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Randhawa PS. Caveats in Interpretation of Molecular Diagnostics in Heart Allografts. Transplantation 2024; 108:1472-1475. [PMID: 38294835 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Histologic separation of injury, T cell-mediated rejection, or antibody-mediated rejection in allograft heart biopsies is difficult. A critical review of publications was performed to evaluate the caveats of using molecular diagnostics (MDX) to distinguish between these entities. Typically, only 1 to 2 fragments of unknown histologic appearance are evaluated. Archetype and molecular classifier analyses use gene lists derived from histologic labels and associated reproducibility issues influence the accuracy of the derived MDX classes. Archetypes A1, A2, and A3 archetypes created by bioinformatics were renamed no rejection, T cell-mediated rejection, and antibody-mediated rejection despite as little as 40% concordance with histologic diagnoses and overlapping archetype scores. Additional archetypes S4 and minor injury were created using arbitrary cutoffs based on visual examination of principal component analysis plots. Therapeutic implications of the numerous discrepancies with histology remain unexplored. Many MDX-derived observations are ambiguous and open to alternate logical explanations. Better molecular methods and more rigorous validation studies are needed to advance the field. Ideally, these methods should analyze all available biopsy fragments to minimize sampling issues. It is also desirable to incorporate spatial transcriptomics into the workflow, so that gene expression data can be directly compared with the underlying histology lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parmjeet S Randhawa
- Department of Pathology, The Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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2
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Barwad A, Huang Y, Randhawa P. T-cell Mediated Rejection Associated Microvascular Inflammation in the Allograft Kidney: RNAseq Analysis Using the Banff Human Organ Transplant Gene Panel. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15410. [PMID: 39033507 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microvascular inflammation (MVI) can occur in biopsies showing T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR), but it is not well established that T-cells can directly mediate microvascular injury (TCMR-MVI). METHODS This was a cross sectional RNAseq based Banff Human Organ Transplant (BHOT) gene expression (GE) analysis. The objective of this study was to probe the molecular signature of TCMR-MVI in comparison with C4d+, DSA+ antibody mediated rejection (ABMR), stable renal function (STA), and TCMR without MVI. Transcriptome analysis utilized CLC genomic workbench and R-studio software. RESULTS No gene set was specific for any diagnostic category, and all were expressed at low levels in STA biopsies. BHOT gene set scores could differentiate ABMR from TCMR and TCMR-MVI, but not TCMR from TCMR-MVI. TCMR-MVI underexpressed several genes associated with ABMR including DSATs, ENDAT, immunoglobulin genes, ADAMDEC1, PECAM1 and NK cell transcripts (MYBL1, GNLY), but overexpressed C3, NKBBIZ, and LTF. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the expression of these genes in TCMR-MVI versus TCMR. This indicates that the GE profile of TCMR MVI aligns more closely with TCMR than ABMR. The limitations of classifying biopsies using the binary ABMR-TCMR algorithm, and the occurrence of common pathogenesis mechanisms amongst different rejection phenotype was highlighted by the frequent presence of molecular mixed rejection. CONCLUSIONS T-cell mediated mechanisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of MVI. GE was broadly different between rejection phenotypes, but molecular scores varied substantially between biopsies with the same Banff grade. It was not always possible to achieve precise molecular score-based diagnostic categorization of individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsh Barwad
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India
| | - Yuchen Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, Pittsburgh, USA
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3
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de Nattes T, Beadle J, Roufosse C. Biopsy-based transcriptomics in the diagnosis of kidney transplant rejection. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2024; 33:273-282. [PMID: 38411022 PMCID: PMC10990030 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The last year has seen considerable progress in translational research exploring the clinical utility of biopsy-based transcriptomics of kidney transplant biopsies to enhance the diagnosis of rejection. This review will summarize recent findings with a focus on different platforms, potential clinical applications, and barriers to clinical adoption. RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature has focussed on using biopsy-based transcriptomics to improve diagnosis of rejection, in particular antibody-mediated rejection. Different techniques of gene expression analysis (reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR, microarrays, probe-based techniques) have been used either on separate samples with ideally preserved RNA, or on left over tissue from routine biopsy processing. Despite remarkable consistency in overall patterns of gene expression, there is no consensus on acceptable indications, or whether biopsy-based transcriptomics adds significant value at reasonable cost to current diagnostic practice. SUMMARY Access to biopsy-based transcriptomics will widen as regulatory approvals for platforms and gene expression models develop. Clinicians need more evidence and guidance to inform decisions on how to use precious biopsy samples for biopsy-based transcriptomics, and how to integrate results with standard histology-based diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan de Nattes
- Univ Rouen Normandie, INSERM U1234, CHU Rouen, Department of Nephrology, Rouen, France
| | - Jack Beadle
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Candice Roufosse
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
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4
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Sikosana ML, Reeve J, Madill-Thomsen KS, Halloran PF. Using Regression Equations to Enhance Interpretation of Histology Lesions of Kidney Transplant Rejection. Transplantation 2024; 108:445-454. [PMID: 37726883 PMCID: PMC10798587 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004783] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Banff system for histologic diagnosis of rejection in kidney transplant biopsies uses guidelines to assess designated features-lesions, donor-specific antibody (DSA), and C4d staining. We explored whether using regression equations to interpret the features as well as current guidelines could establish the relative importance of each feature and improve histologic interpretation. METHODS We developed logistic regression equations using the designated features to predict antibody-mediated rejection (AMR/mixed) and T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR/mixed) in 1679 indication biopsies from the INTERCOMEX study ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01299168). Equations were trained on molecular diagnoses independent of the designated features. RESULTS In regression and random forests, the important features predicting molecular rejection were as follows: for AMR, ptc and g, followed by cg; for TCMR, t > i. V-lesions were relatively unimportant. C4d and DSA were also relatively unimportant for predicting AMR: by AUC, the model excluding them (0.853) was nearly as good as the model including them (0.860). Including time posttransplant slightly but significantly improved all models. By AUC, regression predicted molecular AMR and TCMR better than Banff histologic diagnoses. More importantly, in biopsies called "no rejection" by Banff guidelines, regression equations based on histology features identified histologic and molecular rejection-related changes in some biopsies and improved survival predictions. Thus, regression can screen for missed rejection. CONCLUSIONS Using lesion-based regression equations in addition to Banff histology guidelines defines the relative important of histology features for identifying rejection, allows screening for potential missed diagnoses, and permits early estimates of AMR when C4d and DSA are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid L.N. Sikosana
- Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeff Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Philip F. Halloran
- Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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5
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Herz CT, Diebold M, Kainz A, Mayer KA, Doberer K, Kozakowski N, Halloran PF, Böhmig GA. Morphologic and Molecular Features of Antibody-Mediated Transplant Rejection: Pivotal Role of Molecular Injury as an Independent Predictor of Renal Allograft Functional Decline. Transpl Int 2023; 36:12135. [PMID: 38169771 PMCID: PMC10758445 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.12135] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Current knowledge about the factors correlating with functional decline and subsequent failure of kidney allografts in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is limited. We conducted a cohort study involving 75 renal allograft recipients diagnosed with late ABMR occurring at least 6 months after transplantation. The study aimed to examine the correlation of molecular and histologic features with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) trajectories and death-censored graft survival. We focused on sum scores reflecting histologic ABMR activity versus chronicity and molecular scores of ABMR probability (ABMRProb), injury-repair response (IRRAT) and fibrosis (ciprob). In multivariable Cox analysis, a Banff lesion-based chronicity index (ci+ct+cg[x2]; hazard ratio per interquartile range [IQR]: 1.97 [95% confidence interval: 0.97 to 3.99]) and IRRAT (1.93 [0.96 to 3.89]) showed the strongest associations with graft failure. Among biopsy variables, IRRAT exhibited the highest relative variable importance and emerged as the sole independent predictor of eGFR slope (change per IQR: -4.2 [-7.8 to -0.6] mL/min/1.73 m2/year). In contrast, morphologic chronicity associated with baseline eGFR only. We conclude that the extent of molecular injury is a robust predictor of renal function decline. Transcriptome analysis has the potential to improve outcome prediction and possibly identify modifiable injury, guiding targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten T. Herz
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Diebold
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Clinic for Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Kainz
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina A. Mayer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konstantin Doberer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, ATAGC, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Georg A. Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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The Molecular Diagnosis Might Be Clinically Useful in Discrepant Kidney Allograft Biopsy Findings: An Analysis of Clinical Outcomes. Transplantation 2023; 107:485-494. [PMID: 36117252 PMCID: PMC9875837 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) may overcome histology shortcomings. Previous studies have simply examined discrepant findings but have not attempted to determine clinical endpoints. To measure performance, clinical outcomes are strongly required. METHODS This single-center cohort study described discrepancies between MMDx and histology from 51 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and analyzed 72 indication biopsies, including 21 follow-up biopsies. Clinical performance was assessed by a combined endpoint of graft failure, rejection on follow-up biopsy, de novo donor-specific antibody, and improvement of kidney allograft function upon antirejection treatment. RESULTS MMDx agreed in 33 (65%) and differed in 18 (35%) of 51 KTRs. Most discrepancies occurred in biopsies called no rejection by MMDx and rejection by histology (15/24, 63%). In contrast, in biopsies called rejection by MMDx, 3 were classified as no rejection by histology (3/27, 11%). Discrepant findings between MMDx and histology occurred following delayed graft function and MMDx from biopsies with a low percentage of cortex. Among 15 biopsies classified as no rejection by MMDx but rejection by histology, the clinical course suggested no rejection in 9 cases. Six KTRs reached the endpoint, showing predominant t ≥ 2 lesions. CONCLUSIONS The most often occurring discrepancy is rejection by histology but no rejection by MMDx. As more KTRs do not meet the combined endpoint for rejection, MMDx might be clinically useful in these discrepant cases. Although strong histological findings have priority in indicating the treatment, clinical implementation of MMDx could strengthen treatment strategies.
