients exhibited more alloreactive CD4+ T cells using HLA-DR-specific tetramers and a greater proportion of detectable circulating plasmablasts than the controls. Examination of baseline biopsies revealed that expansion of the circulating Tfh compartment did not follow prior intragraft leukocyte infiltration. However, multicolor immunofluorescence microscopy of the grafts showed a greater proportion of CXCR5+ T cells than in the controls. CD4+CXCR5+ cells were predominantly PD1+ and were in close contact with B cells in situ. Despite clinical stability at baseline, circulating Tfh expansion was associated with a higher risk of a composite of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies, rejection, lower graft function, or graft loss. Conclusion In otherwise stable patients post-transplant, circulating Tfh expansion can identify ongoing alloreactivity, detectable before allograft injury. Tfh expansion is relevant clinically because it predicts poor graft prognosis. These findings have implications for immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Désy
- Transplantation Unit, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Béland
- Transplantation Unit, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Thivierge
- Transplantation Unit, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Meagan Marcoux
- Transplantation Unit, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Desgagnés
- Transplantation Unit, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - François Bouchard-Boivin
- Transplantation Unit, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alcino Gama
- Transplantation Unit, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Riopel
- Pathology Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Eva Latulippe
- Pathology Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sacha A. De Serres
- Transplantation Unit, Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Center of Quebec, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
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DeLaura I, Zikos J, Anwar IJ, Yoon J, Ladowski J, Jackson A, Van Rompay K, Magnani D, Knechtle SJ, Kwun J. The impact of IdeS (imlifidase) on allo-specific, xeno-reactive, and protective antibodies in a sensitized rhesus macaque model. Xenotransplantation 2024; 31:e12833. [PMID: 37864433 PMCID: PMC10999173 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Highly sensitized patients face many barriers to kidney transplantation, including higher rates of antibody-mediated rejection after HLA-incompatible transplant. IdeS, an endopeptidase that cleaves IgG nonspecifically, has been trialed as desensitization prior to kidney transplant, and successfully cleaves donor-specific antibody (DSA), albeit with rebound. METHODS IdeS was generated and tested (2 mg/kg, IV) in two naïve and four allosensitized nonhuman primates (NHP). Peripheral blood samples were collected at regular intervals following IdeS administration. Total IgG, total IgM, and anti-CMV antibodies were quantified with ELISA, and donor-specific antibody (DSA) and anti-pig antibodies were evaluated using flow cytometric crossmatch. B cell populations were assessed using flow cytometry. RESULTS IdeS successfully cleaved rhesus IgG in vitro. In allosensitized NHP, robust reduction of total, DSA, anti-pig, and anti-CMV IgG was observed within one day following IdeS administration. Rapid rebound of all IgG antibody populations was observed, with antibody levels returning to baseline around day 14 post-infusion. Total IgM level was not affected by IdeS. Interestingly, a comparable reduction in antibody populations was observed after the second dose of IdeS. However, we have not observed any significant modulation of B cell subpopulations after IdeS. CONCLUSIONS This study evaluated efficacy of IdeS in the allosensitized NHP in IgG with various specificities, mirroring antibody kinetics in human patients. The efficacy of IdeS on preexisting anti-pig antibodies may be useful in clinical xenotransplantation. However, given the limitation of IdeS on its durability as a monotherapy, optimization of IdeS with other agents targeting the humoral response is further needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel DeLaura
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Joanna Zikos
- MassBiologics of University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, 02126, USA
| | - Imran J. Anwar
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Joseph Ladowski
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Annette Jackson
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Koen Van Rompay
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Diogo Magnani
- MassBiologics of University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, 02126, USA
| | - Stuart J. Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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Schmitz R, Manook M, Fitch Z, Anwar I, DeLaura I, Olaso D, Choi A, Yoon J, Bae Y, Song M, Farris AB, Kwun J, Knechtle S. Belatacept and carfilzomib-based treatment for antibody-mediated rejection in a sensitized nonhuman primate kidney transplantation model. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1230393. [PMID: 38993898 PMCID: PMC11235304 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1230393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Introduction One-third of HLA-incompatible kidney transplant recipients experience antibody mediated rejection (AMR) with limited treatment options. This study describes a novel treatment strategy for AMR consisting of proteasome inhibition and costimulation blockade with or without complement inhibition in a nonhuman primate model of kidney transplantation. Methods All rhesus macaques in the present study were sensitized to maximally MHC-mismatched donors by two sequential skin transplants prior to kidney transplant from the same donor. All primates received induction therapy with rhesus-specific ATG (rhATG) and were maintained on various immunosuppressive regimens. Primates were monitored postoperatively for signs of acute AMR, which was defined as worsening kidney function resistant to high dose steroid rescue therapy, and a rise in serum donor-specific antibody (DSA) levels. Kidney biopsies were performed to confirm AMR using Banff criteria. AMR treatment consisted of carfilzomib and belatacept for a maximum of four weeks with or without complement inhibitor. Results Treatment with carfilzomib and belatacept was well tolerated and no treatment-specific side effects were observed. After initiation of treatment, we observed a reduction of class I and class II DSA in all primates. Most importantly, primates had improved kidney function evident by reduced serum creatinine and BUN as well as increased urine output. A four-week treatment was able to extend graft survival by up to two months. Discussion In summary, combined carfilzomib and belatacept effectively treated AMR in our highly sensitized nonhuman primate model, resulting in normalization of renal function and prolonged allograft survival. This regimen may translate into clinical practice to improve outcomes of patients experiencing AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Schmitz
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Miriam Manook
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Zachary Fitch
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Imran Anwar
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Isabel DeLaura
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Danae Olaso
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ashley Choi
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Yeeun Bae
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Mingqing Song
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alton B. Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jean Kwun
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Stuart Knechtle
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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Anwar IJ, Berman DM, DeLaura I, Gao Q, Willman MA, Miller A, Gill A, Gill C, Perrin S, Ricordi C, Ruiz P, Song M, Ladowski JM, Kirk AD, Kenyon NS. The anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody AT-1501 promotes islet and kidney allograft survival and function in nonhuman primates. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadf6376. [PMID: 37647390 PMCID: PMC10990482 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adf6376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies of anti-CD40 ligand (CD40L)-based immunosuppression demonstrated effective prevention of islet and kidney allograft rejection in nonhuman primate models; however, clinical development was halted because of thromboembolic complications. An anti-CD40L-specific monoclonal antibody, AT-1501 (Tegoprubart), was engineered to minimize risk of thromboembolic complications by reducing binding to Fcγ receptors expressed on platelets while preserving binding to CD40L. AT-1501 was tested in both a cynomolgus macaque model of intrahepatic islet allotransplantation and a rhesus macaque model of kidney allotransplantation. AT-1501 monotherapy led to long-term graft survival in both islet and kidney transplant models, confirming its immunosuppressive potential. Furthermore, AT-1501-based regimens after islet transplant resulted in higher C-peptide, greater appetite leading to weight gain, and reduced occurrence of cytomegalovirus reactivation compared with conventional immunosuppression. These data support AT-1501 as a safe and effective agent to promote both islet and kidney allograft survival and function in nonhuman primate models, warranting further testing in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran J. Anwar
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dora M. Berman
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Isabel DeLaura
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Qimeng Gao
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Allison Miller
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alan Gill
- ALS Therapy Development Institute; Cambridge, MA 02472, USA
| | - Cindy Gill
- ALS Therapy Development Institute; Cambridge, MA 02472, USA
