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Koshy P, Furian L, Nickerson P, Zaza G, Haller M, de Vries APJ, Naesens M. European Survey on Clinical Practice of Detecting and Treating T-Cell Mediated Kidney Transplant Rejection. Transpl Int 2024; 37:12283. [PMID: 38699173 PMCID: PMC11063346 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.12283] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The KDIGO guideline for acute rejection treatment recommends use of corticosteroids and suggests using lymphocyte-depleting agents as second line treatment. Aim of the study was to determine the current practices of detection and treatment of TCMR of kidney allografts amongst European kidney transplant centres. An invitation was sent through ESOT/EKITA newsletters and through social media to transplant professionals in Europe for taking part in the survey. A total of 129 transplant professionals responded to the survey. There was equal representation of small and large sized transplant centres. The majority of centres treat borderline changes (BL) and TCMR (Grade IA-B, IIA-B) in indication biopsies and protocol biopsies with corticosteroids as first line treatment. Thymoglobulin is used mainly as second line treatment for TCMR Grade IA-B (80%) and TCMR IIA-B (85%). Treatment success is most often evaluated within one month of therapy. There were no differences observed between the large and small centres for the management of TCMR. This survey highlights the common practices and diversity in clinics for the management of TCMR in Europe. Testing new therapies for TCMR should be in comparison to the current standard of care in Europe. Better consensus on treatment success is crucial for robust study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Koshy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucrezia Furian
- Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgical Gastroenterological and Oncological Sciences, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Peter Nickerson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Renal, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Haller
- Section for Clinical Biometrics, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems (CeMSIIS), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Nephrology, Ordensklinikum Linz, Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - Aiko P. J. de Vries
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maarten Naesens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Nellore A, Zumaquero E, Seifert M. T-bet+ B Cells in Humans: Protective and Pathologic Functions. Transplantation 2023:00007890-990000000-00613. [PMID: 38051131 PMCID: PMC11150333 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The humoral immune system comprises B cells and plasma cells, which play important roles in organ transplantation, ranging from the production of both protective and injurious antibodies as well as cytokines that can promote operational tolerance. Recent data from conditions outside of transplantation have identified a novel human B-cell subset that expresses the transcription factor T-bet and exerts pleiotropic functions by disease state. Here, we review the generation, activation, and functions of the T-bet+ B-cell subset outside of allotransplantation, and consider the relevance of this subset as mediators of allograft injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoma Nellore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Esther Zumaquero
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Michael Seifert
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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3
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Madhvapathy SR, Wang JJ, Wang H, Patel M, Chang A, Zheng X, Huang Y, Zhang ZJ, Gallon L, Rogers JA. Implantable bioelectronic systems for early detection of kidney transplant rejection. Science 2023; 381:1105-1112. [PMID: 37676965 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh7726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Early-stage organ transplant rejection can be difficult to detect. Percutaneous biopsies occur infrequently and are risky, and measuring biomarker levels in blood can lead to false-negative and -positive outcomes. We developed an implantable bioelectronic system capable of continuous, real-time, long-term monitoring of the local temperature and thermal conductivity of a kidney for detecting inflammatory processes associated with graft rejection, as demonstrated in rat models. The system detects ultradian rhythms, disruption of the circadian cycle, and/or a rise in kidney temperature. These provide warning signs of acute kidney transplant rejection that precede changes in blood serum creatinine/urea nitrogen by 2 to 3 weeks and approximately 3 days for cases of discontinued and absent administration of immunosuppressive therapy, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi R Madhvapathy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
| | - Jiao-Jing Wang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Heling Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100085 China
| | - Manish Patel
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Intervention Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA 60612
| | - Anthony Chang
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA 60637
| | - Xin Zheng
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Yonggang Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
| | - Zheng J Zhang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Lorenzo Gallon
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
- Department of Nephrology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - John A Rogers
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
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4
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Alasfar S, Kodali L, Schinstock CA. Current Therapies in Kidney Transplant Rejection. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4927. [PMID: 37568328 PMCID: PMC10419508 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154927] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in immunosuppressive therapies, kidney transplant rejection continues to pose a substantial challenge, impacting the long-term survival of grafts. This article provides an overview of the diagnosis, current therapies, and management strategies for acute T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). TCMR is diagnosed through histological examination of kidney biopsy samples, which reveal the infiltration of mononuclear cells into the allograft tissue. Corticosteroids serve as the primary treatment for TCMR, while severe or steroid-resistant cases may require T-cell-depleting agents, like Thymoglobulin. ABMR occurs due to the binding of antibodies to graft endothelial cells. The most common treatment for ABMR is plasmapheresis, although its efficacy is still a subject of debate. Other current therapies, such as intravenous immunoglobulins, anti-CD20 antibodies, complement inhibitors, and proteasome inhibitors, are also utilized to varying degrees, but their efficacy remains questionable. Management decisions for ABMR depend on the timing of the rejection episode and the presence of chronic changes. In managing both TCMR and ABMR, it is crucial to optimize immunosuppression and address adherence. However, further research is needed to explore newer therapeutics and evaluate their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Alasfar
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA;
| | - Lavanya Kodali
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA;
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Vazquez-Sanchez T, Sanchez-Niño MD, Ruiz-Esteban P, López V, León M, Caballero A, Ruiz-Escalera JF, Ortiz A, Torres A, Rodriguez M, Hernandez D. Time-Dependent Changes of Klotho and FGF-23 Levels after Kidney Transplantation: Role of Cold Ischemia Time, Renal Function and Graft Inflammation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4486. [PMID: 37445521 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the evolution of serum klotho (s-Kl) and FGF-23 during the first two years post-kidney transplantation (KT), considering the cold ischemia time (CIT), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and graft subclinical inflammation (SCI). We undertook a prospective, cohort, multicenter study of consecutive patients between April 2018 and January 2021 (with follow-up at 24 months). Subgroups were analyzed according to the median CIT (<14 vs. ≥14 h), the median GFR (≤40 vs. >40 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the presence of SCI at month 3. A total of 147 patients were included. s-Kl and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels were measured at baseline and at months 3, 12 and 24. Graft biopsies (n = 96) were performed at month 3. All patients had low s-Kl levels at month 3. Patients with CIT < 14 h exhibited a significant increase in s-Kl at month 24. In patients with CIT ≥ 14 h, s-Kl at month 3 fell and lower s-Kl levels were seen at month 24. Patients with a GFR > 40 had a lesser decrease in s-Kl at month 3. FGF-23 fell significantly at months 3 and 12 in both GFR groups, a reduction maintained during follow-up. There were significant inter-group differences in s-Kl from months 3 to 24. CIT, GFR at 3 months and SCI were significantly associated with s-KI at month 3. A reduction in s-Kl at month 3 post-KT could be explained by longer CIT and delayed graft function as well as by impaired graft function. Early SCI may regulate s-Kl increase post-KT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Vazquez-Sanchez
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0012), E-29010 Malaga, Spain
| | - Maria Dolores Sanchez-Niño
- Pharmacology Department, IIS-Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0001), E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Ruiz-Esteban
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0012), E-29010 Malaga, Spain
| | - Veronica López
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0012), E-29010 Malaga, Spain
| | - Myriam León
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0012), E-29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Abelardo Caballero
- Immunology Department, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0012), E-29010 Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco Ruiz-Escalera
- Clinical Analysis Department, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0012), E-29010 Malaga, Spain
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Nephrology Department, IIS-Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0001), E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Armando Torres
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad La Laguna, REDinREN (RD16/0009/0031), E-38320 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Mariano Rodriguez
- Nephrology Department, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0008), E-14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Domingo Hernandez
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, RICORS2040 (RD21/0005/0012), E-29010 Malaga, Spain
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6
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Cherukuri A, Abou-Daya KI, Chowdhury R, Mehta RB, Hariharan S, Randhawa P, Rothstein DM. Transitional B cell cytokines risk stratify early borderline rejection after renal transplantation. Kidney Int 2023; 103:749-761. [PMID: 36436679 PMCID: PMC10038876 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Borderline rejection (BL) in renal transplantation is associated with decreased allograft survival, yet many patients with BL maintain stable graft function. Identifying patients with early BL at risk for shortened allograft survival would allow for timely targeted therapeutic intervention aimed at improving outcomes. 851/1187 patients transplanted between 2013-18 underwent early biopsy (0-4 mos). 217/851 (25%) had BL and were compared to 387/851 without significant inflammation (NI). Serial surveillance and for-cause biopsies and seven-year follow-up were used to evaluate histological and clinical progression. To identify high-risk patients, we examined clinical/histological parameters using regression and non-linear dimensionality reduction (tSNE) and a biomarker based on peripheral blood transitional-1 B cell (T1B) IL-10/TNFα ratio. Compared to NI, early BL was associated with increased progression to late acute rejection (AR; 5-12 mos), premature interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) and decreased seven-year graft survival. However, decreased graft survival was limited to BL patients who progressed to late AR or IFTA, and was not influenced by treatment. Although tSNE clustered patients into groups based on clinical factors, the ability of these factors to risk stratify BL patients was modest. In contrast, a low T1B IL-10/TNFα ratio at 3 months identified BL patients at high risk for progression to AR (ROC AUC 0.87) and poor 7-yr graft survival (52% vs. 92%, p=0.003), while BL patients with a high ratio had similar graft survival to patients with NI (91%, p=NS). Thus, progressive early allograft inflammation manifested as BL that progresses to late AR in the first post-transplant year represents a high-risk clinical state for poor allograft outcomes. Such high-risk status can be predicted by the T1B IL-10/TNFα ratio before irreversible scarring sets in, thus allowing timely risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Cherukuri