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7
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El Sabagh A, Mohamed IB, Aloor FZ, Abdelwahab A, Hassan MM, Jalal PK. Current Status of Biomarkers and Molecular Diagnostic Tools for Rejection in Liver Transplantation: Light at the End of the Tunnel? J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:139-148. [PMID: 36647415 PMCID: PMC9840072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Strategies to minimize immune-suppressive medications after liver transplantation are limited by allograft rejection. Biopsy of liver is the current standard of care in diagnosing rejection. However, it adds to physical and economic burden to the patient and has diagnostic limitations. In this review, we aim to highlight the different biomarkers to predict and diagnose acute rejection. We also aim to explore recent advances in molecular diagnostics to improve the diagnostic yield of liver biopsies.
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Key Words
- 3BMBs, third bifurcation mucosal endo-bronchial biopsies
- AMR, antibody mediated rejection
- APC, antigen presenting cells
- AR, Acute rejection
- ATCMR, acute T-cell mediated rejection
- ATG, Anti-thymoglobulin
- AUC, area under curve
- AUROC, area under receiver operating characteristic curve
- B-HOT, Banff Human Organ Transplant
- CNI, Calcineurin inhibitors
- DSA, Donor specific antibodies
- FDA, Food and drug administration
- FFPE, formalin fixed paraffin embedded preparation
- GLUT-4, glucose transport-4
- HLA, human leukocyte antigens
- HNMR, high nuclear magnetic resonance
- ILTS, International liver transplantation society
- LT, Liver transplantation
- Liver transplantation
- MDWG, molecular diagnostic work group
- MFI, mean fluorescence intensity
- MHC, major histo–compatibility complex
- MMDX
- MMDX, Molecular microscopic diagnostic system
- MMF, Mycophenolate Mofetil
- MToR, Mechanistic target of Rapamycin
- NPV, Negative predictive value
- PPV, Positive predictive value
- RATs, rejection associated transcripts
- TBB, trans-bronchial biopsies
- UNOS, United network for organ sharing and procurement
- biomarker
- dd cfDNA, donor-derived cell-free DNA
- donor-derived cell-free DNA
- immune-suppression
- mRNA, messenger RNA
- miRNA, micro-RNA
- micro-RNA
- molecular diagnosis
- nano-string
- rejection
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed El Sabagh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Islam B. Mohamed
- Division of Gastroenterology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fuad Z. Aloor
- Division of Gastroenterology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdelwahab
- Division of Gastroenterology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Manal M. Hassan
- Department of Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Prasun K. Jalal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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8
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The Histological Spectrum and Clinical Significance of T Cell-mediated Rejection of Kidney Allografts. Transplantation 2022; 107:1042-1055. [PMID: 36584369 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) remains a significant cause of long-term kidney allograft loss, either indirectly through induction of donor-specific anti-HLA alloantibodies or directly through chronic active TCMR. Whether found by indication or protocol biopsy, Banff defined acute TCMR should be treated with antirejection therapy and maximized maintenance immunosuppression. Neither isolated interstitial inflammation in the absence of tubulitis nor isolated tubulitis in the absence of interstitial inflammation results in adverse outcomes, and neither requires antirejection treatment. RNA gene expression analysis of biopsy material may supplement conventional histology, especially in ambiguous cases. Lesser degrees of tubular and interstitial inflammation (Banff borderline) may portend adverse outcomes and should be treated when found on an indication biopsy. Borderline lesions on protocol biopsies may resolve spontaneously but require close follow-up if untreated. Following antirejection therapy of acute TCMR, surveillance protocol biopsies should be considered. Minimally invasive blood-borne assays (donor-derived cell-free DNA and gene expression profiling) are being increasingly studied as a means of following stable patients in lieu of biopsy. The clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness require confirmation in randomized controlled trials. Treatment of acute TCMR is not standardized but involves bolus corticosteroids with lymphocyte depleting antibodies for severe, refractory, or relapsing cases. Arteritis may be found with acute TCMR, active antibody-mediated rejection, or mixed rejections and should be treated accordingly. The optimal treatment ofchronic active TCMR is uncertain. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to optimally define therapy.