| | | | - Camillo Ricordi
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Philip Ruiz
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Mingqing Song
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joseph M Ladowski
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Allan D. Kirk
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Norma S. Kenyon
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami; Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Manook M, Olaso D, Anwar IJ, Yoon J, Delaura I, Bae Y, Moris D, Shaw B, Song M, Farris AB, Jackson A, Kwun J, Knechtle S. Desensitization and belatacept-based maintenance therapy in pregnancy-sensitized monkeys receiving a kidney transplant. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg1448. [PMID: 37205758 PMCID: PMC10198638 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Among sensitized patients awaiting a transplant, females are disproportionately represented, partly because of pregnancy-induced sensitization. Using female NHPs sensitized by pregnancy alone, we examined the efficacy of costimulation blockade and proteasome inhibition for desensitization. Three animals received no desensitization (control), and seven animals received weekly carfilzomib (27 mg/m2) and belatacept (20 mg/kg) before kidney transplantation. All animals received renal allografts from crossmatch-positive/maximally MHC-mismatched donors. Controls and three desensitized animals received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Four desensitized animals received additional belatacept with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Multiparous females had less circulating donor-specific antibody when compared to skin-sensitized males before transplantation. While females receiving desensitization showed only a marginal survival benefit over control females (MST = 11 days versus 63 days), additional belatacept to posttransplant maintenance significantly prolonged graft survival (MST > 164 days) and suppressed posttransplant DSA and circulating follicular helper T-like cells. This combination of therapies demonstrates great potential to reduce antibody-mediated rejection in sensitized recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Manook
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Danae Olaso
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Imran J. Anwar
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Isabel Delaura
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yeeun Bae
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dimitrios Moris
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Brian Shaw
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mingqing Song
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alton B. Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Annette Jackson
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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8
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Knechtle S, Kwun J, Song S, Jackson A, Williams K, Sanoff S. Translation of therapeutic strategies to modulate B cell reponses from non-human primate models to human kidney transplantation. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1176796. [PMID: 38993890 PMCID: PMC11235383 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1176796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Using novel drugs targeting lymphocyte costimulation, cytokines, antibody, complement, and plasma cells, we have developed strategies in a non-human primate model to modulate the B cell response to incompatible kidney transplants. After more than two decades of research supported by mechanistic studies, this has resulted in clinically relevant approaches that are currently enrolling in clinical trials or preparing for such. In this manner, we aim to address the problems of HLA sensitization for very highly sensitized patients awaiting transplantation and the unmet need of effective treatment for antibody-mediated rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Shengli Song
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Annette Jackson
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Kitza Williams
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Scott Sanoff
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Hospital, Durham NC, United States
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9
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Schwarz C, Muckenhuber M, Wekerle T. Optimizing Costimulation Blockade-Based Immunosuppression. KIDNEY360 2022; 3:2005-2007. [PMID: 36591358 PMCID: PMC9802563 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0005652022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schwarz
- Division of Visceral Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Moritz Muckenhuber
- Division of Transplantation, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wekerle
- Division of Transplantation, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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10
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DeLaura I, Schroder PM, Yoon J, Ladowski J, Anwar IJ, Ezekian B, Schmitz R, Fitch ZW, Kwun J, Knechtle SJ. A novel method for in vitro culture and expansion of nonhuman primate B cells. J Immunol Methods 2022; 511:113363. [PMID: 36174734 PMCID: PMC10486248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2022.113363] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the role of B cells in sensitization and antibody-mediated rejection pathogenesis, the ability to identify, isolate, and study B cells in vitro is critical for understanding these processes and developing novel therapeutics. While in vivo nonhuman primate models have been used to this end, an in vitro nonhuman primate model of B cell activation and proliferation has not been developed. METHODS CD20+ B cells and CD3+ T cells were isolated using magnetic bead separation from the peripheral blood of naive and skin allograft sensitized nonhuman primates. Allogeneic B and T cells were co-cultured in plates pre-coated with murine stromal cells engineered to express human CD40L and stimulated with cytokines. Cells and supernatants were harvested every 2 days for immune phenotyping and donor specific antibody quantification by flow cytometry. RESULTS The optimized culture system consisted of MS40L cells co-cultured with B and allogenic T cells and stimulated with cytokines. This culture system resulted in increased memory cells and plasmablasts over time compared to other culture systems. Comparison of culture of naïve and sensitized nonhuman primate samples revealed faster B cell exhaustion and marginally increased plasmablast differentiation in sensitized culture. Donor-specific antibody production was not observed in either culture group. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the first in vitro nonhuman primate model of B cell activation and proliferation using both naïve and allosensitized samples. This model provides an opportunity for exploration of B cell mechanisms and novel therapeutics and is a preliminary step in the development of an in vitro germinal center model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel DeLaura
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Paul M Schroder
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Ladowski
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Imran J Anwar
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brian Ezekian
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Robin Schmitz
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zachary W Fitch
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Stuart J Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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11
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Chandak P, Phillips BL, Bennett D, Uwechue R, Kessaris N, Shaw O, Maggs T, Woodford L, Veniard D, Perera R, Parmar K, Hunt BJ, Callaghan C, Dorling A, Mamode N. Modelling acute antibody-mediated rejection of human kidney transplants using ex-vivo warm machine perfusion. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104365. [PMID: 36427468 PMCID: PMC9699940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplant rejection is a major cause of graft loss and morbidity. Currently, no human models of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) exist, limiting mechanistic investigation and organ-specific targeted therapy. Here, using 12 human kidneys and ex-vivo normothermic machine perfusion, we demonstrate phenotypes of AMR after addition of antibodies against either human HLA class I or blood group antigens (A, B), thus modelling clinical AMR that can follow HLA incompatible (HLAi) or blood group incompatible (ABOi) transplantation. METHODS Discarded human kidneys with wide ranging demographics and cold ischaemia times (11-54 h) were perfused with red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as a source of complement/coagulation factors. For the HLAi model, 600 μg of W6/32 anti-class 1 HLA antibody was added to the circuit (time '0'). For the ABOi model, high titre FFP of the relevant blood group antibody was added. Renal blood flow index (RBFi, mL/min/100 g), C3 desArg, prothrombin fragments 1 + 2 and histology were determined. Our endpoints included haemodynamic changes, thrombosis, and biopsy proven complement deposition. FINDINGS Compared to control kidneys perfused without anti-donor antibodies, both models demonstrated haemodynamic collapse after antibody perfusion with only the HLAi model showing glomerular C4d deposition. INTERPRETATION We show that a clinically relevant human kidney model of AMR is feasible, and anticipate that these models, with refinements, could provide a basis to test different strategies to prevent AMR. FUNDING The Rosetrees and Stonygate Trust, The Royal College of Surgeons of England Fellowship Grant, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre/KCL Early Career Grant, Kidney Research U.K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Chandak
- Transplant, Renal and Urology Directorate, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Benedict L Phillips