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Renal and Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Khodor I Abou-Daya
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Raad Chowdhury
- Renal and Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rajil B Mehta
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Renal and Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sundaram Hariharan
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Renal and Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Division of Transplantation Pathology, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David M Rothstein
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Renal and Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Xie HC, Wang ZG, Feng YH, Wang JX, Liu L, Yang XL, Li JF, Feng GW. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells repress renal transplant immune rejection by facilitating the APRIL phosphorylation to induce regulation B cell production. Physiol Genomics 2023; 55:90-100. [PMID: 36645668 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00103.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) exert pivotal roles in suppressing immune rejection in organ transplantation. However, the function of BMSCs on immune rejection in renal transplantation remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect and underlying mechanism of BMSCs on immune rejection in renal transplantation. Following the establishment of the renal allograft mouse model, the isolated primary BMSCs were injected intravenously into the recipient mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Western blot assays were conducted to investigate BMSCs' function in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, the underlying mechanism of BMSCs on immune rejection in renal transplantation was investigated in in vivo and in vitro models. Functionally, BMSCs alleviated the immune rejection in renal transplantation mice and facilitated B cell activation and the production of IL-10+ regulatory B cells (Bregs). Furthermore, the results of mechanism studies revealed that BMSCs induced the production of IL-10+ Bregs by facilitating a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) phosphorylation to enhance immunosuppression and repressed renal transplant rejection by promoting APRIL phosphorylation to induce IL-10+ Bregs. BMSCs prevent renal transplant rejection by facilitating APRIL phosphorylation to induce IL-10+ Bregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Chang Xie
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Wang
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yong-Hua Feng
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun-Xiang Wang
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xian-Lei Yang
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jin-Feng Li
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gui-Wen Feng
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Seeking Standardized Definitions for HLA-incompatible Kidney Transplants: A Systematic Review. Transplantation 2023; 107:231-253. [PMID: 35915547 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no standard definition for "HLA incompatible" transplants. For the first time, we systematically assessed how HLA incompatibility was defined in contemporary peer-reviewed publications and its prognostic implication to transplant outcomes. METHODS We combined 2 independent searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from 2015 to 2019. Content-expert reviewers screened for original research on outcomes of HLA-incompatible transplants (defined as allele or molecular mismatch and solid-phase or cell-based assays). We ascertained the completeness of reporting on a predefined set of variables assessing HLA incompatibility, therapies, and outcomes. Given significant heterogeneity, we conducted narrative synthesis and assessed risk of bias in studies examining the association between death-censored graft failure and HLA incompatibility. RESULTS Of 6656 screened articles, 163 evaluated transplant outcomes by HLA incompatibility. Most articles reported on cytotoxic/flow T-cell crossmatches (n = 98). Molecular genotypes were reported for selected loci at the allele-group level. Sixteen articles reported on epitope compatibility. Pretransplant donor-specific HLA antibodies were often considered (n = 143); yet there was heterogeneity in sample handling, assay procedure, and incomplete reporting on donor-specific HLA antibodies assignment. Induction (n = 129) and maintenance immunosuppression (n = 140) were frequently mentioned but less so rejection treatment (n = 72) and desensitization (n = 70). Studies assessing death-censored graft failure risk by HLA incompatibility were vulnerable to bias in the participant, predictor, and analysis domains. CONCLUSIONS Optimization of transplant outcomes and personalized care depends on accurate HLA compatibility assessment. Reporting on a standard set of variables will help assess generalizability of research, allow knowledge synthesis, and facilitate international collaboration in clinical trials.
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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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Mehta RB, Melgarejo I, Viswanathan V, Zhang X, Pittappilly M, Randhawa P, Puttarajappa C, Sood P, Wu C, Sharma A, Molinari M, Hariharan S. Long-term immunological outcomes of early subclinical inflammation on surveillance kidney allograft biopsies. Kidney Int 2022; 102:1371-1381. [PMID: 36049641 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The long-term impact of early subclinical inflammation (SCI) through surveillance biopsy has not been well studied. To do this, we recruited a prospective observational cohort that included 1000 sequential patients who received a kidney transplant from 2013-2017 at our center. A total of 586 patients who underwent a surveillance biopsy in their first year post-transplant were included after excluding those with clinical rejections, and those who were unable to undergo a surveillance biopsy. Patients were classified based on their biopsy findings: 282 with NSI (No Significant Inflammation) and 304 with SCI-T (SCI and Tubulitis) which was further subdivided into 182 with SC-BLR (Subclinical Borderline Changes) and 122 with SC-TCMR (Subclinical T Cell Mediated Rejection, Banff 2019 classification of 1A or more). We followed the clinical and immunological events including Clinical Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection [C-BPAR], long-term kidney function and death-censored graft loss over a median follow-up of five years. Episodes of C-BPAR were noted at a median of two years post-transplant. Adjusted odds of having a subsequent C-BPAR was significantly higher in the SCI-T group [SC-BLR and SC-TCMR] compared to NSI 3.8 (2.1-7.5). The adjusted hazard for death-censored graft loss was significantly higher with SCI-T compared to NSI [1.99 (1.04-3.84)]. Overall, SCI detected through surveillance biopsy within the first year post-transplant is a harbinger for subsequent immunological events and is associated with a significantly greater hazard for subsequent C-BPAR and death-censored graft loss. Thus, our study highlights the need for identifying patients with SCI through surveillance biopsy and develop strategies to prevent further alloimmune injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajil B Mehta
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Ivy Melgarejo
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vignesh Viswanathan
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew Pittappilly
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chethan Puttarajappa
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Puneet Sood
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christine Wu
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Akhil Sharma
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michele Molinari
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sundaram Hariharan
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Thanukrishnan H, Venkataramanan R, Mehta RB, Jorgensen D, Sood P. The combination of exposure to Tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, Inosine 5'-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase activity and inhibition in the first week define early histological outcomes in renal transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14830. [PMID: 36177865 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14830] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic drug monitoring is routine for Tacrolimus, while levels are not routinely monitored for mycophenolic acid (MPA). This study investigated the effect of early post-transplant pharmacokinetics (PK) of MPA and Tacrolimus along with the pharmacodynamics (PD) of MPA on biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) after renal transplantation. A prospective PK/PD study with limited sampling (three blood samples) was conducted in renal transplant recipients on week 1, around Day 6 (n = 42) and at the 3rd-month biopsy on Day 90 (n = 23). The partial exposures (area under curve [AUC]0-3.5 h ) of both MPA and Tacrolimus obtained during the first week were more predictive of rejection (combined clinical and subclinical rejection) by Day 90 than their trough concentrations or Day 90 exposures. Patients with rejection had significantly worse renal function (eGFR) and a comparatively lower exposure to MPA during the first post-transplant week. The lower MPA exposure was also associated with sub-optimal inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibition in patients with rejection, and the probability of rejection was higher in the presence of an increased pre-transplant IMPDH activity. A composite of parameters, including MPA exposure and IMPDH activity was found to predict acute rejection and may be beneficial along with tacrolimus monitoring early after renal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raman Venkataramanan
- School of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rajil B Mehta
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dana Jorgensen
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Puneet Sood
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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12
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Hernández D, Vázquez-Sánchez T, Sola E, Lopez V, Ruiz-Esteban P, Caballero A, Salido E, Leon M, Rodriguez A, Serra N, Rodriguez C, Facundo C, Perello M, Silva I, Marrero-Miranda D, Cidraque I, Moreso F, Guirado L, Serón D, Torres A. Treatment of early borderline lesions in low immunological risk kidney transplant patients: a Spanish multicenter, randomized, controlled parallel-group study protocol: the TRAINING study. BMC Nephrol 2022; 23:357. [PMCID: PMC9639260 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-022-02989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Subclinical inflammation, including borderline lesions (BL), is very common (30–40%) after kidney transplantation (KT), even in low immunological risk patients, and can lead to interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA) and worsening of renal function with graft loss. Few controlled studies have analyzed the therapeutic benefit of treating these BL on renal function and graft histology. Furthermore, these studies have only used bolus steroids, which may be insufficient to slow the progression of these lesions. Klotho, a transmembrane protein produced mainly in the kidney with antifibrotic properties, plays a crucial role in the senescence-inflammation binomial of kidney tissue. Systemic and local inflammation decrease renal tissue expression and soluble levels of α-klotho. It is therefore important to determine whether treatment of BL prevents a decrease in α-klotho levels, progression of IFTA, and loss of kidney function.