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9
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Randhawa P. The MMDx ® diagnostic system: A critical re-appraisal of its knowledge gaps and a call for rigorous validation studies. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14747. [PMID: 35678044 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomics generates pathogenetic insights not obtainable by histology, but translation of these insights into diagnostic tests is not a trivial task. This opinion-piece critically appraises declarative MMDx statements, such as the infallibility of machine learning algorithms, measurements of gene expression with >99% precision, and "unambiguous reclassifications" of contentious biopsies such as those with borderline change, polyomavirus nephropathy, chronic active T-cell or mixed rejection, isolated intimal arteritis, and renal medullary pathology. It is shown that molecular diagnoses that do not agree with histology cannot be attributed primarily to pathology reading errors. Neither can all molecular calls derived from arbitrary binary thresholds be automatically accepted as the ground truth. Important other sources of discrepancies between clinico-pathologic and molecular calls include: (a) organ being studied, (b) disease definition, (c) clinical histologic, and gene expression heterogeneity within the same diagnostic label, (d) size and composition of comparator groups, (e) molecular noise, (f) variability in output of different machine learning algorithms, and (g) the nonavailability of a molecular classifier for chronic active TCMR. Carefully designed clinical trials are needed to determine which of the proposed indications of MMDx provide incremental value over existing standard of care protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parmjeet Randhawa
- Division of Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, The Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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10
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McCloskey C, Zubrycki M, Lawrence C. The Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) interpretation of solid organ allograft biopsies: Restoring the perspective. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14711. [PMID: 35668041 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris McCloskey
- Transplant Diagnostics Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific, West Hills, California, USA
| | - Michelle Zubrycki
- Transplant Diagnostics Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific, West Hills, California, USA
| | - Christopher Lawrence
- Transplant Diagnostics Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific, West Hills, California, USA
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11
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Halloran PF, Böhmig GA, Bromberg J, Einecke G, Eskandary FA, Gupta G, Myslak M, Viklicky O, Perkowska-Ptasinska A, Madill-Thomsen KS. Archetypal Analysis of Injury in Kidney Transplant Biopsies Identifies Two Classes of Early AKI. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:817324. [PMID: 35463013 PMCID: PMC9021747 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.817324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All transplanted kidneys are subjected to some degree of injury as a result of the donation-implantation process and various post-transplant stresses such as rejection. Because transplants are frequently biopsied, they present an opportunity to explore the full spectrum of kidney response-to-wounding from all causes. Defining parenchymal damage in transplanted organs is important for clinical management because it determines function and survival. In this study, we classified the scenarios associated with parenchymal injury in genome-wide microarray results from 1,526 kidney transplant indication biopsies collected during the INTERCOMEX study. We defined injury groups by using archetypal analysis (AA) of scores for gene sets and classifiers previously identified in various injury states. Six groups and their characteristics were defined in this population: No injury, minor injury, two classes of acute kidney injury ("AKI," AKI1, and AKI2), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and CKD combined with AKI. We compared the two classes of AKI, namely, AKI1 and AKI2. AKI1 had a poor function and increased parenchymal dedifferentiation but minimal response-to-injury and inflammation, instead having increased expression of PARD3, a gene previously characterized as being related to epithelial polarity and adherens junctions. In contrast, AKI2 had a poor function and increased response-to-injury, significant inflammation, and increased macrophage activity. In random forest analysis, the most important predictors of function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and graft loss were injury-based molecular scores, not rejection scores. AKI1 and AKI2 differed in 3-year graft survival, with better survival in the AKI2 group. Thus, injury archetype analysis of injury-induced gene expression shows new heterogeneity in kidney response-to-wounding, revealing AKI1, a class of early transplants with a poor function but minimal inflammation or response to injury, a deviant response characterized as PC3, and an increased risk of failure. Given the relationship between parenchymal injury and kidney survival, further characterization of the injury phenotypes in kidney transplants will be important for an improved understanding that could have implications for understanding native kidney diseases (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01299168).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonathan Bromberg
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Farsad A Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Marek Myslak
- Department of Clinical Interventions, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Samodzielny Publiczny Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony (SPWSZ) Hospital, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ondrej Viklicky
- Department of Nephrology and Transplant Center, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Agnieszka Perkowska-Ptasinska
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Madill-Thomsen KS, Abouljoud M, Bhati C, Ciszek M, Durlik M, Feng S, Foroncewicz B, Francis I, Grąt M, Jurczyk K, Klintmalm G, Krasnodębski M, McCaughan G, Miquel R, Montano-Loza A, Moonka D, Mucha K, Myślak M, Pączek L, Perkowska-Ptasińska A, Piecha G, Reichman T, Sanchez-Fueyo A, Tronina O, Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska M, Więcek A, Zieniewicz K, Halloran PF. The molecular phenotypes of injury, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis in liver transplant biopsies in the INTERLIVER study. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:909-926. [PMID: 34780106 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
To extend previous molecular analyses of rejection in liver transplant biopsies in the INTERLIVER study (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03193151), the present study aimed to define the gene expression selective for parenchymal injury, fibrosis, and steatohepatitis. We analyzed genome-wide microarray measurements from 337 liver transplant biopsies from 13 centers. We examined expression of genes previously annotated as increased in injury and fibrosis using principal component analysis (PCA). PC1 reflected parenchymal injury and related inflammation in the early posttransplant period, slowly regressing over many months. PC2 separated early injury from late fibrosis. Positive PC3 identified a distinct mildly inflamed state correlating with histologic steatohepatitis. Injury PCs correlated with liver function and histologic abnormalities. A classifier trained on histologic steatohepatitis predicted histologic steatohepatitis with cross-validated AUC = 0.83, and was associated with pathways reflecting metabolic abnormalities distinct from fibrosis. PC2 predicted histologic fibrosis (AUC = 0.80), as did a molecular fibrosis classifier (AUC = 0.74). The fibrosis classifier correlated with matrix remodeling pathways with minimal overlap with those selective for steatohepatitis, although some biopsies had both. Genome-wide assessment of liver transplant biopsies can not only detect molecular changes induced by rejection but also those correlating with parenchymal injury, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, offering potential insights into disease mechanisms for primary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chandra Bhati
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michał Ciszek
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Durlik
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sandy Feng
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bartosz Foroncewicz
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Michał Grąt
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Jurczyk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Maciej Krasnodębski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Geoff McCaughan
- Centenary Research Institute, Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Krzysztof Mucha
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Myślak
- Department of Clinical Interventions, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation SPWSZ Hospital, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Leszek Pączek
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Grzegorz Piecha
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | - Olga Tronina
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Więcek
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Zieniewicz
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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13
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Salem FE, Perin L, Sedrakyan S, Angeletti A, Ghiggeri G, Coccia MC, Ross M, Fribourg M, Cravedi P. The spatially resolved transcriptional profile of acute T cell-mediated rejection in a kidney allograft. Kidney Int 2022; 101:131-136. [PMID: 34555393 PMCID: PMC9387544 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of the transcriptional profile of graft biopsies represents a promising strategy to study T cell-mediated-rejection (TCMR), also known as acute cellular rejection. However, bulk RNA sequencing of graft biopsies may not capture the focal nature of acute rejection. Herein, we used the whole exome GeoMX Digital Space Profiling platform to study five tubular and three glomerular regions of interest in the kidney graft biopsy from a patient with a chronic-active TCMR episode and in analogous areas from two different normal kidney control biopsies. All kidney sections were from paraffin blocks. Overall, inflammatory genes were significantly upregulated in the tubular areas of the TCMR biopsy and showed an enrichment for gene-ontology terms associated with T-cell activation, differentiation, and proliferation. Enrichment analysis of the 100 genes with the highest coefficient of variation across the TCMR tubular regions of interest revealed that these highly variable genes are involved in kidney development and injury and interestingly do not associate with the 2019 Banff classification pathology scores within the individual regions of interest. Spatial transcriptomics allowed us to unravel a previously unappreciated variability across different areas of the TCMR biopsy related to the graft response to the alloimmune attack, rather than to the immune cells. Thus, our approach has the potential to decipher clinically relevant, new pathogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic targets in acute cellular rejection and other kidney diseases with a focal nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi E. Salem
- Department of Pathology & Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Perin
- GOFARR Laboratory for Organ Regenerative Research and Cell Therapeutics in Urology, Saban Research Institute, Division of Urology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sargis Sedrakyan
- GOFARR Laboratory for Organ Regenerative Research and Cell Therapeutics in Urology, Saban Research Institute, Division of Urology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Angeletti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Giannina Gaslini Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare, Genoa, Italy
| | - GianMarco Ghiggeri
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Giannina Gaslini Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Coccia
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Giannina Gaslini Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marty Ross
- NanoString Technologies Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Miguel Fribourg