- Transplant, Renal and Urology Directorate, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danothy Bennett
- Interface Analysis Centre, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Raphael Uwechue
- Transplant, Renal and Urology Directorate, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicos Kessaris
- Transplant, Renal and Urology Directorate, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Shaw
- Synnovis, Clinical Transplantation Laboratory, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Maggs
- Synnovis, Blood Transfusion Laboratory, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Woodford
- Synnovis, Blood Transfusion Laboratory, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Veniard
- Synnovis, Blood Transfusion Laboratory, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ranmith Perera
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kiran Parmar
- Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Group, Rayne Institute, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beverley J Hunt
- Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Group, Rayne Institute, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Callaghan
- Transplant, Renal and Urology Directorate, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Dorling
- Transplant, Renal and Urology Directorate, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nizam Mamode
- Centre for Nephrology, Urology and Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Anwar IJ, Ezekian B, DeLaura I, Manook M, Schroder P, Yoon J, Curfman V, Branum E, Messina J, Harnois M, Permar SR, Farris AB, Kwun J, Knechtle SJ. Addition of interleukin-6 receptor blockade to carfilzomib-based desensitization in a highly sensitized nonhuman primate model. Am J Transplant 2022; 22 Suppl 4:1-11. [PMID: 36239200 PMCID: PMC9722597 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17208] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Sensitized patients, those who had prior exposure to foreign human leukocyte antigens, are transplanted at lower rates due to challenges in finding suitable organs. Desensitization strategies have permitted highly sensitized patients to undergo kidney transplantation, albeit with higher rates of rejection. This study assesses targeting plasma cell and interleukin (IL)-6 receptor for desensitization in a sensitized nonhuman primate kidney transplantation model. All animals were sensitized using two sequential skin transplants from maximally major histocompatibility complex-mismatched donors. Carfilzomib (CFZ)/tocilizumab (TCZ) desensitization (N = 6) successfully decreased donor-specific antibody (DSA) titers and prevented the expansion of B cells compared to CFZ monotherapy (N = 3). Dual desensitization further delayed, but did not prevent humoral rebound, as evidenced by a delayed increase in post-kidney transplant DSA titers. Accordingly, CFZ/TCZ desensitization conferred a significant survival advantage over CFZ monotherapy. A trend toward increased T follicular helper cells was also observed in the dual therapy group along the same timeline as an increase in DSA and subsequent graft loss. Cytomegalovirus reactivation also occurred in the CFZ/TCZ group but was prevented with ganciclovir prophylaxis. In accordance with prior studies of CFZ-based dual desensitization strategies, the addition of IL-6 receptor blockade resulted in desensitization with further suppression of posttransplant humoral response compared to CFZ monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran J Anwar
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Brian Ezekian
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Isabel DeLaura
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Miriam Manook
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Paul Schroder
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Verna Curfman
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Evelyn Branum
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Julia Messina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Melissa Harnois
- Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Sallie R. Permar
- Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Alton B. Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Stuart J. Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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13
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Schmitz R, Fitch ZW, Manook M, Schroder PM, Choi AY, Olaso D, Yoon J, Bae Y, Shaw BI, Song M, Kuchibhatla M, Farris AB, Kirk A, Kwun J, Knechtle SJ. Belatacept-Based Maintenance Immunosuppression Controls the Post-Transplant Humoral Immune Response in Highly Sensitized Nonhuman Primates. KIDNEY360 2022; 3:2116-2130. [PMID: 36591367 PMCID: PMC9802566 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0001732022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Preexisting donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to MHC antigens increase the risk of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in sensitized transplant recipients and reduces graft survival. Pretransplant desensitization with costimulation blockade and proteasome inhibition has facilitated transplantation in our preclinical nonhuman primate (NHP) model. However, long-term graft survival is limited by rebound of DSA after transplantation. In this study, we performed kidney transplants between highly sensitized, maximally MHC-mismatched NHPs (n=14). At kidney transplantation, primates received T cell depletion with rhesus-specific anti-thymocyte globulin (rhATG; n=10) or monoclonal anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 antibodies (n=4). Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of belatacept and tacrolimus (n=5) or belatacept and rapamycin (n=9) with steroids. Rebound of DSA post-kidney transplantation was significantly reduced compared with maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroids. Protocol lymph node biopsy specimens showed a decrease in germinal center activity, with low frequencies of T follicular helper cells and class-switched B cells after kidney transplantation. Combined belatacept and rapamycin was superior in controlling viral reactivation, enabling weaning of ganciclovir prophylaxis. Tacrolimus was associated with increased morbidity that included cytomegalovirus and parvovirus viremia and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. All primates in the tacrolimus/belatacept group failed discontinuation of antiviral therapy. Overall, belatacept-based immunosuppression increased AMR-free graft survival by controlling post-transplant humoral responses in highly sensitized NHP recipients and should be further investigated in a human clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Schmitz
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Zachary W. Fitch
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Miriam Manook
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Paul M. Schroder
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ashley Y. Choi
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Danae Olaso
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Yeeun Bae
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Brian I. Shaw
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mingqing Song
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Maragatha Kuchibhatla
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Alton B. Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Allan Kirk
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jean Kwun
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stuart J. Knechtle
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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14
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Louis K, Macedo C, Lefaucheur C, Metes D. Adaptive immune cell responses as therapeutic targets in antibody-mediated organ rejection. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:237-250. [PMID: 35093288 PMCID: PMC8882148 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Humoral alloimmunity of organ transplant recipient to donor can lead to antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), causing thousands of organ transplants to fail each year worldwide. However, the mechanisms of adaptive immune cell responses at the basis of humoral alloimmunity have not been entirely understood. In this review, we discuss how recent investigations have uncovered the key contributions of T follicular helper (TFH) and B cells and their coordinated actions in driving donor-specific antibody generation and immune progression towards ABMR. We show how recognition of the role of TFH-B cell interactions may allow the elaboration of improved clinical strategies for immune monitoring and the identification of novel therapeutic targets to tackle ABMR that will ultimately improve organ transplant survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Louis
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Human Immunology and Immunopathology, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR 976, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Camila Macedo
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR 970, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Diana Metes
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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15
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Louis K, Macedo C, Metes D. Targeting T Follicular Helper Cells to Control Humoral Allogeneic Immunity. Transplantation 2021; 105:e168-e180. [PMID: 33909968 PMCID: PMC8484368 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Humoral allogeneic immunity driven by anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) significantly impede prolonged survival of organ allografts after transplantation. Although the importance of T follicular helper (TFH) cells in controlling antibody responses has been long established, their role in directing donor-specific antibody generation leading to AMR was only recently appreciated in the clinical setting of organ transplantation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on the biology of human TFH cells as well as their circulating counterparts and describe their pivotal role in driving humoral alloimmunity. In addition, we discuss the intrinsic effects of current induction therapies and maintenance immunosuppressive drugs as well as of biotherapies on TFH cells and provide future directions and novel opportunities of biotherapeutic targeting of TFH cells that have the potential of bringing the prophylactic and curative treatments of AMR toward personalized and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Louis