Methods
The TRAINING study will randomize 80 patients with low immunological risk who will receive their first KT. The aim of the study is to determine whether the treatment of early BL (3rd month post-KT) with polyclonal rabbit antithymocyte globulin (Grafalon®) (6 mg/kg/day) prevents or decreases the progression of IFTA and the worsening of graft function compared to conventional therapy after two years post-KT, as well as to analyze whether treatment of BL with Grafalon® can modify the expression and levels of klotho, as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines that regulate its expression.
Discussion
This phase IV investigator-driven, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial will examine the efficacy and safety of Grafalon® treatment in low-immunological-risk KT patients with early BL.
Trial registration
clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04936282. Registered June 23, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04936282?term=NCT04936282&draw=2&rank=1. Protocol Version 2 of 21 January 2022. Sponsor: Canary Isles Institute for Health Research Foundation, Canary Isles (FIISC). mgomez@fciisc.org.
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13
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Santana Quintana CA, Gallego Samper R, Santana Estupiñán R, Aladro Escribano S, Medina García D, Daruiz D`Orazio Y, Quevedo Reina J, González Cabrera F, Vega Díaz N, Pérez Borges P. Experience and Utility of the Protocol Kidney Biopsy in the First Year of Kidney Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:2443-2445. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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14
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Molinari M, Kaltenmeier C, Liu H, Ashwat E, Jorgensen D, Puttarajappa C, Wu CM, Mehta R, Sood P, Shah N, Sharma A, Thompson A, Reddy D, Hariharan S. Function and longevity of renal grafts from high-KDPI donors. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14759. [PMID: 35778369 PMCID: PMC9786736 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High kidney-donor profile index (KDPI) kidneys have a shorter survival than grafts with lower KDPI values. It is still unclear, however, whether their shorter longevity depends on an inferior baseline function, faster functional decline, or the combination of both. METHODS We analyzed the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 605 consecutive recipients of deceased donor kidney transplants (KT) at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Comparisons were performed among four groups based on KDPI quartile: Group I-KDPI ≤ 25% (n = 151), Group II-KDPI 26-50% (n = 182), Group III-KDPI 51-75% (n = 176), and Group IV-KDPI 〉 75% (n = 96). Linear mixed model analysis was subsequently used to assess whether KDPI was independently associated with the decline in eGFR during the first 5-years after KT. We also analyzed the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), rejection within the first year after KT, patient survival, graft survival, and death censored graft survival based on KDPI group. FINDINGS High-KDPI grafts had lower eGFR immediately after KT, had a higher incidence of DGF and rejection. However, there were no signifcant differences in the adjusted rate (slope) of decline in eGFR among the four KDPI groups (P = .06). Although patient survival was signigicantly lower for recipients of high-KDPI grafts, death-censored graft survival was similar among the four KDPI groups (P = .33). CONCLUSIONS The shorter functional survival of high-KDPI grafts seems to be due to their lower baseline eGFR rather than a more rapid functional decline after KT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Molinari
- Department of SurgeryDivision of TransplantationUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Christof Kaltenmeier
- Department of SurgeryDivision of TransplantationUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Eishan Ashwat
- Department of SurgeryDivision of TransplantationUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Dana Jorgensen
- Department of SurgeryDivision of TransplantationUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA,Biostatistics, Division of TransplantationUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Chethan Puttarajappa
- Department of MedicineDivision of NephrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Christine M. Wu
- Department of MedicineDivision of NephrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Rajil Mehta
- Department of MedicineDivision of NephrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Puneet Sood
- Department of MedicineDivision of NephrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Nirav Shah
- Department of MedicineDivision of NephrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Akhil Sharma
- Department of MedicineDivision of NephrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ann Thompson
- Department of SurgeryDivision of TransplantationUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Dheera Reddy
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sundaram Hariharan
- Department of MedicineDivision of NephrologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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15
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Seron D, Rabant M, Becker JU, Roufosse C, Bellini MI, Böhmig GA, Budde K, Diekmann F, Glotz D, Hilbrands L, Loupy A, Oberbauer R, Pengel L, Schneeberger S, Naesens M. Proposed Definitions of T Cell-Mediated Rejection and Tubulointerstitial Inflammation as Clinical Trial Endpoints in Kidney Transplantation. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10135. [PMID: 35669975 PMCID: PMC9163314 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of acute T cell-mediated rejection (aTCMR) after kidney transplantation has considerable relevance for research purposes. Its definition is primarily based on tubulointerstitial inflammation and has changed little over time; aTCMR is therefore a suitable parameter for longitudinal data comparisons. In addition, because aTCMR is managed with antirejection therapies that carry additional risks, anxieties, and costs, it is a clinically meaningful endpoint for studies. This paper reviews the history and classifications of TCMR and characterizes its potential role in clinical trials: a role that largely depends on the nature of the biopsy taken (indication vs protocol), the level of inflammation observed (e.g., borderline changes vs full TCMR), concomitant chronic lesions (chronic active TCMR), and the therapeutic intervention planned. There is ongoing variability—and ambiguity—in clinical monitoring and management of TCMR. More research, to investigate the clinical relevance of borderline changes (especially in protocol biopsies) and effective therapeutic strategies that improve graft survival rates with minimal patient morbidity, is urgently required. The present paper was developed from documentation produced by the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) as part of a Broad Scientific Advice request that ESOT submitted to the European Medicines Agency for discussion in 2020. This paper proposes to move toward refined definitions of aTCMR and borderline changes to be included as primary endpoints in clinical trials of kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Seron
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Vall d’Hebrón University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marion Rabant
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Jan Ulrich Becker
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Candice Roufosse
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Georg A. Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fritz Diekmann
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Denis Glotz
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Luuk Hilbrands
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alexandre Loupy
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
| | - Rainer Oberbauer
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Liset Pengel
- Centre for Evidence in Transplantation, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Schneeberger
- Department of General, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maarten Naesens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Maarten Naesens,
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16
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Lezoeva E, Nilsson J, Wüthrich R, Mueller TF, Schachtner T. High PIRCHE Scores May Allow Risk Stratification of Borderline Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:788818. [PMID: 35250973 PMCID: PMC8894244 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.788818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of borderline rejection (BLR) ranges from mild inflammation to clinically significant TCMR and is associated with an increased risk of allograft dysfunction. Currently, there is no consensus regarding its treatment due in part to a lack of biomarkers to identify cases with increased risk for immune-mediated injury. Methods We identified 60 of 924 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with isolated and untreated BLR. We analyzed the impact of predicted indirectly recognizable HLA epitopes (PIRCHE) score on future rejection, de novo DSA development, and recovery to baseline allograft function. Additionally, we compared the outcomes of different Banff rejection phenotypes. Results Total PIRCHE scores were significantly higher in KTRs with BLR compared to the entire study population (p=0.016). Among KTRs with BLR total PIRCHE scores were significantly higher in KTRs who developed TCMR/ABMR in follow-up biopsies (p=0.029). Notably, the most significant difference was found in PIRCHE scores for the HLA-A locus (p=0.010). PIRCHE scores were not associated with the development of de novo DSA or recovery to baseline allograft function among KTRs with BLR (p>0.05). However, KTRs under cyclosporine-based immunosuppression were more likely to develop de novo DSA (p=0.033) than those with tacrolimus, whereas KTRs undergoing retransplantation were less likely to recover to baseline allograft function (p=0.003). Conclusions High PIRCHE scores put KTRs with BLR at an increased risk for future TCMR/ABMR and contribute to improved immunological risk stratification. The benefit of anti-rejection treatment, however, needs to be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Lezoeva
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jakob Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rudolf Wüthrich
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas F. Mueller
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Schachtner
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Thomas Schachtner, ; orcid.org/0000-0001-5549-4798
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17