- Department of Medicine, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Department of Medicine, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Fusfeld L, Menon S, Gupta G, Lawrence C, Masud SF, Goss TF. US payer budget impact of a microarray assay with machine learning to evaluate kidney transplant rejection in for-cause biopsies. J Med Econ 2022; 25:515-523. [PMID: 35345966 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2022.2059221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study evaluates the economic impact to US commercial payers of MMDx-Kidney used in conjunction with histologic evaluation of for-cause kidney transplant biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS An Excel-based model was developed to assess the cost impact of histology plus MMDx-Kidney versus histology alone for the evaluation of potential rejection in kidney transplant patients who receive a for-cause biopsy. Different model time periods were assessed, ranging from 1 to 5 years post-biopsy. A targeted literature review was used to identify parameter estimates, validated by two external clinicians with expertise in managing kidney transplant rejection. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the relative impact of key clinical and cost parameters. In particular, the model identified the magnitude of MMDx-Kidney's impact on graft failure from rejection that would be required for MMDx-Kidney to be cost-neutral. RESULTS By more accurately characterizing rejection, MMDx-Kidney is estimated to increase antirejection treatment costs by $1,126 per test. Nevertheless, a break-even analysis shows that the costs of MMDx-Kidney and anti-rejection medication, as well as the costs associated with an increase in the number of patients with functioning transplants, may be offset by reductions in costs associated with graft failure (i.e. costs of hospitalizations, dialysis, and repeat transplants) over 5 years, assuming MMDx-Kidney reduces annual graft failure from rejection by at least 5%. For the base case, with a 25% relative reduction in annual rate of graft failures from rejection, MMDx-Kidney increases overall costs incurred in the first year of the model but starts generating savings by the second year of the model. CONCLUSIONS Compared with histologic evaluation of for-cause kidney transplant biopsies alone, the use of MMDx-Kidney in conjunction with histologic evaluation improves the diagnoses of graft dysfunction and may have the potential to generate overall savings from reductions in rejection-related graft failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Fusfeld
- Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc. (now a Veranex company), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sreeranjani Menon
- Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc. (now a Veranex company), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Salwa F Masud
- Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc. (now a Veranex company), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas F Goss
- Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc. (now a Veranex company), Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Novotný M, Kment M, Viklický O. Adipose tissue macrophages and atherogenesis – a synergy with cholesterolaemia. Physiol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.33549//physiolres.934801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is a major obstacle to the long-term success in kidney transplantation. Diagnosis of ABMR is determined according to the internationally recognized Banff criteria. However, a significant proportion of patients does not meet all the defined criteria, and the outcome of such cases remains poorly understood. The histology of ABMR frequently lacks sensitivity and specificity. More importantly, mixed forms of ABMR and T cell-mediated rejection as well as findings of nonspecific injury are common in clinical settings. Donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) are detectable only in half of the ABMR cases by histology. Prognostic role of non-HLA antibodies against various endothelial proteins has been discussed. Antibody independent NK cell activation reflecting killer-cells’ inhibitory receptor incompatibility is suggested in microvascular inflammation in DSA negative patients. Molecular assessment of ABMR has been prioritized to overcome high interobserver variability and improve diagnostics in mixed forms of rejections and in DSA negative cases. Finally, donor-derived cell-free DNA detected in a recipient’s peripheral blood sample has been proposed as a noninvasive marker for diagnosis of graft rejection, and thus might serve as a liquid biopsy in the near future. Despite all achievements, diagnosing ABMR in kidney allografts remains to be a challenge in a significant number of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - O Viklický
- Department of Nephrology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
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16
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Trailin A, Mrazova P, Hruba P, Voska L, Sticova E, Slavcev A, Novotny M, Kocik M, Viklicky O. Chronic Active Antibody-Mediated Rejection Is Associated With the Upregulation of Interstitial But Not Glomerular Transcripts. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729558. [PMID: 34616398 PMCID: PMC8488163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular assessment of renal allografts has already been suggested in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), but little is known about the gene transcript patterns in particular renal compartments. We used laser capture microdissection coupled with quantitative RT-PCR to distinguish the transcript patterns in the glomeruli and tubulointerstitium of kidney allografts in sensitized retransplant recipients at high risk of ABMR. The expressions of 13 genes were quantified in biopsies with acute active ABMR, chronic active ABMR, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), and normal findings. The transcripts were either compartment specific (TGFB1 in the glomeruli and HAVCR1 and IGHG1 in the tubulointerstitium), ABMR specific (GNLY), or follow-up specific (CXCL10 and CX3CR1). The transcriptional profiles of early acute ABMR shared similarities with ATN. The transcripts of CXCL10 and TGFB1 increased in the glomeruli in both acute ABMR and chronic active ABMR. Chronic active ABMR was associated with the upregulation of most genes (SH2D1B, CX3CR1, IGHG1, MS4A1, C5, CD46, and TGFB1) in the tubulointerstitium. In this study, we show distinct gene expression patterns in specific renal compartments reflecting cellular infiltration observed by conventional histology. In comparison with active ABMR, chronic active ABMR is associated with increased transcripts of tubulointerstitial origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriy Trailin
- Transplant Laboratory, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petra Mrazova
- Transplant Laboratory, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petra Hruba
- Transplant Laboratory, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ludek Voska
- Department of Clinical and Transplant Pathology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Sticova
- Department of Clinical and Transplant Pathology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Antonij Slavcev
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marek Novotny
- Department of Nephrology, Transplant Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia.,Institute of Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Matej Kocik
- Transplantation Surgery Department, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Viklicky
- Transplant Laboratory, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Nephrology, Transplant Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
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17
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Mayer KA, Doberer K, Tillgren A, Viard T, Haindl S, Krivanec S, Reindl-Schwaighofer R, Eder M, Eskandary F, Casas S, Wahrmann M, Regele H, Böhmig GA. Diagnostic value of donor-derived cell-free DNA to predict antibody-mediated rejection in donor-specific antibody-positive renal allograft recipients. Transpl Int 2021; 34:1689-1702. [PMID: 34448270 PMCID: PMC8456909 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Circulating donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) do not necessarily indicate antibody‐mediated rejection (ABMR). Here, we evaluated the diagnostic value of donor‐derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) as an add‐on to DSA detection. The study included two independent cohorts of DSA+ kidney allograft recipients, 45 subclinical cases identified by cross‐sectional antibody screening (cohort 1), and 30 recipients subjected to indication biopsies (cohort 2). About 50% of the DSA+ recipients had ABMR and displayed higher dd‐cfDNA levels than DSA+ABMR− recipients (cohort 1: 1.90% [median; IQR: 0.78–3.90%] vs. 0.52% [0.35–0.72%]; P < 0.001); (cohort 2: 1.20% [0.82–2.50%] vs. 0.59% [0.28–2.05%]; P = 0.086). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89 and 0.69 for dd‐cfDNA, and 0.88 and 0.77 for DSA mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), respectively. In combined models, adding dd‐cfDNA to DSA‐MFI or vice versa significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy. Limited diagnostic performance of dd‐cfDNA in cohort 2 was related to the frequent finding of other types of graft injury among ABMR− recipients, like T cell‐mediated rejection or glomerulonephritis. For dd‐cfDNA in relation to injury of any cause an AUC of 0.97 was calculated. Monitoring of dd‐cfDNA in DSA+ patients may be a useful tool to detect ABMR and other types of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina A Mayer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konstantin Doberer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Susanne Haindl
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Krivanec
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roman Reindl-Schwaighofer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Eder
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Casas
- CareDx Inc., Brisbane, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Markus Wahrmann
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Regele
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Halloran PF, Böhmig GA, Bromberg JS, Budde K, Gupta G, Einecke G, Eskandary F, Madill-Thomsen K, Reeve J. Discovering novel injury features in kidney transplant biopsies associated with TCMR and donor aging. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:1725-1739. [PMID: 33107191 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We previously characterized the molecular changes in acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in kidney transplant biopsies, but parenchymal changes selective for specific types of injury could be missed by such analyses. The present study searched for injury changes beyond AKI and CKD related to specific scenarios, including correlations with donor age. We defined injury using previously defined gene sets and classifiers and used principal component analysis to discover new injury dimensions. As expected, Dimension 1 distinguished normal vs. injury, and Dimension 2 separated early AKI from late CKD, correlating with time posttransplant. However, Dimension 3 was novel, distinguishing a set of genes related to epithelial polarity (e.g., PARD3) that were increased in early AKI and decreased in T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) but not in antibody-mediated rejection. Dimension 3 was increased in kidneys from older donors and was particularly important in survival of early kidneys. Thus high Dimension 3 scores emerge as a previously unknown element in the kidney response-to-injury that affects epithelial polarity genes and is increased in AKI but depressed in TCMR, indicating that in addition to general injury elements, certain injury elements are selective for specific pathologic mechanisms. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01299168).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Klemens Budde
- Charite-Medical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jeff Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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19