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Human Immunology and Immunopathology, Inserm UMR 976, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Camila Macedo
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Diana Metes
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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Gao Q, Davis R, Fitch Z, Mulvihill M, Ezekian B, Schroder P, Schmitz R, Song M, Leopardi F, Ribeiro M, Miller A, Moris D, Shaw B, Samy K, Reimann K, Williams K, Collins B, Kirk AD. Anti-thymoglobulin induction improves neonatal porcine xenoislet engraftment and survival. Xenotransplantation 2021; 28:e12713. [PMID: 34951057 PMCID: PMC8715890 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Porcine islet xenotransplantation is a viable strategy to treat diabetes. Its translation has been limited by the pre-clinical development of a clinically available immunosuppressive regimen. We tested two clinically relevant induction agents in a non-human primate (NHP) islet xenotransplantation model to compare depletional versus nondepletional induction immunosuppression. Neonatal porcine islets were isolated from GKO or hCD46/GKO transgenic piglets and transplanted via portal vein infusion in diabetic rhesus macaques. Induction therapy consisted of either basiliximab (n = 6) or rhesus-specific anti-thymocyte globulin (rhATG, n = 6), combined with a maintenance regimen using B7 costimulation blockade, tacrolimus with a delayed transition to sirolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. Xenografts were monitored by blood glucose levels and porcine C-peptide measurements. Of the six receiving basiliximab induction, engraftment was achieved in 4 with median graft survival of 14 days. All six receiving rhATG induction engrafted with significantly longer xenograft survival at 40.5 days (P = 0.03). These data suggest that depletional induction provides superior xenograft survival to nondepletional induction, in the setting of a costimulation blockade-based maintenance regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimeng Gao
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Robert Davis
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Zachary Fitch
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Michael Mulvihill
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Brian Ezekian
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Paul Schroder
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Robin Schmitz
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Mingqing Song
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Frank Leopardi
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Marianna Ribeiro
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Allison Miller
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Dimitrios Moris
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Brian Shaw
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Kannan Samy
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Keith Reimann
- MassBiologics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
| | - Kyha Williams
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Bradley Collins
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Allan D Kirk
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
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17
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C3 complement inhibition prevents antibody-mediated rejection and prolongs renal allograft survival in sensitized non-human primates. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5456. [PMID: 34526511 PMCID: PMC8443599 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25745-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensitized kidney transplant recipients experience high rates of antibody-mediated rejection due to the presence of donor-specific antibodies and immunologic memory. Here we show that transient peri-transplant treatment with the central complement component C3 inhibitor Cp40 significantly prolongs median allograft survival in a sensitized nonhuman primate model. Despite donor-specific antibody levels remaining high, fifty percent of Cp40-treated primates maintain normal kidney function beyond the last day of treatment. Interestingly, presence of antibodies of the IgM class associates with reduced median graft survival (8 vs. 40 days; p = 0.02). Cp40 does not alter lymphocyte depletion by rhesus-specific anti-thymocyte globulin, but inhibits lymphocyte activation and proliferation, resulting in reduced antibody-mediated injury and complement deposition. In summary, Cp40 prevents acute antibody-mediated rejection and prolongs graft survival in primates, and inhibits T and B cell activation and proliferation, suggesting an immunomodulatory effect beyond its direct impact on antibody-mediated injury. Donor-specific antibodies in sensitized recipients may cause kidney transplant rejection. Here the authors show that complement component C3 inhibition prolongs graft survival by inhibiting T and B cell proliferation/activation and hence tissue injury, despite antibody levels remaining unaffected.
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18
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Olaso D, Manook M, Moris D, Knechtle S, Kwun J. Optimal Immunosuppression Strategy in the Sensitized Kidney Transplant Recipient. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3656. [PMID: 34441950 PMCID: PMC8396983 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with previous sensitization events against anti-human leukocyte antigens (HLA) often have circulating anti-HLA antibodies. Following organ transplantation, sensitized patients have higher rates of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) compared to those who are non-sensitized. More stringent donor matching is required for these patients, which results in a reduced donor pool and increased time on the waitlist. Current approaches for sensitized patients focus on reducing preformed antibodies that preclude transplantation; however, this type of desensitization does not modulate the primed immune response in sensitized patients. Thus, an optimized maintenance immunosuppressive regimen is necessary for highly sensitized patients, which may be distinct from non-sensitized patients. In this review, we will discuss the currently available therapeutic options for induction, maintenance, and adjuvant immunosuppression for sensitized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (D.O.); (M.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (D.O.); (M.M.); (D.M.)
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19
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Moris D, Cendales LC. Sensitization and Desensitization in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682180. [PMID: 34456906 PMCID: PMC8385557 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a field under research and has emerged as an alternative option for the repair of severe disfiguring defects that result from severe tissue loss in a selected group of patients. Lifelong immunosuppressive therapy, immunosuppression associated complications, and the effects of the host immune response in the graft are major concerns in this type of quality-of-life transplant. The initial management of extensive soft tissue injury can lead to the development of anti-HLA antibodies through injury-related factors, transfusion and cadaveric grafting. The role of antibody-mediated rejection, donor-specific antibody (DSA) formation and graft rejection in the context of VCA still remain poorly understood. The most common antigenic target of preexisting alloantibodies are MHC mismatches, though recognition of ABO incompatible antigens, minor histocompatibility complexes and endothelial cells has also been shown to contribute to rejection. Mechanistically, alloantibody-mediated tissue damage occurs primarily through complement fixation as well as through antibody-dependent cellular toxicity. If DSA exist, activation of complement and coagulation cascades can result in vascular thrombosis and infarction and thus rejection and graft loss. Both preexisting DSA but especially de-novo DSA are currently considered as main contributors to late allograft injury and graft failure. Desensitization protocols are currently being developed for VCA, mainly including removal of alloantibodies whereas treatment of established antibody-mediated rejection is achieved through high dose intravenous immunoglobulins. The long-term efficacy of such therapies in sensitized VCA recipients is currently unknown. The current evidence base for sensitizing events and outcomes in reconstructive transplantation is limited. However, current data show that VCA transplantation has been performed in the setting of HLA-sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda C. Cendales
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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20