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Wu X, Wang Z, Wang J, Tian X, Cao G, Gu Y, Shao F, Yan T. Exosomes Secreted by Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce Immune Tolerance to Mouse Kidney Transplantation via Transporting LncRNA DANCR. Inflammation 2022; 45:460-475. [PMID: 34596768 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-021-01561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells induce kidney transplant tolerance by increasing regulatory T (Treg) cells. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (BMMSC-Ex) promote Treg cell differentiation. Long non-coding RNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) is expressed in BMMSCs and can be encapsulated in exosomes. We aimed to explore the role of DANCR in BMMSC-Ex in immune tolerance after kidney transplantation and related mechanism. The isogenic/allograft kidney transplantation mouse model was established, and levels of serum creatinine (SCr) were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to detect the inflammation, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the infiltration of CD4+ T cells. Levels of IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-2 were examined by ELISA. Flow cytometry was conducted to determine Treg cells. In the allograft group, the inflammatory response was severe, CD4+ T cell infiltration, SCr levels, and plasma rejection-related factors were up-regulated, while injection of BMMSC-Ex reversed the results. BMMSC-Ex increased Treg cells in kidney transplantation mice. Interference with DANCR reversed the promoting effect of BMMSC-Ex on Treg cell differentiation. DANCR bound to SIRT1, promoted ubiquitination and accelerated its degradation. The injection of BMMSC-Ex (after interference with DANCR) promoted SIRT1 levels, inflammatory response, CD4+ T cell infiltration, SCr levels, and plasma rejection related factors' expression, while Treg cells were decreased. LncRNA DANCR in BMMSC-Ex promoted Treg cell differentiation and induced immune tolerance of kidney transplantation by down-regulating SIRT1 expression in CD4+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Wu
- Department of Urology, Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Urology, Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Junpeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Xiangyong Tian
- Department of Urology, Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Guanghui Cao
- Department of Urology, Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Yue Gu
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Fengmin Shao
- Department of Nephrology, Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Tianzhong Yan
- Department of Urology, Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
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18
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Mehta RB, Shimko K, Zhang X, Puttarajappa C, Wu C, Sharma A, Molinari M, Tevar AD, Hariharan S, Sood P. Rabbit antithymocyte globulin dose and early subclinical and clinical rejections in kidney transplantation. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14582. [PMID: 35000234 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14582] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is a commonly used induction agent in kidney transplant recipients. However, the optimal dosing has not been well defined. Our protocol aims for a 5-6 mg/kg cumulative dose. It is unclear if a dose lower than 5 mg/kg is associated with more rejection. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who received a kidney transplant at our center between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016. Primary outcome was biopsy proven acute rejection (clinical and subclinical) in the first six months after kidney transplant. CMV viremia in high risk(D+/R-) recipients and BK viremia was compared as a secondary endpoint. Of the 543 patients, the Low Dose (LD) group (n = 56) received <5 mg/kg ATG and Regular Dose (RD) group (n = 487) received ≧5 mg/kg. Patients in RD were more sensitized (higher PRA and CPRA). LD received a dose of 4 ± 1.1 mg/kg ATG whereas RD received 5.6 ± 0.3 mg/kg ATG (p < 0.001). TCMR(Banff 1A or greater) was present in 34% of patients in LD vs. 22% in RD (p = 0.04) (OR 2.1;95%CI 1.12-3.81;p = 0.019). There was no difference in the incidence of CMV or BK viremia. ATG doses lower than 5 mg/kg may be associated with a heightened risk of rejection despite a low degree of sensitization. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajil B Mehta
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Transplant Nephrology.,University of Pittsburgh, Division of Transplant Surgery
| | - Kristen Shimko
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Transplant Surgery
| | | | - Christine Wu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Transplant Nephrology
| | - Akhil Sharma
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Transplant Nephrology
| | | | - Amit D Tevar
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Transplant Surgery
| | - Sundaram Hariharan
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Transplant Nephrology
| | - Puneet Sood
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Transplant Nephrology
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19
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Deville KA, Seifert ME. Biomarkers of alloimmune events in pediatric kidney transplantation. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1087841. [PMID: 36741087 PMCID: PMC9895094 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1087841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alloimmune events such as the development of de novo donor-specific antibody (dnDSA), T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) are the primary contributors to kidney transplant failure in children. For decades, a creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been the non-invasive gold standard biomarker for detecting clinically significant alloimmune events, but it suffers from low sensitivity and specificity, especially in smaller children and older allografts. Many clinically "stable" children (based on creatinine) will have alloimmune events known as "subclinical acute rejection" (based on biopsy) that merely reflect the inadequacy of creatinine-based estimates for alloimmune injury rather than a distinct phenotype from clinical rejection with allograft dysfunction. The poor biomarker performance of creatinine leads to many unnecessary surveillance and for-cause biopsies that could be avoided by integrating non-invasive biomarkers with superior sensitivity and specificity into current clinical paradigms. In this review article, we will present and appraise the current state-of-the-art in monitoring for alloimmune events in pediatric kidney transplantation. We will first discuss the current clinical standards for assessing the presence of alloimmune injury and predicting long-term outcomes. We will review principles of biomarker medicine and the application of comprehensive metrics to assess the performance of a given biomarker against the current gold standard. We will then highlight novel blood- and urine-based biomarkers (with special emphasis on pediatric biomarker studies) that have shown superior diagnostic and prognostic performance to the current clinical standards including creatinine-based eGFR. Finally, we will review some of the barriers to translating this research and implementing emerging biomarkers into common clinical practice, and present a transformative approach to using multiple biomarker platforms at different times to optimize the detection and management of critical alloimmune events in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Deville
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Michael E Seifert
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
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20
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Park S, Guo K, Heilman RL, Poggio ED, Taber DJ, Marsh CL, Kurian SM, Kleiboeker S, Weems J, Holman J, Zhao L, Sinha R, Brietigam S, Rebello C, Abecassis MM, Friedewald JJ. Combining Blood Gene Expression and Cellfree DNA to Diagnose Subclinical Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 16:1539-1551. [PMID: 34620649 PMCID: PMC8499014 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.05530421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Subclinical acute rejection is associated with poor outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. As an alternative to surveillance biopsies, noninvasive screening has been established with a blood gene expression profile. Donor-derived cellfree DNA (cfDNA) has been used to detect rejection in patients with allograft dysfunction but not tested extensively in stable patients. We hypothesized that we could complement noninvasive diagnostic performance for subclinical rejection by combining a donor-derived cfDNA and a gene expression profile assay. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We performed a post hoc analysis of simultaneous blood gene expression profile and donor-derived cfDNA assays in 428 samples paired with surveillance biopsies from 208 subjects enrolled in an observational clinical trial (Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation-08). Assay results were analyzed as binary variables, and then, their continuous scores were combined using logistic regression. The performance of each assay alone and in combination was compared. RESULTS For diagnosing subclinical rejection, the gene expression profile demonstrated a negative predictive value of 82%, a positive predictive value of 47%, a balanced accuracy of 64%, and an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.75. The donor-derived cfDNA assay showed similar negative predictive value (84%), positive predictive value (56%), balanced accuracy (68%), and area under the receiver operating curve (0.72). When both assays were negative, negative predictive value increased to 88%. When both assays were positive, positive predictive value increased to 81%. Combining assays using multivariable logistic regression, area under the receiver operating curve was 0.81, significantly higher than the gene expression profile (P<0.001) or donor-derived cfDNA alone (P=0.006). Notably, when cases were separated on the basis of rejection type, the gene expression profile was significantly better at detecting cellular rejection (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.80 versus 0.62; P=0.001), whereas the donor-derived cfDNA was significantly better at detecting antibody-mediated rejection (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.84 versus 0.71; P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS A combination of blood-based biomarkers can improve detection and provide less invasive monitoring for subclinical rejection. In this study, the gene expression profile detected more cellular rejection, whereas donor-derived cfDNA detected more antibody-mediated rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sookhyeon Park
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kexin Guo
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois,Department of Preventive Medicine, Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Raymond L. Heilman
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Emilio D. Poggio
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David J. Taber
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Christopher L. Marsh
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Scripps Clinic and Green Hospital, La Jolla, California
| | - Sunil M. Kurian
- Bio-Repository and Bio-Informatics Core, Scripps Health, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Juston Weems
- Eurofins US Clinical Diagnostics, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
| | - John Holman
- Transplant Genomics, Inc., Mansfield, Massachusetts
| | - Lihui Zhao
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois,Department of Preventive Medicine, Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rohita Sinha
- Eurofins US Clinical Diagnostics, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
| | - Susan Brietigam
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Christabel Rebello
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael M. Abecassis
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - John J. Friedewald
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundaram Hariharan
- From the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh (S.H.); Hennepin Healthcare, the University of Minnesota, and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients - all in Minneapolis (A.K.I.); and the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (G.D.)