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Einecke G, Reeve J, Gupta G, Böhmig GA, Eskandary F, Bromberg JS, Budde K, Halloran PF. Factors associated with kidney graft survival in pure antibody-mediated rejection at the time of indication biopsy: Importance of parenchymal injury but not disease activity. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:1391-1401. [PMID: 32594646 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We studied the relative association of clinical, histologic, and molecular variables with risk of kidney transplant failure after an indication biopsy, both in all kidneys and in kidneys with pure antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). From a prospective study of 1679 biopsies with histologic and molecular testing, we selected one random biopsy per patient (N = 1120), including 321 with pure molecular ABMR. Diagnoses were associated with actuarial survival differences but not good predictions. Therefore we concentrated on clinical (estimated GFR [eGFR], proteinuria, time posttransplant, donor-specific antibody [DSA]) and molecular and histologic features reflecting injury (acute kidney injury [AKI] and atrophy-fibrosis [chronic kidney disease (CKD)] and rejection. For all biopsies, univariate analysis found that failure was strongly associated with low eGFR, AKI, CKD, and glomerular deterioration, but not with rejection activity. In molecular ABMR, the findings were similar: Molecular and histologic activity and DSA were not important compared with injury. Survival in DSA-negative and DSA-positive molecular ABMR was similar. Multivariate survival analysis confirmed the dominance of molecular AKI, CKD, and eGFR. Thus, at indication biopsy, the dominant predictors of failure, both in all kidneys and in ABMR, were related to molecular AKI and CKD and to eGFR, not rejection activity, presumably because rejection confers risk via injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jeff Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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20
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Randhawa P. The Molecular Microscope (MMDX R ) interpretation of thoracic and abdominal allograft biopsies: Putting things in perspective for the clinician. Clin Transplant 2021; 35:e14223. [PMID: 33755254 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The Molecular Microscope System (MMDXR ) has significant potential to enhance biopsy interpretation. However, discussions of MMDx do not acknowledge the basic accuracy of histology readings, and the ability of pathology as a stand-alone tool to guide patient management. MMDx overstates its ability to automatically correct for problems in biopsy readings. Assertions of accuracy approaching 99% are not supported by "real world" data. The high rate of discrepancies between MMDx® and standard biopsy readings can be attributed to the summation of many factors other than histology interpretation, including molecular noise, assay thresholding, limited sensitivity of microarray technology for low expression genes, errors in classifier development, narrow data interpretation, and lack of spatial context. It is not widely recognized that molecular signatures are not disease-specific and are affected by the stage of disease as well as the extent of tissue injury. The effect of sampling error on MMDx performance is significantly under-estimated, particularly in heart and lung biopsies. Therefore, MMDx reports should always be interpreted in the context of conventional biopsy readings. The clinical picture and conventional biopsy reading should be allowed to over-ride the molecular interpretation when there is concern that confounding factors are at play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parmjeet Randhawa
- Professor of Pathology, The Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute and Division of Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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21
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Toulza F, Dominy K, Cook T, Galliford J, Beadle J, McLean A, Roufosse C. Technical considerations when designing a gene expression panel for renal transplant diagnosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17909. [PMID: 33087822 PMCID: PMC7578804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74794-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression analysis is emerging as a new diagnostic tool in transplant pathology, in particular for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection. Diagnostic gene expression panels are defined on the basis of their pathophysiological relevance, but also need to be tested for their robustness across different preservatives and analysis platforms. The aim of this study is the investigate the effect of tissue sampling and preservation on candidate genes included in a renal transplant diagnostic panel. Using the NanoString platform, we compared the expression of 219 genes in 51 samples, split for formalin-fixation and paraffin-embedding (FFPE) and RNAlater preservation (RNAlater). We found that overall, gene expression significantly correlated between FFPE and RNAlater samples. However, at the individual gene level, 46 of the 219 genes did not correlate across the 51 matched FFPE and RNAlater samples. Comparing gene expression results using NanoString and qRT-PCR for 18 genes in the same pool of RNA (RNAlater), we found a significant correlation in 17/18 genes. Our study indicates that, in samples from the same routine diagnostic renal transplant biopsy procedure split for FFPE and RNAlater, 21% of 219 genes of potential biological significance do not correlate in expression. Whether this is due to fixatives or tissue sampling, selection of gene panels for routine diagnosis should take this information into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Toulza
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - K Dominy
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, North West London Pathology, London, UK
| | - T Cook
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - J Galliford
- Imperial Kidney and Transplant Centre, London, UK
| | - J Beadle
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - A McLean
- Imperial Kidney and Transplant Centre, London, UK
| | - C Roufosse
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK.
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22
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Halloran PF, Madill-Thomsen KS. The Molecular Microscope ® Diagnostic System meets eminence-based medicine: A clinician's perspective. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:2964-2965. [PMID: 32337824 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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23
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Randhawa PS. The molecular microscope diagnostic system (MMDx) in transplantation: A pathologist's perspective. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:1965-1966. [PMID: 32239633 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Parmjeet S Randhawa
- Department of Pathology, Division of Transplantation Pathology, The Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Wood-Trageser M, Xu Q, Zeevi A, Randhawa P, Lesniak D, Demetris A. Precision transplant pathology. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2020; 25:412-419. [PMID: 32520786 PMCID: PMC7737245 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Transplant pathology contributes substantially to personalized treatment of organ allograft recipients. Rapidly advancing next-generation human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sequencing and pathology are enhancing the abilities to improve donor/recipient matching and allograft monitoring. RECENT FINDINGS The present review summarizes the workflow of a prototypical patient through a pathology practice, highlighting histocompatibility assessment and pathologic review of tissues as areas that are evolving to incorporate next-generation technologies while emphasizing critical needs of the field. SUMMARY Successful organ transplantation starts with the most precise pratical donor-recipient histocompatibility matching. Next-generation sequencing provides the highest resolution donor-recipient matching and enables eplet mismatch scores and more precise monitoring of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) that may arise after transplant. Multiplex labeling combined with hand-crafted machine learning is transforming traditional histopathology. The combination of traditional blood/body fluid laboratory tests, eplet and DSA analysis, traditional and next-generation histopathology, and -omics-based platforms enables risk stratification and identification of early subclinical molecular-based changes that precede a decline in allograft function. Needs include software integration of data derived from diverse platforms that can render the most accurate assessment of allograft health and needs for immunosuppression adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.A. Wood-Trageser
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Qinyong Xu
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - A. Zeevi
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - P. Randhawa
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - D. Lesniak
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - A.J. Demetris
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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25
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Madill-Thomsen K, Abouljoud M, Bhati C, Ciszek M, Durlik M, Feng S, Foroncewicz B, Francis I, Grąt M, Jurczyk K, Klintmalm G, Krasnodębski M, McCaughan G, Miquel R, Montano-Loza A, Moonka D, Mucha K, Myślak M, Pączek L, Perkowska-Ptasińska A, Piecha G, Reichman T, Sanchez-Fueyo A, Tronina O, Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska M, Więcek A, Zieniewicz K, Halloran PF. The molecular diagnosis of rejection in liver transplant biopsies: First results of the INTERLIVER study. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:2156-2172. [PMID: 32090446 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Molecular diagnosis of rejection is emerging in kidney, heart, and lung transplant biopsies and could offer insights for liver transplant biopsies. We measured gene expression by microarrays in 235 liver transplant biopsies from 10 centers. Unsupervised archetypal analysis based on expression of previously annotated rejection-related transcripts identified 4 groups: normal "R1normal " (N = 129), T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) "R2TCMR " (N = 37), early injury "R3injury " (N = 61), and fibrosis "R4late " (N = 8). Groups differed in median time posttransplant, for example, R3injury 99 days vs R4late 3117 days. R2TCMR biopsies expressed typical TCMR-related transcripts, for example, intense IFNG-induced effects. R3injury displayed increased expression of parenchymal injury transcripts (eg, hypoxia-inducible factor EGLN1). R4late biopsies showed immunoglobulin transcripts and injury-related transcripts. R2TCMR correlated with histologic rejection although with many discrepancies, and R4late with fibrosis. R2TCMR , R3injury , and R4late correlated with liver function abnormalities. Supervised classifiers trained on histologic rejection showed less agreement with histology than unsupervised R2TCMR scores. No confirmed cases of clinical antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) were present in the population, and strategies that previously revealed ABMR in kidney and heart transplants failed to reveal a liver ABMR phenotype. In conclusion, molecular analysis of liver transplant biopsies detects rejection, has the potential to resolve ambiguities, and could assist with immunosuppressive management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chandra Bhati
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michał Ciszek
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Durlik
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sandy Feng
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bartosz Foroncewicz
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Michał Grąt
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Jurczyk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Maciej Krasnodębski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Geoff McCaughan
- Centenary Research Institute, Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Krzysztof Mucha
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Myślak
- Department of Clinical Interventions, Department of Nephrology and Kidney, Transplantation, SPWSZ Hospital, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Leszek Pączek
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Grzegorz Piecha
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | - Olga Tronina
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Więcek
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Zieniewicz