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Song S, Manook M, Kwun J, Jackson AM, Knechtle SJ, Kelsoe G. Allo-Specific Humoral Responses: New Methods for Screening Donor-Specific Antibody and Characterization of HLA-Specific Memory B Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:705140. [PMID: 34326847 PMCID: PMC8313870 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.705140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated allograft rejection (AMR) causes more kidney transplant failure than any other single cause. AMR is mediated by antibodies recognizing antigens expressed by the graft, and antibodies generated against major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatches are especially problematic. Most research directed towards the management of clinical AMR has focused on identifying and characterizing circulating donor-specific HLA antibody (DSA) and optimizing therapies that reduce B-cell activation and/or block antibody secretion by inhibiting plasmacyte survival. Here we describe a novel set of reagents and techniques to allow more specific measurements of MHC sensitization across different animal transplant models. Additionally, we have used these approaches to isolate and clone individual HLA-specific B cells from patients sensitized by pregnancy or transplantation. We have identified and characterized the phenotypes of individual HLA-specific B cells, determined the V(D)J rearrangements of their paired H and L chains, and generated recombinant antibodies to determine affinity and specificity. Knowledge of the BCR genes of individual HLA-specific B cells will allow identification of clonally related B cells by high-throughput sequence analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and permit us to re-construct the origins of HLA-specific B cells and follow their somatic evolution by mutation and selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengli Song
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Miriam Manook
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jean Kwun
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Annette M. Jackson
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Stuart J. Knechtle
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Garnett Kelsoe
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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21
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Manook M, Flores WJ, Schmitz R, Fitch Z, Yoon J, Bae Y, Shaw B, Kirk A, Harnois M, Permar S, Farris AB, Magnani DM, Kwun J, Knechtle S. Measuring the Impact of Targeting FcRn-Mediated IgG Recycling on Donor-Specific Alloantibodies in a Sensitized NHP Model. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660900. [PMID: 34149698 PMCID: PMC8207189 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In transplantation, plasmapheresis and IVIg provide the mainstay of treatment directed at reducing or removing circulating donor-specific antibody (DSA), yet both have limitations. We sought to test the efficacy of targeting the IgG recycling mechanism of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) using anti-FcRn mAb therapy in a sensitized non-human primate (NHP) model, as a pharmacological means of lowering DSA. Methods Six (6) rhesus macaque monkeys, previously sensitized by skin transplantation, received a single dose of 30mg/kg anti-RhFcRn IV, and effects on total IgG, as well as DSA IgG, were measured, in addition to IgM and protective immunity. Subsequently, 60mg/kg IV was given in the setting of kidney transplantation from skin graft donors. Kidney transplant recipients received RhATG, and tacrolimus, MMF, and steroid for maintenance immunosuppression. Results Circulating total IgG was reduced from a baseline 100% on D0 to 32.0% (mean, SD ± 10.6) on d4 post infusion (p<0.05), while using a DSA assay. T-cell flow cross match (TFXM) was reduced to 40.6±12.5% of baseline, and B-cell FXCM to 52.2±19.3%. Circulating total IgM and DSA IgM were unaffected by treatment. Pathogen-specific antibodies (anti-gB and anti-tetanus toxin IgG) were significantly reduced for 14d post infusion. Post-transplant, circulating IgG responded to anti-FcRn mAb treatment, but DSA increased rapidly. Conclusion Targeting the FcRn-mediated recycling of IgG is an effective means of lowering circulating donor-specific IgG in the sensitized recipient, although in the setting of organ transplantation mechanisms of rapid antibody rise post-transplant remains unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Manook
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Walter J Flores
- Massbiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robin Schmitz
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Zachary Fitch
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Yeeun Bae
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Brian Shaw
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Allan Kirk
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Melissa Harnois
- Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sallie Permar
- Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Diogo M Magnani
- Massbiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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22
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May FNJ, Rees MT, Griffin S, Fildes JE. Understanding immunological response to desensitisation strategies in highly sensitised potential kidney transplant patients. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2021; 35:100596. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2021.100596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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23
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Schroder PM, Schmitz R, Fitch ZW, Ezekian B, Yoon J, Choi AY, Manook M, Barbas A, Leopardi F, Song M, Farris AB, Collins B, Kwun J, Knechtle SJ. Preoperative carfilzomib and lulizumab based desensitization prolongs graft survival in a sensitized non-human primate model. Kidney Int 2020; 99:161-172. [PMID: 32898569 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2020.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Sensitized patients are difficult to transplant due to pre-formed anti-donor immunity. We have previously reported successful desensitization using carfilzomib and belatacept in a non-human primate (NHP) model. Here we evaluated selective blockade of the co-stimulatory signal (CD28-B7) with Lulizumab, which preserves the co-inhibitory signal (CTLA4-B7). Five maximally MHC-mismatched pairs of NHPs were sensitized to each other with two sequential skin transplants. Individuals from each pair were randomized to either desensitization with once-weekly Carfilzomib (27mg/m2 IV) and Lulizumab (12.5mg/kg SC) over four weeks, or no desensitization (Control). NHPs then underwent life-sustaining kidney transplantation from their previous skin donor. Rhesus-specific anti-thymocyte globulin was used as induction therapy and immunosuppression maintained with tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and methylprednisolone. Desensitized subjects demonstrated a significant reduction in donor-specific antibody, follicular helper T cells (CD4+PD-1+ICOS+), and proliferating B cells (CD20+Ki67+) in the lymph nodes. Interestingly, regulatory T cell (CD4+CD25+CD127lo) frequency was maintained after desensitization in addition to increased frequency of naïve CD4 T cells (CCR7+CD45RA+) and naïve B cells (IgD+CD27-CD20+) in circulation. This was associated with significant prolongation in graft survival (MST = 5.8 ± 4.0 vs. 64.8 ± 36.3; p<0.05) and lower antibody-mediated rejection scores compared to control animals. However, all desensitized animals eventually developed AMR and graft failure. Desensitization with CFZ and Lulizumab improves allograft survival in allosensitized NHPs, by transient control of the germinal center and shifting of the immune system to a more naive phenotype. This regimen may translate into clinical practice to improve outcomes of highly sensitized transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Schroder
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robin Schmitz
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary W Fitch
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian Ezekian
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ashley Y Choi
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Miriam Manook
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew Barbas
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Frank Leopardi
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mingqing Song
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bradley Collins
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Stuart J Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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24
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Siu JH, Motallebzadeh R, Pettigrew GJ. Humoral autoimmunity after solid organ transplantation: Germinal ideas may not be natural. Cell Immunol 2020; 354:104131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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25
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Louis K, Macedo C, Bailly E, Lau L, Ramaswami B, Marrari M, Landsittel D, Chang A, Chandran U, Fadakar P, Yamada M, Chalasani G, Randhawa P, Zeevi A, Singh H, Lefaucheur C, Metes D. Coordinated Circulating T Follicular Helper and Activated B Cell Responses Underlie the Onset of Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplantation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 31:2457-2474. [PMID: 32723838 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020030320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) has been long recognized as a leading cause of allograft failure after kidney transplantation, the cellular and molecular processes underlying the induction of deleterious donor-specific antibody (DSA) responses remain poorly understood. METHODS Using high-dimensional flow cytometry, in vitro assays, and RNA sequencing, we concomitantly investigated the role of T follicular helper (TFH) cells and B cells during ABMR in 105 kidney transplant recipients. RESULTS There were 54 patients without DSAs; of those with DSAs, ABMR emerged in 20 patients, but not in 31 patients. We identified proliferating populations of circulating TFH cells and activated B cells emerging in blood of patients undergoing ABMR. Although these circulating TFH cells comprised heterogeneous phenotypes, they were dominated by activated (ICOS+PD-1+) and early memory precursor (CCR7+CD127+) subsets, and were enriched for the transcription factors IRF4 and c-Maf. These circulating TFH cells produced large amounts of IL-21 upon stimulation with donor antigen and induced B cells to differentiate into antibody-secreting cells that produced DSAs. Combined analysis of the matched circulating TFH cell and activated B cell RNA-sequencing profiles identified highly coordinated transcriptional programs in circulating TFH cells and B cells among patients with ABMR, which markedly differed from those of patients who did not develop DSAs or ABMR. The timing of expansion of the distinctive circulating TFH cells and activated B cells paralleled emergence of DSAs in blood, and their magnitude was predictive of IgG3 DSA generation, more severe allograft injury, and higher rate of allograft loss. CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing ABMR may benefit from monitoring and therapeutic targeting of TFH cell-B cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Louis