| | - Ajay K Israni
- From the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh (S.H.); Hennepin Healthcare, the University of Minnesota, and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients - all in Minneapolis (A.K.I.); and the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (G.D.)
| | - Gabriel Danovitch
- From the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh (S.H.); Hennepin Healthcare, the University of Minnesota, and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients - all in Minneapolis (A.K.I.); and the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (G.D.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The clinical significance and treatment of borderline changes are controversial. The lowest detectable margin for rejection on histology is unclear. We review recent evidence about borderline changes and related biomarkers. RECENT FINDINGS Borderline change (Banff ≥ t1i1) is associated with progressive fibrosis, a greater propensity to form de-novo DSA, and reduced graft survival. Isolated tubulitis appears to have similar kidney allograft outcomes with normal controls, but this finding should be validated in a larger, diverse population. When borderline change was treated, a higher chance of kidney function recovery and better clinical outcomes were observed. However, spontaneous borderline changes resolution without treatment was also observed. Various noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers have been developed to diagnose subclinical acute rejection, including borderline changes and ≥ Banff 1A TCMR. Biomarkers using gene expression and donor-derived cell-free DNA, and HLA DR/DQ eplet mismatch show potential to diagnose subclinical acute rejection (borderline change and ≥Banff 1A TCMR), to avoid surveillance biopsy, or to predict poor kidney allograft outcomes. SUMMARY Borderline changes are associated with poor kidney allograft outcomes, but it remains unclear if all cases of borderline changes should be treated. Novel biomarkers may inform physicians to aid in the diagnosis and treatment.
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Impact of Subclinical and Clinical Kidney Allograft Rejection Within 1 Year Posttransplantation Among Compatible Transplant With Steroid Withdrawal Protocol. Transplant Direct 2021; 7:e706. [PMID: 34124342 PMCID: PMC8191698 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Early acute kidney rejection remains an important clinical issue. Methods The current study included 552 recipients who had 1-2 surveillance or indication biopsy within the 1 y posttransplant. We evaluated the impact of type of allograft inflammation on allograft outcome. They were divided into 5 groups: no inflammation (NI: 95), subclinical inflammation (SCI: 244), subclinical T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) (SC-TCMR: 110), clinical TCMR (C-TCMR: 83), and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR: 20). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time using linear mixed model, cumulative chronic allograft scores/interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) ≥2 at 12 mo, and survival estimates were compared between groups. Results The common types of rejections were C-TCMR (15%), SC-TCMR (19.9%), and AMR (3.6%) of patients. Eighteen of 20 patients with AMR had mixed rejection with TCMR. Key findings were as follows: (i) posttransplant renal function: eGFR was lower for patients with C-TCMR and AMR (P < 0.0001) compared with NI, SCI, and SC-TCMR groups. There was an increase in delta-creatinine from 3 to 12 mo and cumulative allograft chronicity scores at 12 mo (P < 0.001) according to the type of allograft inflammation. (ii) Allograft histology: the odds of IFTA ≥2 was higher for SC-TCMR (3.7 [1.3-10.4]; P = 0.04) but was not significant for C-TCMR (3.1 [1.0-9.4]; P = 0.26), and AMR (2.5 [0.5-12.8]; P = 0.84) compared with NI group, and (iii) graft loss: C-TCMR accounted for the largest number of graft losses and impending graft losses on long-term follow-up. Graft loss among patient with AMR was numerically higher but was not statistically significant. Conclusions The type of kidney allograft inflammation predicted posttransplant eGFR, cumulative chronic allograft score/IFTA ≥2 at 12 mo, and graft loss.
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Prospective Measures of Adherence by Questionnaire, Low Immunosuppression and Graft Outcome in Kidney Transplantation. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10092032. [PMID: 34068497 PMCID: PMC8125965 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10092032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-adherence with immunosuppressant medication (MNA) fosters development of de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA), rejection, and graft failure (GF) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, there is no simple tool to assess MNA, prospectively. The goal was to monitor MNA and analyze its predictive value for dnDSA generation, acute rejection and GF. Methods: We enrolled 301 KTRs in a multicentric French study. MNA was assessed prospectively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months (M) post-KT, using the Morisky scale. We investigated the association between MNA and occurrence of dnDSA at year 2 post transplantation, using logistic regression models and the association between MNA and rejection or graft failure, using Cox multivariable models. Results: The initial percentage of MNA patients was 17.7%, increasing to 34.6% at 24 months. Nineteen patients (8.4%) developed dnDSA 2 to 3 years after KT. After adjustment for recipient age, HLA sensitization, HLA mismatches, and maintenance treatment, MNA was associated neither with dnDSA occurrence, nor acute rejection. Only cyclosporine use and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal were strongly associated with dnDSA and rejection. With a median follow-up of 8.9 years, GF occurred in 87 patients (29.0%). After adjustment for recipient and donor age, CNI trough level, dnDSA, and rejection, MNA was not associated with GF. The only parameters associated with GF were dnDSA occurrence, and acute rejection. Conclusions: Prospective serial monitoring of MNA using the Morisky scale does not predict dnDSA occurrence, rejection or GF in KTRs. In contrast, cyclosporine and CNI withdrawal induce dnDSA and rejection, which lead to GF.
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25
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Clinical Relevance of Corticosteroid Withdrawal on Graft Histological Lesions in Low-Immunological-Risk Kidney Transplant Patients. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10092005. [PMID: 34067039 PMCID: PMC8125434 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10092005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of corticosteroid withdrawal on medium-term graft histological changes in kidney transplant (KT) recipients under standard immunosuppression is uncertain. As part of an open-label, multicenter, prospective, phase IV, 24-month clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02284464) in low-immunological-risk KT recipients, 105 patients were randomized, after a protocol-biopsy at 3 months, to corticosteroid continuation (CSC, n = 52) or corticosteroid withdrawal (CSW, n = 53). Both groups received tacrolimus and MMF and had another protocol-biopsy at 24 months. The acute rejection rate, including subclinical inflammation (SCI), was comparable between groups (21.2 vs. 24.5%). No patients developed dnDSA. Inflammatory and chronicity scores increased from 3 to 24 months in patients with, at baseline, no inflammation (NI) or SCI, regardless of treatment. CSW patients with SCI at 3 months had a significantly increased chronicity score at 24 months. HbA1c levels were lower in CSW patients (6.4 ± 1.2 vs. 5.7 ± 0.6%; p = 0.013) at 24 months, as was systolic blood pressure (134.2 ± 14.9 vs. 125.7 ± 15.3 mmHg; p = 0.016). Allograft function was comparable between groups and no patients died or lost their graft. An increase in chronicity scores at 2-years post-transplantation was observed in low-immunological-risk KT recipients with initial NI or SCI, but CSW may accelerate chronicity changes, especially in patients with early SCI. This strategy did, however, improve the cardiovascular profiles of patients.