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Lavacca A, Presta R, Gai C, Mella A, Gallo E, Camussi G, Abbasciano I, Barreca A, Caorsi C, Fop F, Messina M, Rossetti M, Biancone L. Early effects of first-line treatment with anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab for chronic active antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation. Clin Transplant 2020; 34:e13908. [PMID: 32415711 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (cAMR) is a major determinant of late allograft failure. Rituximab/immunoglobulins (IVIg) + plasma exchange (PLEX) showed controversial results in cAMR treatment. Tocilizumab (TCZ), a humanized anti-interleukin 6 receptor antibody, has been recently used as rescue therapy in patients non-responsive to rituximab/IVIg/PLEX with favorable outcomes. Whether TCZ acts "per se" or requires a priming effect from previous treatments is currently unknown. METHODS Fifteen patients with cAMR were treated with TCZ as a first-line therapy and followed for a median time of 20.7 months. RESULTS Despite the majority of patients experiencing advanced transplant glomerulopathy (TG) at diagnosis (60% with cg3), glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria stabilized during the follow-up, with a significant reduction in donor-specific antibodies. Protocol biopsies after 6 months demonstrated significant amelioration of microvascular inflammation and no TG, C4d deposition, or IF/TA progression. Gene-expression and immunofluorescence analysis showed upregulation of three genes (TJP-1, AKR1C3, and CASK) involved in podocyte, mesangial, and tubular restoration. CONCLUSION Tocilizumab adopted as a first-line approach in cAMR was associated with early serological and histological improvements and functional stabilization even in advanced TG, suggesting a role for the use of TCZ alone with the avoidance of unnecessary previous immunosuppressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lavacca
- Renal Transplant Center "A. Vercellone", Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Division, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Presta
- Renal Transplant Center "A. Vercellone", Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Division, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Gai
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Mella
- Renal Transplant Center "A. Vercellone", Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Division, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ester Gallo
- Renal Transplant Center "A. Vercellone", Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Division, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Camussi
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Isabella Abbasciano
- Renal Transplant Center "A. Vercellone", Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Division, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonella Barreca
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristiana Caorsi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Immunogenetic and Transplant Biology Center, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Fop
- Renal Transplant Center "A. Vercellone", Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Division, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Messina
- Renal Transplant Center "A. Vercellone", Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Division, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maura Rossetti
- Renal Transplant Center "A. Vercellone", Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Division, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luigi Biancone
- Renal Transplant Center "A. Vercellone", Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Division, Department of Medical Sciences, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Madill-Thomsen K, Perkowska-Ptasińska A, Böhmig GA, Eskandary F, Einecke G, Gupta G, Halloran PF. Discrepancy analysis comparing molecular and histology diagnoses in kidney transplant biopsies. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:1341-1350. [PMID: 31846554 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Discrepancy analysis comparing two diagnostic platforms offers potential insights into both without assuming either is always correct. Having optimized the Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) in renal transplant biopsies, we studied discrepancies within MMDx (reports and sign-out comments) and between MMDx and histology. Interpathologist discrepancies have been documented previously and were not assessed. Discrepancy cases were classified as "clear" (eg, antibody-mediated rejection [ABMR] vs T cell-mediated rejection [TCMR]), "boundary" (eg, ABMR vs possible ABMR), or "mixed" (eg, Mixed vs ABMR). MMDx report scores showed 99% correlations; sign-out interpretations showed 7% variation between observers, all located around boundaries. Histology disagreed with MMDx in 37% of biopsies, including 315 clear discrepancies, all with implications for therapy. Discrepancies were distributed widely in all histology diagnoses but increased in some scenarios; for example, histology TCMR contained 14% MMDx ABMR and 20% MMDx no rejection. MMDx usually gave unambiguous diagnoses in cases with ambiguous histology, for example, borderline and transplant glomerulopathy. Histology lesions or features associated with more frequent discrepancies (eg, tubulitis, arteritis, and polyomavirus nephropathy) were not associated with increased MMDx uncertainty, indicating that MMDx can clarify biopsies with histologic ambiguity. The patterns of histology-MMDx discrepancies highlight specific histology diagnoses in which MMDx assessment should be considered for guiding therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelynn Madill-Thomsen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Philip F Halloran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Trailin A, Hruba P, Viklicky O. Molecular Assessment of Kidney Allografts: Are We Closer to a Daily Routine? Physiol Res 2020; 69:215-226. [PMID: 32199018 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney allograft pathology assessment has been traditionally based on clinical and histological criteria. Despite improvements in Banff histological classification, the diagnostics in particular cases is problematic reflecting a complex pathogenesis of graft injuries. With the advent of molecular techniques, polymerase-chain reaction, oligo- and microarray technologies allowed to study molecular phenotypes of graft injuries, especially acute and chronic rejections. Moreover, development of the molecular microscope diagnostic system (MMDx) to assess kidney graft biopsies, represents the first clinical application of a microarray-based method in transplantation. Whether MMDx may replace conventional pathology is the subject of ongoing research, however this platform is particularly useful in complex histological findings and may help clinicians to guide the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Trailin
- Department of Nephrology, Transplant Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
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29
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Reeve J, Böhmig GA, Eskandary F, Einecke G, Gupta G, Madill-Thomsen K, Mackova M, Halloran PF. Generating automated kidney transplant biopsy reports combining molecular measurements with ensembles of machine learning classifiers. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:2719-2731. [PMID: 30868758 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported a system for assessing rejection in kidney transplant biopsies using microarray-based gene expression data, the Molecular Microscope® Diagnostic System (MMDx). The present study was designed to optimize the accuracy and stability of MMDx diagnoses by replacing single machine learning classifiers with ensembles of diverse classifier methods. We also examined the use of automated report sign-outs and the agreement between multiple human interpreters of the molecular results. Ensembles generated diagnoses that were both more accurate than the best individual classifiers, and nearly as stable as the best, consistent with expectations from the machine learning literature. Human experts had ≈93% agreement (balanced accuracy) signing out the reports, and random forest-based automated sign-outs showed similar levels of agreement with the human experts (92% and 94% for predicting the expert MMDx sign-outs for T cell-mediated (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), respectively). In most cases disagreements, whether between experts or between experts and automated sign-outs, were in biopsies near diagnostic thresholds. Considerable disagreement with histology persisted. The balanced accuracies of MMDx sign-outs for histology diagnoses of TCMR and ABMR were 73% and 78%, respectively. Disagreement with histology is largely due to the known noise in histology assessments (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01299168).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | | | - Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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30
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Unlu M, Yildiz S, Ellidokuz H, Sarioglu S. Comparison of the renal cortex and the medulla for antibody mediated rejection. Nephrology (Carlton) 2019; 25:179-186. [PMID: 31074544 DOI: 10.1111/nep.13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The presence of the peritubular capillaritis and its extent are important for diagnosis of the antibody-mediated rejection in kidneys. However, it is recommended that peritubular capillaritis should only be scored in the cortex. This study aims to focus on peritubular capillaritis scoring both in the cortex and the medulla to understand the value of the medulla in the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection. METHODS Fifty-one allograft renal biopsy were re-evaluated for peritubular capillaritis, C4d and acute tubular injury, separately for the cortex and the medulla according to the Banff. RESULTS Seventeen cases (33.3%) had peritubular capillaritis both in the cortex and the medulla and three (5.9%) cases had peritubular capillaritis only in the cortex while five (9.8%) cases had only in the medulla. Eighteen (35%) of the cases had C4d staining both in the cortex and the medulla and 14 (27.5%) cases had C4d positivity only in the cortex and 18 (35.3%) cases only in the medulla. Twenty-three (45%) cases had acute tubular injury both in the cortex and the medulla and 31 (60.7%) cases had acute tubular injury only in the cortex and 23 (45.1%) cases had only in the medulla. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of medullar peritubular capillaritis predicting cortical peritubular capillaritis were 85.7%, 86.7%, 81.8% and 89.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION In case of absence of the cortical tissue, medulla can be used as a reference for antibody-mediated rejection considering the morphological features, results of donor-specific antibody and renal function tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehtat Unlu
- Department of Pathology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serkan Yildiz
- Department of Nephrology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hulya Ellidokuz
- Department of Biostatistics, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sulen Sarioglu
- Department of Pathology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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31
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An integrated molecular diagnostic report for heart transplant biopsies using an ensemble of diagnostic algorithms. J Heart Lung Transplant 2019; 38:636-646. [PMID: 30795962 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2019.01.1318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported a microarray-based diagnostic system for heart transplant endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs), using either 3-archetype (3AA) or 4-archetype (4AA) unsupervised algorithms to estimate rejection. In the present study we examined the stability of machine-learning algorithms in new biopsies, compared 3AA vs 4AA algorithms, assessed supervised binary classifiers trained on histologic or molecular diagnoses, created a report combining many scores into an ensemble of estimates, and examined possible automated sign-outs. METHODS We studied 889 EMBs from 454 transplant recipients at 8 centers: the initial cohort (N = 331) and a new cohort (N = 558). Published 3AA algorithms derived in Cohort 331 were tested in Cohort 558, the 3AA and 4AA models were compared, and supervised binary classifiers were created. RESULTS A`lgorithms derived in Cohort 331 performed similarly in new biopsies despite differences in case mix. In the combined cohort, the 4AA model, including a parenchymal injury score, retained correlations with histologic rejection and DSA similar to the 3AA model. Supervised molecular classifiers predicted molecular rejection (areas under the curve [AUCs] >0.87) better than histologic rejection (AUCs <0.78), even when trained on histology diagnoses. A report incorporating many AA and binary classifier scores interpreted by 1 expert showed highly significant agreement with histology (p < 0.001), but with many discrepancies, as expected from the known noise in histology. An automated random forest score closely predicted expert diagnoses, confirming potential for automated signouts. CONCLUSIONS Molecular algorithms are stable in new populations and can be assembled into an ensemble that combines many supervised and unsupervised estimates of the molecular disease states.