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Human Immunology and Immunopathology, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 976, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Camila Macedo
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Elodie Bailly
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Human Immunology and Immunopathology, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 976, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Louis Lau
- Center for Systems Immunology, Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bala Ramaswami
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marilyn Marrari
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Douglas Landsittel
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander Chang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Uma Chandran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul Fadakar
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Masaki Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Geetha Chalasani
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Adriana Zeevi
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Harinder Singh
- Center for Systems Immunology, Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Inserm UMR S970, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Diana Metes
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania .,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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26
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Ezekian B, Schroder PM, Mulvihill MS, Barbas A, Collins B, Freischlag K, Yoon J, Yi JS, Smith F, Olaso D, Saccoccio FM, Permar S, Farris AB, Kwun J, Knechtle SJ. Pretransplant Desensitization with Costimulation Blockade and Proteasome Inhibitor Reduces DSA and Delays Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Highly Sensitized Nonhuman Primate Kidney Transplant Recipients. J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 30:2399-2411. [PMID: 31658991 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2019030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with broad HLA sensitization have poor access to donor organs, high mortality while waiting for kidney transplant, and inferior graft survival. Although desensitization strategies permit transplantation via lowering of donor-specific antibodies, the B cell-response axis from germinal center activation to plasma cell differentiation remains intact. METHODS To investigate targeting the germinal center response and plasma cells as a desensitization strategy, we sensitized maximally MHC-mismatched rhesus pairs with two sequential skin transplants. We administered a proteasome inhibitor (carfilzomib) and costimulation blockade agent (belatacept) to six animals weekly for 1 month; four controls received no treatment. We analyzed blood, lymph node, bone marrow cells, and serum before desensitization, after desensitization, and after kidney transplantation. RESULTS The group receiving carfilzomib and belatacept exhibited significantly reduced levels of donor-specific antibodies (P=0.05) and bone marrow plasma cells (P=0.02) compared with controls, with a trend toward reduced lymph node T follicular helper cells (P=0.06). Compared with controls, carfilzomib- and belatacept-treated animals had significantly prolonged graft survival (P=0.02), and renal biopsy at 1 month showed significantly reduced antibody-mediated rejection scores (P=0.02). However, four of five animals with long-term graft survival showed gradual rebound of donor-specific antibodies and antibody-mediated rejection. CONCLUSIONS Desensitization using proteasome inhibition and costimulation blockade reduces bone marrow plasma cells, disorganizes germinal center responses, reduces donor-specific antibody levels, and prolongs allograft survival in highly sensitized nonhuman primates. Most animals experienced antibody-mediated rejection with humoral-response rebound, suggesting desensitization must be maintained after transplantation using ongoing suppression of the B cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John S Yi
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; and
| | | | - Danae Olaso
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center
| | - Frances M Saccoccio
- Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sallie Permar
- Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jean Kwun
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center,
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27
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Fitch Z, Schmitz R, Kwun J, Hering B, Madsen J, Knechtle SJ. Transplant research in nonhuman primates to evaluate clinically relevant immune strategies in organ transplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2019; 33:115-129. [PMID: 31027947 PMCID: PMC6599548 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Research in transplant immunology using non-human primate (NHP) species to evaluate immunologic strategies to prevent rejection and prolong allograft survival has yielded results that have translated successfully into human organ transplant patient management. Other therapies have not proceeded to human translation due to failure in NHP testing, arguably sparing humans the futility and risk of such testing. The NHP transplant models are ethically necessary for drug development in this field and provide the closest analogue to human transplant patients available. The refinement of this resource with respect to colony MHC typing, reagent and assay development, and availability to the research community has greatly enhanced knowledge about transplant immunology and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Fitch
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Center for Transplantation Sciences, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, White 510c, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robin Schmitz
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jean Kwun
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Bernhard Hering
- Schulze Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joren Madsen
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Stuart J Knechtle
- Department of Surgery, Duke Transplant Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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28
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Kwun J, Matignon M, Manook M, Guendouz S, Audard V, Kheav D, Poullot E, Gautreau C, Ezekian B, Bodez D, Damy T, Faivre L, Menouch D, Yoon J, Park J, Belhadj K, Chen D, Bilewski AM, Yi JS, Collins B, Stegall M, Farris AB, Knechtle S, Grimbert P. Daratumumab in Sensitized Kidney Transplantation: Potentials and Limitations of Experimental and Clinical Use. J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 30:1206-1219. [PMID: 31227636 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018121254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Donor-specific antibodies are associated with increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection and decreased allograft survival. Therefore, reducing the risk of these antibodies remains a clinical need in transplantation. Plasma cells are a logical target of therapy given their critical role in antibody production. METHODS To target plasma cells, we treated sensitized rhesus macaques with daratumumab (anti-CD38 mAb). Before transplant, we sensitized eight macaques with two sequential skin grafts from MHC-mismatched donors; four of them were also desensitized with daratumumab and plerixafor (anti-CXCR4). We also treated two patients with daratumumab in the context of transplant. RESULTS The animals treated with daratumumab had significantly reduced donor-specific antibody levels compared with untreated controls (57.9% versus 13% reduction; P<0.05) and prolonged renal graft survival (28.0 days versus 5.2 days; P<0.01). However, the reduction in donor-specific antibodies was not maintained because all recipients demonstrated rapid rebound of antibodies, with profound T cell-mediated rejection. In the two clinical patients, a combined heart and kidney transplant recipient with refractory antibody-mediated rejection and a highly sensitized heart transplant candidate, we also observed a significant decrease in class 1 and 2 donor-specific antibodies that led to clinical improvement of antibody-mediated rejection and to heart graft access. CONCLUSIONS Targeting CD38 with daratumumab significantly reduced anti-HLA antibodies and anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies in a nonhuman primate model and in two transplant clinical cases before and after transplant. This supports investigation of daratumumab as a potential therapeutic strategy; however, further research is needed regarding its use for both antibody-mediated rejection and desensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Matignon
- Nephrology and Transplantation Department, Cancerology-Immunity-Transplantation-Infectiology, Clinical Investigation Center-Biotherapies, Henri Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM U955, Paris-Est-Créteil University, Paris, France
| | | | - Soulef Guendouz
- Department of Cardiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor Hospital, and INSERM Unité 955, Clinical Investigation Center 006, and DHU ATVB, Creteil, France
| | - Vincent Audard