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Impact of HLA Mismatching on Early Subclinical Inflammation in Low-Immunological-Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091934. [PMID: 33947168 PMCID: PMC8125522 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatching on the early appearance of subclinical inflammation (SCI) in low-immunological-risk kidney transplant (KT) recipients is undetermined. We aimed to assess whether HLA-mismatching (A-B-C-DR-DQ) is a risk factor for early SCI. As part of a clinical trial (Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT02284464), a total of 105 low-immunological-risk KT patients underwent a protocol biopsy on the third month post-KT. As a result, 54 presented SCI, showing a greater number of total HLA-mismatches (p = 0.008) and worse allograft function compared with the no inflammation group (48.5 ± 13.6 vs. 60 ± 23.4 mL/min; p = 0.003). Multiple logistic regression showed that the only risk factor associated with SCI was the total HLA-mismatch score (OR 1.32, 95%CI 1.06-1.64, p = 0.013) or class II HLA mismatching (OR 1.51; 95%CI 1.04-2.19, p = 0.032) after adjusting for confounder variables (recipient age, delayed graft function, transfusion prior KT, and tacrolimus levels). The ROC curve illustrated that the HLA mismatching of six antigens was the optimal value in terms of sensitivity and specificity for predicting the SCI. Finally, a significantly higher proportion of SCI was seen in patients with >6 vs. ≤6 HLA-mismatches (62.3 vs. 37.7%; p = 0.008). HLA compatibility is an independent risk factor associated with early SCI. Thus, transplant physicians should perhaps be more aware of HLA mismatching to reduce these early harmful lesions.
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Impact of Subclinical Borderline Inflammation on Kidney Transplant Outcomes. Transplant Direct 2021; 7:e663. [PMID: 33511268 PMCID: PMC7837932 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background. Surveillance biopsies permit early detection of subclinical inflammation before clinical dysfunction, but the impact of detecting early subclinical phenotypes remains unclear. Methods. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 441 consecutive kidney transplant recipients between 2015 and 2018 with surveillance biopsies at 6 months post-transplant. We tested the hypothesis that early subclinical inflammation (subclinical borderline changes, T cell-mediated rejection, or microvascular injury) is associated with increased incidence of a composite endpoint including acute rejection and allograft failure. Results. Using contemporaneous Banff criteria, we detected subclinical inflammation in 31%, with the majority (75%) having a subclinical borderline phenotype (at least minimal inflammation with mild tubulitis [>i0t1]). Overall, subclinical inflammation was independently associated with the composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.88; 1.11-7.51; P = 0.03). The subgroup with subclinical borderline inflammation, predominantly those meeting the Banff 2019 i1t1 threshold, was independently associated with 5-fold increased hazard for the composite endpoint (P = 0.02). Those with concurrent subclinical inflammation and subclinical chronic allograft injury had worse outcomes. The effect of treating subclinical inflammation was difficult to ascertain in small heterogeneous subgroups. Conclusions. Subclinical acute and chronic inflammation are common at 6 months post-transplant in kidney recipients with stable allograft function. The subclinical borderline phenotype with both tubulitis and interstitial inflammation was independently associated with poor long-term outcomes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of surveillance biopsies for management of allograft inflammation in kidney transplantation.
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Puttarajappa CM, Mehta R, Roberts MS, Smith KJ, Hariharan S. Economic analysis of screening for subclinical rejection in kidney transplantation using protocol biopsies and noninvasive biomarkers. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:186-197. [PMID: 32558153 PMCID: PMC7744316 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Subclinical rejection (SCR) screening in kidney transplantation (KT) using protocol biopsies and noninvasive biomarkers has not been evaluated from an economic perspective. We assessed cost-effectiveness from the health sector perspective of SCR screening in the first year after KT using a Markov model that compared no screening with screening using protocol biopsy or biomarker at 3 months, 12 months, 3 and 12 months, or 3, 6, and 12 months. We used 12% subclinical cellular rejection and 3% subclinical antibody-mediated rejection (SC-ABMR) for the base-case cohort. Results favored 1-time screening at peak SCR incidence rather than repeated screening. Screening 2 or 3 times was favored only with age <35 years and with high SC-ABMR incidence. Compared to biomarkers, protocol biopsy yielded more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at lower cost. A 12-month biopsy cost $13 318/QALY for the base-case cohort. Screening for cellular rejection in the absence of SC-ABMR was less cost effective with 12-month biopsy costing $46 370/QALY. Screening was less cost effective in patients >60 years. Using biomarker twice or thrice was cost effective only if biomarker cost was <$700. In conclusion, in KT, screening for SCR more than once during the first year is not economically reasonable. Screening with protocol biopsy was favored over biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chethan M. Puttarajappa
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rajil Mehta
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark S. Roberts
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth J. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Section of Decision Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sundaram Hariharan
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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A Practical Guide to the Clinical Implementation of Biomarkers for Subclinical Rejection Following Kidney Transplantation. Transplantation 2020; 104:700-707. [PMID: 31815910 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive biomarkers are needed to monitor stable patients following kidney transplantation (KT), as subclinical rejection, currently detectable only with invasive surveillance biopsies, can lead to chronic rejection and graft loss. Several biomarkers have recently been developed to detect rejection in KT recipients, using different technologies as well as varying clinical monitoring strategies defined as "context of use (COU)." The various metrics utilized to evaluate the performance of each biomarker can also vary, depending on their intended COU. As the use of molecular biomarkers in transplantation represents a new era in patient management, it is important for clinicians to better understand the process by which the incremental value of each biomarkers is evaluated to determine its potential role in clinical practice. This process includes but is not limited to an assessment of clinical validity and utility, but to define these, the clinician must first appreciate the trajectory of a biomarker from bench to bedside as well as the regulatory and other requirements needed to navigate this course successfully. This overview summarizes this process, providing a framework that can be used by clinicians as a practical guide in general, and more specifically in the context of subclinical rejection following KT. In addition, we have reviewed available as well as promising biomarkers for this purpose in terms of the clinical need, COU, assessment of biomarker performance relevant to both the need and COU, assessment of biomarker benefits and risks relevant to the COU, and the evidentiary criteria of the biomarker relevant to the COU compared with the current standard of care. We also provide an insight into the path required to make biomarkers commercially available once they have been developed and validated so that they used by clinicians outside the research context in every day clinical practice.