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32
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Halloran KM, Parkes MD, Chang J, Timofte IL, Snell GI, Westall GP, Hachem R, Kreisel D, Trulock E, Roux A, Juvet S, Keshavjee S, Jaksch P, Klepetko W, Halloran PF. Molecular assessment of rejection and injury in lung transplant biopsies. J Heart Lung Transplant 2019; 38:504-513. [PMID: 30773443 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2019.01.1317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improved understanding of lung transplant disease states is essential because failure rates are high, often due to chronic lung allograft dysfunction. However, histologic assessment of lung transplant transbronchial biopsies (TBBs) is difficult and often uninterpretable even with 10 pieces. METHODS We prospectively studied whether microarray assessment of single TBB pieces could identify disease states and reduce the amount of tissue required for diagnosis. By following strategies successful for heart transplants, we used expression of rejection-associated transcripts (annotated in kidney transplant biopsies) in unsupervised machine learning to identify disease states. RESULTS All 242 single-piece TBBs produced reliable transcript measurements. Paired TBB pieces available from 12 patients showed significant similarity but also showed some sampling variance. Alveolar content, as estimated by surfactant transcript expression, was a source of sampling variance. To offset sampling variation, for analysis, we selected 152 single-piece TBBs with high surfactant transcripts. Unsupervised archetypal analysis identified 4 idealized phenotypes (archetypes) and scored biopsies for their similarity to each: normal; T-cell‒mediated rejection (TCMR; T-cell transcripts); antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR)-like (endothelial transcripts); and injury (macrophage transcripts). Molecular TCMR correlated with histologic TCMR. The relationship of molecular scores to histologic ABMR could not be assessed because of the paucity of ABMR in this population. CONCLUSIONS Molecular assessment of single-piece TBBs can be used to classify lung transplant biopsies and correlated with rejection histology. Two or 3 pieces for each TBB will probably be needed to offset sampling variance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran M Halloran
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael D Parkes
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jessica Chang
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Irina L Timofte
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory I Snell
- Lung Transplant Service, Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Glen P Westall
- Lung Transplant Service, Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ramsey Hachem
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel Kreisel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Elbert Trulock
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Antoine Roux
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Stephen Juvet
- Department of Medicine University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaf Keshavjee
- Department of Medicine University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Jaksch
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Klepetko
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philip F Halloran
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Delsante M, Maggiore U, Levi J, Kleiner DE, Jackson AM, Arend LJ, Hewitt SM, Carter-Monroe N, Bagnasco SM, Rosenberg AZ. Microvascular inflammation in renal allograft biopsies assessed by endothelial and leukocyte co-immunostain: a retrospective study on reproducibility and clinical/prognostic correlates. Transpl Int 2018; 32:300-312. [PMID: 30395360 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The most prominent histologic lesion in antibody-mediated rejection is microvascular inflammation (MVI); however, its recognition and scoring can be challenging and poorly reproducible between pathologists. We developed a dual immunohistochemical (IHC)-stain (anti-CD34/anti-CD45 for endothelium/leukocytes) as ancillary tool to improve on the semi-quantitative Banff scores and allow quantification of MVI. We examined the relationship between CD34-CD45 IHC-based quantitative MVI score (the inflamed peritubular capillary ratio, iptcr) and renal-graft failure or donor-specific antibodies (DSA) strength at the time of biopsy. Quantitative iptcr score was significantly associated with renal graft failure (hazard ratio 1.81, per 1 SD-unit [0.13 points] of iptcr-increase; P = 0.026) and predicted the presence and strength of DSA (ordinal odds ratio: 2.42; P = 0.005; 75 biopsies/60 kidney transplant recipients; 30 HLA- and/or ABO-incompatible). Next, we assessed inter-pathologist agreement for ptc score and ptc extent (focal/diffuse) using CD34-CD45 IHC as compared to conventional stain. Compared to conventional stain, CD34-CD45 IHC significantly increased inter-pathologist agreement on ptc score severity and extent (κ-coefficient from 0.52-0.80 and 0.46-0.68, respectively, P < 0.001). Our findings show that CD34-CD45 IHC improves reproducibility of MVI scoring and facilitates MVI quantification and introduction of a dual anti-CD34/CD45 has the potential to improve recognition of MVI ahead of DSA results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Delsante
- Renal Pathology Service, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Umberto Maggiore
- Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Unit, Department of Nephrology, Parma University Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | - Jonathan Levi
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David E Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Annette M Jackson
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lois J Arend
- Renal Pathology Service, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen M Hewitt
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Serena M Bagnasco
- Renal Pathology Service, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Avi Z Rosenberg
- Renal Pathology Service, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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34
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Early isolated V-lesion may not truly represent rejection of the kidney allograft. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:2269-2284. [PMID: 30287520 PMCID: PMC6365629 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Intimal arteritis is known to be a negative prognostic factor for kidney allograft survival. Isolated v-lesion (IV) is defined as intimal arteritis with minimal tubulointerstitial inflammation (TI). Although the Banff classification assesses IV as T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), clinical, and prognostic significance of early IV (early IV, eIV) with negative C4d and donor-specific antibodies (DSA) remains unclear. To help resolve if such eIV truly represents acute rejection, a molecular study was performed. The transcriptome of eIV (n=6), T cell-mediated vascular rejection with rich TI (T cell-mediated vascular rejection, TCMRV, n=4) and non-rejection histologic findings (n=8) was compared using microarrays. A total of 310 genes were identified to be deregulated in TCMRV compared with eIV. Gene enrichment analysis categorized deregulated genes to be associated primarily with T-cells associated biological processes involved in an innate and adaptive immune and inflammatory response. Comparison of deregulated gene lists between the study groups and controls showed only a 1.7% gene overlap. Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis revealed clear distinction of eIV from TCMRV and showed similarity with a control group. Up-regulation of immune response genes in TCMRV was validated using RT-qPCR in a different set of eIV (n=12) and TCMRV (n=8) samples. The transcriptome of early IV (< 1 month) with negative C4d and DSA is associated with a weak immune signature compared with TCMRV and shows similarity with normal findings. Such eIV may feature non-rejection origin and reflect an injury distinct from an alloimmune response. The present study supports use of molecular methods when interpreting kidney allograft biopsy findings.