- Nephrology and Transplantation Department, Cancerology-Immunity-Transplantation-Infectiology, Clinical Investigation Center-Biotherapies, Henri Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM U955, Paris-Est-Créteil University, Paris, France
| | - David Kheav
- Department of Immunology and Histocompatibility, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Chantal Gautreau
- Department of Immunology and Histocompatibility, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Diane Bodez
- Department of Cardiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor Hospital, and INSERM Unité 955, Clinical Investigation Center 006, and DHU ATVB, Creteil, France
| | - Thibault Damy
- Department of Cardiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Henri Mondor Hospital, and INSERM Unité 955, Clinical Investigation Center 006, and DHU ATVB, Creteil, France
| | | | - Dehbia Menouch
- Department of Apheresis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, CHU Henri Mondor, Créteil, France; and
| | | | | | - Karim Belhadj
- Haematology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Alyssa M Bilewski
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - John S Yi
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Mark Stegall
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Philippe Grimbert
- Nephrology and Transplantation Department, Cancerology-Immunity-Transplantation-Infectiology, Clinical Investigation Center-Biotherapies, Henri Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM U955, Paris-Est-Créteil University, Paris, France;
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29
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Burghuber CK, Manook M, Ezekian B, Gibby AC, Leopardi FV, Song M, Jenks J, Saccoccio F, Permar S, Farris AB, Iwakoshi NN, Kwun J, Knechtle SJ. Dual targeting: Combining costimulation blockade and bortezomib to permit kidney transplantation in sensitized recipients. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:724-736. [PMID: 30102844 PMCID: PMC7185755 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Previous evidence suggests that a homeostatic germinal center (GC) response may limit bortezomib desensitization therapy. We evaluated the combination of costimulation blockade with bortezomib in a sensitized non-human primate kidney transplant model. Sensitized animals were treated with bortezomib, belatacept, and anti-CD40 mAb twice weekly for a month (n = 6) and compared to control animals (n = 7). Desensitization therapy-mediated DSA reductions approached statistical significance (P = .07) and significantly diminished bone marrow PCs, lymph node follicular helper T cells, and memory B cell proliferation. Graft survival was prolonged in the desensitization group (P = .073). All control animals (n = 6) experienced graft loss due to antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after kidney transplantation, compared to one desensitized animal (1/5). Overall, histological AMR scores were significantly lower in the treatment group (n = 5) compared to control (P = .020). However, CMV disease was common in the desensitized group (3/5). Desensitized animals were sacrificed after long-term follow-up with functioning grafts. Dual targeting of both plasma cells and upstream GC responses successfully prolongs graft survival in a sensitized NHP model despite significant infectious complications and drug toxicity. Further work is planned to dissect underlying mechanisms, and explore safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K. Burghuber
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Manook
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brian Ezekian
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Adriana C. Gibby
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Frank V. Leopardi
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Minqing Song
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Jenks
- Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Frances Saccoccio
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sallie Permar
- Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alton B. Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Neal N. Iwakoshi
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jean Kwun
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stuart J. Knechtle
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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30
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Zhao D, Liao T, Li S, Zhang Y, Zheng H, Zhou J, Han F, Dong Y, Sun Q. Mouse Model Established by Early Renal Transplantation After Skin Allograft Sensitization Mimics Clinical Antibody-Mediated Rejection. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1356. [PMID: 30022978 PMCID: PMC6039569 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is the main barrier to renal graft survival, and mouse renal AMR models are important to study this process. Current mouse models are established by priming the recipient to donor skin for over 7 days before kidney transplantation. The robustness of AMR in these cases is too strong to mimic clinical AMR and it is unclear why altering the priming times ranging from 7 to 91 days fails to reduce the AMR potency in these models. In the present study, we found that the donor-recipient combination and skin graft size were determinants of donor-specific antibody (DSA) development patterns after skin transplantation. DSA-IgG was sustained for over 100 days after skin challenge, accounting for an identical AMR robustness upon different skin priming times over 7 days. However, decreasing the skin priming time within 7 days attenuated the robustness of subsequent renal allograft AMR in C3H to Balb/c mice. Four-day skin priming guaranteed that recipients develop acute renal AMR mixed with a high ratio of graft-infiltrating macrophages, renal grafts survived for a mean of 6.4 ± 2.1 days, characterized by typical AMR histological changes, such as glomerulitis, peritubular capillary (PTC) dilation, and capillaritis, deposition of IgG and C3d in PTCs, but less prevalence of microthrombus, whereas the cellular rejection histological change of tubulitis was absent to mild. With this scheme, we also found that the renal AMR model can be developed using common mouse strains such as C57BL/6 and Balb/c, with mean prolonged renal graft survival times of 14.4 ± 5.0 days. Finally, we proved that donor-matched skin challenge after kidney transplantation did not strongly affect DSA development and kidney graft outcome. These findings may facilitate an understanding and establishment of mouse renal allograft AMR models and promote AMR-associated studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daqiang Zhao
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Liao
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siwen Li
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yannan Zhang
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haofeng Zheng
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Han
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiquan Sun
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Manook M, Kwun J, Sacks S, Dorling A, Mamode N, Knechtle S. Innate networking: Thrombotic microangiopathy, the activation of coagulation and complement in the sensitized kidney transplant recipient. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2018; 32:119-126. [PMID: 29935708 PMCID: PMC6497150 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a histological feature of antibody-mediated rejection and has the potential to cause problematic graft dysfunction, particularly for highly sensitized cross-match positive kidney transplant recipients. Prompt recognition of pertinent histopathological and systemic features of TMA in kidney transplantation is necessary. Underlying mechanisms of this process involve the activation of both complement and coagulation systems as a response to HLA antibody. As serine proteases, coagulation and complement cascades exhibit similar characteristics with respect to homeostatic function. Increasing evidence now exists for the interaction between these innate defenses in both activation and regulation, lending scope for intervention. Understanding the complexities of these interactions remains a challenge. This review provides an overview of the current understanding, particularly with respect to the activation of coagulation and complement by HLA antibody in the setting of highly sensitized kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Manook
- Renal and Transplant Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Steven Sacks
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College, London, UK
| | | | - Nizam Mamode
- Renal and Transplant Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Successful desensitization with proteasome inhibition and costimulation blockade in sensitized nonhuman primates. Blood Adv 2017; 1:2115-2119. [PMID: 29296858 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017010991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The detrimental effects of donor-directed antibodies in sensitized transplant patients remain a difficult immunologic barrier to successful organ transplantation. Antibody removal is often followed by rebound. Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) deplete antibody-producing plasma cells (PCs) but have shown marginal benefit for desensitization. In an allosensitized nonhuman primate (NHP) model, we observed increased germinal center (GC) formation after PI monotherapy, suggesting a compensatory PC repopulation mediated via GC activation. Here we show that costimulation blockade (CoB) targets GC follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in allosensitized NHPs. Combined PI and CoB significantly reduces bone marrow PCs (CD19+CD20-CD38+), Tfh cells (CD4+ICOS+PD-1hi), and GC B cells (BCL-6+CD20+); controls the homeostatic GC response to PC depletion; and sustains alloantibody decline. Importantly, dual PC and CoB therapy prolongs rejection-free graft survival in major histocompatibility complex incompatible kidney transplantation without alloantibody rebound. Our study illustrates a translatable desensitization method and provides mechanistic insight into maintenance of alloantibody sensitization.