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30
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Wiebe C, Rush DN, Gibson IW, Pochinco D, Birk PE, Goldberg A, Blydt‐Hansen T, Karpinski M, Shaw J, Ho J, Nickerson PW. Evidence for the alloimmune basis and prognostic significance of Borderline T cell-mediated rejection. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:2499-2508. [PMID: 32185878 PMCID: PMC7496654 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prognostic biomarkers of T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) have not been adequately studied in the modern era. We evaluated 803 renal transplant recipients and correlated HLA-DR/DQ molecular mismatch alloimmune risk categories (low, intermediate, high) with the severity, frequency, and persistence of TCMR. Allograft survival was reduced in recipients with Banff Borderline (hazard ratio [HR] 2.4, P = .003) and Banff ≥ IA TCMR (HR 4.3, P < .0001) including a subset who never developed de novo donor-specific antibodies (P = .002). HLA-DR/DQ molecular mismatch alloimmune risk categories were multivariate correlates of Banff Borderline and Banff ≥ IA TCMR and correlated with the severity and frequency of rejection episodes. Recipient age, HLA-DR/DQ molecular mismatch category, and cyclosporin vs tacrolimus immunosuppression were independent correlates of Banff Borderline and Banff ≥ IA TCMR. In the subset treated with tacrolimus (720/803) recipient age, HLA-DR/DQ molecular mismatch category, and tacrolimus coefficient of variation were independent correlates of TCMR. The correlation of HLA-DR/DQ molecular mismatch category with TCMR, including Borderline, provides evidence for their alloimmune basis. HLA-DR/DQ molecular mismatch may represent a precise prognostic biomarker that can be applied to tailor immunosuppression or design clinical trials based on individual patient risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Wiebe
- Department of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Shared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - David N. Rush
- Department of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Ian W. Gibson
- Shared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Department of PathologyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | | | - Patricia E. Birk
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Aviva Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Tom Blydt‐Hansen
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaWinnipegCanada
| | | | - Jamie Shaw
- Department of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Julie Ho
- Department of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Peter W. Nickerson
- Department of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Shared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
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31
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Rush DN. Subclinical Rejection: a Universally Held Concept? CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-020-00290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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32
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Lee DM, Abecassis MM, Friedewald JJ, Rose S, First MR. Kidney Graft Surveillance Biopsy Utilization and Trends: Results From a Survey of High-Volume Transplant Centers. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:3085-3089. [PMID: 32576474 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.04.1816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
An e-mail-based market research survey focused on high-volume US adult transplant centers was developed and implemented to assess surveillance based on United Network for Organ Sharing/Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data: 51 to 100 transplants, 101 to 200 transplants, and more than 200 transplants. Eighty-three centers responded to the survey. Respondent centers represented 13,837/21,167 (65%) of the total kidney transplants in 2018. In total, 38/83 (46%) centers reported the use of surveillance biopsies-20 centers in all patients and 18 in select patients. Surveillance biopsies were performed in 37% (7/19) of centers performing 51 to 100 transplants annually, in 44% (15/34) doing 101 to 200 transplants, and in 53% (16/30) of centers doing more than 200 transplants. Of the 20 centers doing surveillance biopsies in all patients, 17/20 (85%) perform more than 100 annual transplants, and 3/20 (15%) perform less than 100 annual transplants. Of the 45 centers not currently doing surveillance biopsies, 13 (29%) used surveillance biopsies in the past; discontinuation was primarily due to patient inconvenience, adverse events, and cost. Using survey percentages, it is estimated that surveillance biopsies are performed in approximately 34% of kidney transplant recipients and that 74% of all surveillance biopsies occur in centers performing more than 100 kidney transplants per year.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John J Friedewald
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | - M Roy First
- Transplant Genomics, Inc., Mansfield, MA; Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
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33
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The Impact of Early Clinical and Subclinical T Cell-mediated Rejection After Kidney Transplantation. Transplantation 2020; 103:1457-1467. [PMID: 30747837 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the effect of clinical and subclinical T cell-mediated rejection (C-TCMR and SC-TCMR) on allograft histology, function, and progression. METHODS Adult kidney recipients with 2 protocol biopsies were divided into No-TCMR on biopsies (n = 104), SC-TCMR (n = 56), and C-TCMR (n = 32) in at least 1 biopsy. Chronicity (ci + ct + cg + cv) scores, renal function, and the burden of renal disease measured by area under the curve (serum creatinine, mg mo/dL) were compared. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were similar except for mean donor age and Kidney Donor Profile index scores. Patients with C-TCMR had higher mean serum creatinine, lower mean estimated glomerular filtration rate, and higher area under the curve with 95% confidence interval (75.2 [67.7-82.7]) as opposed to patients with SC-TCMR and No-TCMR (58.3 [53.6-62.9], 65.1 [58.8-71.5]), P = 0.0004. Chronicity scores were higher at 3 months in C-TCMR (2.30 ± 1.58) compared with SC-TCMR (2.02 ± 1.42) and No-TCMR (1.31 ± 1.18), P = 0.0001 and also at 12 months. At last follow-up, 18.8% patients with C-TCMR had ≥50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate from 3 months compared with 7% and 1% among No-TCMR and SC-TCMR groups (P = 0.038). Multivariate analyses revealed higher odds of Δ-creatinine ≥ 0.5 mg/dL from 3 months to last follow-up for C-TCMR (3.39 [95% confidence interval, 1.25-9.20]) versus No-TCMR (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Kidney transplant recipients with C-/SC-TCMR have heightened early allograft chronicity and worse renal function compared with those with No-TCMR. Progressive renal dysfunction was noted among patients with C-TCMR as opposed to SC-TCMR and No-TCMR.
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Abstract
The standardization of renal allograft pathology began in 1991 at the first Banff Conference held in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The first task of transplant pathologists, clinicians, and surgeons was to establish diagnostic criteria for T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR). The histological threshold for this diagnosis was arbitrarily set at "i2t2": a mononuclear interstitial cell infiltrate present in at least 25% of normal parenchyma and >4 mononuclear cells within the tubular basement membrane of nonatrophic tubules. TCMR was usually found in dysfunctional grafts with an elevation in the serum creatinine; however, our group and others found this extent of inflammation in "routine" or "protocol" biopsies of normally functioning grafts: "subclinical" TCMR. The prevalence of TCMR is higher in the early months posttransplant and has decreased with the increased potency of current immunosuppressive agents. However, the pathogenicity of lesser degrees of inflammation under modern immunosuppression and the relation between ongoing inflammation and development of donor-specific antibody has renewed our interest in subclinical alloreactivity. Finally, the advances in our understanding of pretransplant risk assessment, and our increasing ability to monitor patients less invasively posttransplant, promises to usher in the era of precision medicine.
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Peddi VR, Patel PS, Schieve C, Rose S, First MR. Serial Peripheral Blood Gene Expression Profiling to Assess Immune Quiescence in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Stable Renal Function. Ann Transplant 2020; 25:e920839. [PMID: 32341330 PMCID: PMC7204430 DOI: 10.12659/aot.920839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background TruGraf is a blood-based biomarker test that measures differential expression of a collection of genes that have been shown to correlate with surveillance biopsy results. However, in the majority of U.S. transplant centers, surveillance biopsies are not performed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical validity of TruGraf in stable kidney transplant recipients and to demonstrate the potential clinical utility of serial TruGraf testing in a center not utilizing surveillance biopsies. Material/Methods Serum creatinine levels, TruGraf testing at multiple time points, and subsequent clinical follow-up were obtained for 28 patients. Results Overall concordance of TruGraf results, when compared with independent clinical assessment of testing, was 77% (54/70) for all tests; 79% (22/28) for test 1, 75% (21/28) for test 2, and 79% (11/14) for test 3. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 98.0%. Analysis of clinical utility indicated that 77% of TruGraf results would have been useful in patient management. Conclusions Our results indicate the value of serial TruGraf testing in those transplant centers that do not perform surveillance biopsies as part of their standard of care. The high negative predictive value indicates the ability of TruGraf to confirm immune quiescence with a high degree of probability in patients with a Transplant eXcellence (TX) result, without the need to perform a surveillance biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ram Peddi
- Department of Transplantation, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Parul S Patel
- Department of Transplantation, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Stan Rose
- Transplant Genomics Inc., Mansfield, MA, USA
| | - M Roy First
- Transplant Genomics Inc., Mansfield, MA, USA
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36