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Liu P, Tseng G, Wang Z, Huang Y, Randhawa P. Diagnosis of T-cell-mediated kidney rejection in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues using RNA-Seq-based machine learning algorithms. Hum Pathol 2018; 84:283-290. [PMID: 30296518 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecular diagnosis is being increasingly used in transplant pathology to render more objective and quantitative determinations that also provide mechanistic and prognostic insights. This study performed RNA-Seq on biopsies from kidneys with stable function (STA) and biopsies with classical findings of T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR). Machine learning tools were used to develop prediction models for distinguishing TCMR and STA samples using the top genes identified by DSeq2. The prediction models were tested on 703 biopsies with Affymetrix chip gene expression profiles available in the public domain. Linear discriminant analysis predicted TCMR in 55 of 67 biopsies labeled TCMR, and 65 of 105 biopsies designated as antibody-mediated rejection. The random forest and support vector machine models showed comparable performance. These data illustrate the feasibility of using RNA-Seq for molecular diagnosis of TCMR in formalin-fixed tissue. Application of the derived diagnostic algorithms to publicly available data sets demonstrates frequent coexistence of TCMR in biopsies designated as antibody-mediated rejection. This underrecognition of TCMR in renal allograft biopsies has significant implications with respect to patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - George Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Zijie Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yuchen Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Barner M, DeKoning J, Kashi Z, Halloran P. Recent Advancements in the Assessment of Renal Transplant Dysfunction with an Emphasis on Microarray Molecular Diagnostics. Clin Lab Med 2018; 38:623-635. [PMID: 30420057 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Conventional assessment of renal transplant rejection and injury through use of histology, C4d staining, and HLA antibody testing, has been the standard approach to transplant management. By many measures, these methods of conventional assessment may be considered flawed, particularly with the subjective nature of histologic diagnoses. The Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center has developed the Molecular Microscope diagnostic system, which uses microarrays to measure gene expression. These data are analyzed using classifiers (weighted equations) that compare the tested biopsy to a proprietary reference set of biopsies to provide objective measures of the status of the renal transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan Barner
- Kashi Clinical Laboratories, 10101 Southwest Barbur Boulevard Suite 200, Portland, OR 97219, USA
| | - Jenefer DeKoning
- Kashi Clinical Laboratories, 10101 Southwest Barbur Boulevard Suite 200, Portland, OR 97219, USA
| | - Zahra Kashi
- Kashi Clinical Laboratories, 10101 Southwest Barbur Boulevard Suite 200, Portland, OR 97219, USA.
| | - Phillip Halloran
- Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, 250 Heritage Medical Research Centre, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada; Transcriptome Sciences Inc, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Muczynski KA, Leca N, Anderson AE, Kieran N, Anderson SK. Multicolor Flow Cytometry and Cytokine Analysis Provides Enhanced Information on Kidney Transplant Biopsies. Kidney Int Rep 2018; 3:956-969. [PMID: 29989006 PMCID: PMC6035131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Current processing of renal biopsy samples provides limited information about immune mechanisms causing kidney injury and disease activity. We used flow cytometry with transplanted kidney biopsy samples to provide more information on the immune status of the kidney. Methods To enhance the information available from a biopsy, we developed a technique for reducing a fraction of a renal biopsy sample to single cells for multicolor flow cytometry and quantitation of secreted cytokines present within the biopsy sample. As proof of concept, we used our technique with transplant kidney biopsy samples to provide examples of clinically relevant immune information obtainable with cytometry. Results A ratio of CD8+ to CD4+ lymphocytes greater than or equal to 1.2 in transplanted allografts is associated with rejection, even before it is apparent by microscopy. Elevated numbers of CD45 leukocytes and higher levels of interleukin (IL)−6, IL-8, and IL-10 indicate more severe injury. Antibody binding to renal microvascular endothelial cells can be measured and corresponds to antibody-mediated forms of allograft rejection. Eculizumab binding to endothelial cells suggests complement activation, which may be independent of bound antibody. We compared intrarenal leukocyte subsets and activation states to those of peripheral blood from the same donor at the time of biopsy and found significant differences; thus the need for new techniques to evaluate immune responses within the kidney. Conclusion Assessment of leukocyte subsets, renal microvascular endothelial properties, and measurement of cytokines within a renal biopsy by flow cytometry enhance understanding of pathogenesis, indicate disease activity, and identify potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolae Leca
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Arthur E Anderson
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Niamh Kieran
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Susan K Anderson
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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38
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Halloran PF, Reeve J, Akalin E, Aubert O, Bohmig GA, Brennan D, Bromberg J, Einecke G, Eskandary F, Gosset C, Duong Van Huyen JP, Gupta G, Lefaucheur C, Malone A, Mannon RB, Seron D, Sellares J, Weir M, Loupy A. Real Time Central Assessment of Kidney Transplant Indication Biopsies by Microarrays: The INTERCOMEX Study. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:2851-2862. [PMID: 28449409 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The authors conducted a prospective trial to assess the feasibility of real time central molecular assessment of kidney transplant biopsy samples from 10 North American or European centers. Biopsy samples taken 1 day to 34 years posttransplantation were stabilized in RNAlater, sent via courier overnight at ambient temperature to the central laboratory, and processed (29 h workflow) using microarrays to assess T cell- and antibody-mediated rejection (TCMR and ABMR, respectively). Of 538 biopsy samples submitted, 519 (96%) were sufficient for microarray analysis (average length, 3 mm). Automated reports were generated without knowledge of histology and HLA antibody, with diagnoses assigned based on Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) classifier algorithms and signed out by one observer. Agreement between MMDx and histology (balanced accuracy) was 77% for TCMR, 77% for ABMR, and 76% for no rejection. A classification tree derived to provide automated sign-outs predicted the observer sign-outs with >90% accuracy. In 451 biopsy samples where feedback was obtained, clinicians indicated that MMDx more frequently agreed with clinical judgment (87%) than did histology (80%) (p = 0.0042). In 81% of feedback forms, clinicians reported that MMDx increased confidence in management compared with conventional assessment alone. The authors conclude that real time central molecular assessment is feasible and offers a useful new dimension in biopsy interpretation. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT#01299168.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - J Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - E Akalin
- Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - O Aubert
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France
| | - G A Bohmig
- Medizinische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Brennan
- Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - J Bromberg
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - G Einecke
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - F Eskandary
- Medizinische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Gosset
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France.,Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - J-P Duong Van Huyen
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France
| | - G Gupta
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - C Lefaucheur
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France.,Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - A Malone
- Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - R B Mannon
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - D Seron
- Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Sellares
- Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Weir
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - A Loupy
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, Uss-S970, Paris, France.,Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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Reeve J, Böhmig GA, Eskandary F, Einecke G, Lefaucheur C, Loupy A, Halloran PF. Assessing rejection-related disease in kidney transplant biopsies based on archetypal analysis of molecular phenotypes. JCI Insight 2017; 2:94197. [PMID: 28614805 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.94197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional histologic diagnosis of rejection in kidney transplants has limited repeatability due to its inherent requirement for subjective assessment of lesions, in a rule-based system that does not acknowledge diagnostic uncertainty. Molecular phenotyping affords opportunities for increased precision and improved disease classification to address the limitations of conventional histologic diagnostic systems and quantify levels of uncertainty. Microarray data from 1,208 kidney transplant biopsies were collected prospectively from 13 centers. Cross-validated classifier scores predicting the presence of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), and 5 related histologic lesions were generated using supervised machine learning methods. These scores were used as input for archetypal analysis, an unsupervised method similar to cluster analysis, to examine the distribution of molecular phenotypes related to rejection. Six archetypes were generated: no rejection, TCMR, 3 associated with ABMR (early-stage, fully developed, and late-stage), and mixed rejection (TCMR plus early-stage ABMR). Each biopsy was assigned 6 scores, one for each archetype, representing a probabilistic assessment of that biopsy based on its rejection-related molecular properties. Viewed as clusters, the archetypes were similar to existing histologic Banff categories, but there was 32% disagreement, much of it probably reflecting the "noise" in the current histologic assessment system. Graft survival was lowest for fully developed and late-stage ABMR, and it was better predicted by molecular archetype scores than histologic diagnoses. The results provide a system for precision molecular assessment of biopsies and a new standard for recalibrating conventional diagnostic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Reeve
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, UMR-S970, Paris, France.,Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Loupy
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, INSERM, UMR-S970, Paris, France.,Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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