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Early initiation of antiretroviral treatment postSIV infection does not resolve lymphoid tissue activation. AIDS 2017; 31:1819-1824. [PMID: 28692537 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Germinal center resident follicular helper T (TFH) cells in lymphoid follicles are a potential sanctuary for HIV/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication. But the dynamics of germinal centers upon early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and their potential role in the formation of viral sanctuaries post-SIV infection are not fully understood. DESIGN Sequential lymph node biopsies (n = 10) were collected from SIVmac239-infected rhesus macaques before infection, at 5 weeks postinfection/pre-ART, 6 and 12 weeks following ART initiation. These tissues and cells were analyzed for frequencies of TFH cells and assignment of germinal center scores. RESULTS Modest but significant increases in TFH cells and hyperplastic follicles with large germinal centers were noted during the acute phase of SIV infection (week 5/pre-ART). However, 6 weeks after ART initiation, substantial increases in germinal center TFH cells, germinal center B cells, hyperplastic follicles with large germinal centers, and abundant local IL-21 production were observed, whereas levels of SIV RNA and DNA of lymph nodes had decreased to barely detectable values along with barely detectable levels of SIV antibody-producing cells. An additional 6 weeks of ART did not appreciably decrease germinal center TFH or germinal center scores. CONCLUSION Thus, although early ART rapidly controls SIV replication, it does not regulate early lymphoid activation, which may contribute to the seeding and magnitude of viral reservoirs.
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Manook M, Kwun J, Burghuber C, Samy K, Mulvihill M, Yoon J, Xu H, MacDonald AL, Freischlag K, Curfman V, Branum E, Howell D, Farris AB, Smith RA, Sacks S, Dorling A, Mamode N, Knechtle S. Thrombalexin: Use of a Cytotopic Anticoagulant to Reduce Thrombotic Microangiopathy in a Highly Sensitized Model of Kidney Transplantation. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:2055-2064. [PMID: 28226413 PMCID: PMC5519442 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Early activation of coagulation is an important factor in the initiation of innate immunity, as characterized by thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). In transplantation, systemic anticoagulation is difficult due to bleeding. A novel "cytotopic" agent, thrombalexin (TLN), combines a cell-membrane-bound (myristoyl tail) anti-thrombin (hirudin-like peptide [HLL]), which can be perfused directly to the donor organ or cells. Thromboelastography was used to measure time to clot formation (r-time) in both rhesus and human blood, comparing TLN versus HLL (without cytotopic tail) versus negative control. Both TLN- and HLL-treated rhesus or human whole blood result in significantly prolonged r-time compared to kaolin controls. Only TLN-treated human endothelial cells and neonatal porcine islets prolonged time to clot formation. Detection of membrane-bound TLN was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence activated cell sorter. In vivo, perfusion of a nonhuman primate kidney TLN-supplemented preservation solution in a sensitized model of transplantation demonstrated no evidence of TLN systemically. Histologically, TLN was shown to be present up to 4 days after transplantation. There was no platelet deposition, and TMA severity, as well as microvascular injury scores (glomerulitis + peritubular capillaritis), were less in the TLN-treated animals. Despite promising evidence of localized efficacy, no survival benefit was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Manook
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710,Renal and Transplant Department, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Christian Burghuber
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kannan Samy
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Michael Mulvihill
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - He Xu
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Andrea L. MacDonald
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Kyle Freischlag
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Verna Curfman
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Evelyn Branum
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - David Howell
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Alton Brad Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta GA 30322
| | | | - Stephen Sacks
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, King’s College, London, UK
| | | | - Nizam Mamode
- Renal and Transplant Department, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710,Corresponding author: Stuart J Knechtle, MD, 330 Trent Drive, DUMC Box 3512, Durham, NC 27710, U.S.A., Phone: 919-613-9687; Fax: 919-684-8716;
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35
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Woodle ES, Tremblay S, Driscoll J. Targeting Plasma Cells with Proteasome Inhibitors: Principles from Primates. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:1951-1953. [PMID: 28592425 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017040443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E Steve Woodle
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, and .,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Simon Tremblay
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, and.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - James Driscoll
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, and.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Kwun J, Burghuber C, Manook M, Iwakoshi N, Gibby A, Hong JJ, Knechtle S. Humoral Compensation after Bortezomib Treatment of Allosensitized Recipients. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:1991-1996. [PMID: 28232617 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2016070727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of bortezomib monotherapy in desensitizing kidney transplant candidates with preformed donor-specific antibodies remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of bortezomib on preformed antibodies and upstream components of the B cell response in a primate model sensitized by fully mismatched allogeneic skin transplants to provide mechanistic insights regarding the use of bortezomib as a means of desensitization. Bortezomib treatment given intravenously twice weekly for 1 month (1.3 mg/m2 per dose) clearly reduced the numbers of antibody-producing cells and CD38+CD19+CD20- plasma cells in the bone marrow (P<0.05), but donor-specific alloantibody levels did not decrease. We observed a rapid but transient induction of circulating IgG+ B cells and an increased number of proliferating B cells in the lymph nodes after 1 month of treatment. Notably, bortezomib treatment induced germinal center B cell and follicular helper T cell expansion in the lymph nodes. These data suggest that bortezomib-induced plasma cell depletion triggers humoral compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christopher Burghuber
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; and
| | - Miriam Manook
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Neal Iwakoshi
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adriana Gibby
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jung Joo Hong
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Stuart Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; .,Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Oh B, Yoon J, Farris A, Kirk A, Knechtle S, Kwun J. Rapamycin Interferes With Postdepletion Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis and Enhances DSA Formation Corrected by CTLA4-Ig. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:2612-23. [PMID: 26990829 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that alemtuzumab induction with rapamycin as sole maintenance therapy is associated with an increased incidence of humoral rejection in human kidney transplant patients. To investigate the role of rapamycin in posttransplant humoral responses after T cell depletion, fully MHC mismatched hearts were transplanted into hCD52Tg mice, followed by alemtuzumab treatment with or without a short course of rapamycin. While untreated hCD52Tg recipients acutely rejected B6 hearts (n = 12), hCD52Tg recipients treated with alemtuzumab alone or in conjunction with rapamycin showed a lack of acute rejection (MST > 100). However, additional rapamycin showed a reduced beating quality over time and increased incidence of vasculopathy. Furthermore, rapamycin supplementation showed an increased serum donor-specific antibodies (DSA) level compared to alemtuzumab alone at postoperation days 50 and 100. Surprisingly, additional rapamycin treatment significantly reduced CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) T reg cell numbers during treatment. On the contrary, ICOS(+) PD-1(+) CD4 follicular helper T cells in the lymph nodes were significantly increased. Interestingly, CTLA4-Ig supplementation in conjunction with rapamycin corrected rapamycin-induced accelerated posttransplant humoral response by directly modulating Tfh cells but not Treg cells. This suggests that rapamycin after T cell depletion could affect Treg cells leading to an increase of Tfh cells and DSA production that can be reversed by CTLA4-Ig.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Oh
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - J Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - A Farris
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - A Kirk
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.,Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - S Knechtle
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.,Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - J Kwun
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.,Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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Abstract
The ultimate outcome of alloreactivity versus tolerance following transplantation is potently influenced by the constellation of cosignaling molecules expressed by immune cells during priming with alloantigen, and the net sum of costimulatory and coinhibitory signals transmitted via ligation of these molecules. Intense investigation over the last two decades has yielded a detailed understanding of the kinetics, cellular distribution, and intracellular signaling networks of cosignaling molecules such as the CD28, TNF, and TIM families of receptors in alloimmunity. More recent work has better defined the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which engagement of cosignaling networks serve to either dampen or augment alloimmunity. These findings will likely aid in the rational development of novel immunomodulatory strategies to prolong graft survival and improve outcomes following transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy L Ford
- Emory Transplant Center and Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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