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Mehta RB, Tandukar S, Jorgensen D, Randhawa P, Sood P, Puttarajappa C, Zeevi A, Tevar AD, Hariharan S. Early subclinical tubulitis and interstitial inflammation in kidney transplantation have adverse clinical implications. Kidney Int 2020; 98:436-447. [PMID: 32624181 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2020.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This prospective observational cohort study compared the impact of subclinical tubulitis with or without interstitial inflammation to interstitial inflammation alone and to no inflammation in early post kidney transplant biopsies. A study cohort of 415 patients (living and deceased donor recipients) was divided into three groups on the basis of their three-month biopsy: 149 patients with No Inflammation (NI), 83 patients with Isolated Interstitial Inflammation (IIF), and 183 patients with Tubulitis [(with or without interstitial inflammation) (TIF) but not meeting criteria for Banff IA]. TIF was further divided into 56 patients with tubulitis without interstitial inflammation (TIF0) and 127 patients with tubulitis alongside interstitial inflammation (TIF1). TIF was significantly associated with higher incidence of subsequent T-cell mediated rejection (clinical or subclinical) at one year compared to IIF (31% vs 15%) and NI (31% vs 17%). Chronicity on one-year biopsy was significantly higher in TIF compared to IIF (22% vs 11%) and NI (22% vs 7%). De novo donor-specific antibody development was significantly higher in TIF compared to NI (6% vs 0.7%). Tubulitis subgroups (TIF0 and TIF1) revealed comparable effects on de novo donor-specific antibody and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy development. However, tubulitis with interstitial inflammation had a significantly higher incidence of subsequent rejection and posed an increased hazard for the composite end point (subsequent acute rejection and death censored graft loss) compared to other groups [adjusted hazard 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.2-3.5)]. Thus, subclinical tubulitis is a marker of adverse immunological events, but tubulitis with interstitial inflammation has a worse prognosis. Hence, the Banff 1997 (TIF1) and Banff 2005 classifications (TIF) for borderline change may have different implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajil B Mehta
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Srijan Tandukar
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dana Jorgensen
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Puneet Sood
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chethan Puttarajappa
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adriana Zeevi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amit D Tevar
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sundaram Hariharan
- Division of Transplant Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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37
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Yang JYC, Sarwal RD, Sigdel TK, Damm I, Rosenbaum B, Liberto JM, Chan-On C, Arreola-Guerra JM, Alberu J, Vincenti F, Sarwal MM. A urine score for noninvasive accurate diagnosis and prediction of kidney transplant rejection. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:eaba2501. [PMID: 32188722 PMCID: PMC8289390 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aba2501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Accurate and noninvasive monitoring of renal allograft posttransplant is essential for early detection of acute rejection (AR) and to affect the long-term survival of the transplant. We present the development and validation of a noninvasive, spot urine-based diagnostic assay based on measurements of six urinary DNA, protein, and metabolic biomarkers. The performance of this assay for detecting kidney injury in both native kidneys and renal allografts is presented on a cohort of 601 distinct urine samples. The urinary composite score enables diagnosis of AR, with a receiver-operator characteristic curve area under the curve of 0.99 and an accuracy of 96%. In addition, we demonstrate the clinical utility of this assay for predicting AR before a rise in the serum creatinine, enabling earlier detection of rejection than currently possible by standard of care tests. This noninvasive, sensitive, and quantitative approach is a robust and informative method for the rapid and routine monitoring of renal allografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Y C Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Reuben D Sarwal
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Tara K Sigdel
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Izabella Damm
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ben Rosenbaum
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Juliane M Liberto
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Chitranon Chan-On
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - José M Arreola-Guerra
- Department of Surgery, University of Mexico, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion, Ciudad de México, CDMX 14080, Mexico
| | - Josefina Alberu
- Department of Surgery, University of Mexico, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion, Ciudad de México, CDMX 14080, Mexico
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey, N.L. 64710, Mexico
| | - Flavio Vincenti
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Minnie M Sarwal
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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38
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The Causes of Kidney Allograft Failure: More Than Alloimmunity. A Viewpoint Article. Transplantation 2020; 104:e46-e56. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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39
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Immature dendritic cells derived exosomes promotes immune tolerance by regulating T cell differentiation in renal transplantation. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:8911-8924. [PMID: 31655796 PMCID: PMC6834404 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the mechanism of immature dendritic cells-derived exosomes (imDECs) in the regulation of T cell differentiation and immune tolerance in renal allograft model mice. Results: imDECs significantly improved the percent of survival, relieved inflammatory response, and reduced CD4+T cell infiltration. In addition, imDECs reduced the rejection associated cytokines in allograft mice, and increased the percentage of Foxp3+CD4+T cells in spleen and kidney tissues. imDECs suppressed the IL17+CD4+T cells and promoted the Foxp3+CD4+T cells under Th17 polarization condition. Moreover, miR-682 was found to be highly expressed in imDECs which suppressed the IL17+CD4+T cells and promoted the Foxp3+CD4+T cells. Luciferase reporter assay showed ROCK2 was a target of miR-682, and ROCK mRNA level was negative correlated with miR-682 mRNA level. Conclusion: miR-682 was highly expressed in imDECs, and imDECs-secreted miR-682 promoted Treg cell differentiation by negatively regulating ROCK2 to promote immune tolerance in renal allograft model mice. Methods: Renal allograft model mice were established, and imDECs or mature dendritic cells-derived exosomes (mDECs) were injected into model mice. Rejection associated cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-17 levels in plasma were detected by ELISA. IL-17A, Foxp3, miR-682, ROCK2, p-STAT3, p-STAT5 expressions were measured by qRT-PCR or western blot.
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40
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Sigdel T, Nguyen M, Liberto J, Dobi D, Junger H, Vincenti F, Laszik Z, Sarwal MM. Assessment of 19 Genes and Validation of CRM Gene Panel for Quantitative Transcriptional Analysis of Molecular Rejection and Inflammation in Archival Kidney Transplant Biopsies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:213. [PMID: 31632976 PMCID: PMC6781675 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is an urgent need to develop and implement low cost, high-throughput standardized methods for routine molecular assessment of transplant biopsies. Given the vast archive of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks in transplant centers, a reliable protocol for utilizing this tissue bank for clinical validation of target molecules as predictors of graft outcome over time, would be of great value. Methods: We designed and optimized assays to quantify 19 target genes, including previously reported set of tissue common rejection module (tCRM) genes. We interrogated their performance for their clinical utility for detection of graft rejection and inflammation by analyzing gene expression microarrays analysis of 163 renal allograft biopsies, and subsequently validated in 40 independent FFPE archived kidney transplant biopsies at a single center. Results: A QPCR (Fluidigm) and a barcoded oligo-based (NanoString) gene expression platform were compared for evaluation of amplification of gene expression signal for 19 genes from degraded RNA extracted from FFPE biopsy sections by a set protocol. Increased expression of the selected 19 genes, that reflect a combination of specific cellular infiltrates (8/19 genes) and a graft inflammation score (11/19 genes which computes the tCRM score allowed for segregation of kidney transplant biopsies with stable allograft function and normal histology from those with histologically confirmed acute rejection (AR; p = 0.0022, QPCR; p = 0.0036, barcoded assay) and many cases of histological borderline inflammation (BL). Serial biopsy shaves used for gene expression were also processed for in-situ hybridization (ISH) for a subset of genes. ISH confirmed a high degree of correlation of signal amplification and tissue localization. Conclusions: Target gene expression amplification across a custom set of genes can identify AR independent of histology, and quantify inflammation from archival kidney transplant biopsy tissue, providing a new tool for clinical correlation and outcome analysis of kidney allografts, without the need for prospective kidney biopsy biobanking efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Sigdel
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mark Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Nephrology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Juliane Liberto
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dejan Dobi
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Henrik Junger
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Flavio Vincenti
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Nephrology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Zoltan Laszik
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Minnie M Sarwal
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Nephrology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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41
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Zhang W, Yi Z, Keung KL, Shang H, Wei C, Cravedi P, Sun Z, Xi C, Woytovich C, Farouk S, Huang W, Banu K, Gallon L, Magee CN, Najafian N, Samaniego M, Djamali A, Alexander SI, Rosales IA, Smith RN, Xiang J, Lerut E, Kuypers D, Naesens M, O'Connell PJ, Colvin R, Menon MC, Murphy B. A Peripheral Blood Gene Expression Signature to Diagnose Subclinical Acute Rejection. J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 30:1481-1494. [PMID: 31278196 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018111098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In kidney transplant recipients, surveillance biopsies can reveal, despite stable graft function, histologic features of acute rejection and borderline changes that are associated with undesirable graft outcomes. Noninvasive biomarkers of subclinical acute rejection are needed to avoid the risks and costs associated with repeated biopsies. METHODS We examined subclinical histologic and functional changes in kidney transplant recipients from the prospective Genomics of Chronic Allograft Rejection (GoCAR) study who underwent surveillance biopsies over 2 years, identifying those with subclinical or borderline acute cellular rejection (ACR) at 3 months (ACR-3) post-transplant. We performed RNA sequencing on whole blood collected from 88 individuals at the time of 3-month surveillance biopsy to identify transcripts associated with ACR-3, developed a novel sequencing-based targeted expression assay, and validated this gene signature in an independent cohort. RESULTS Study participants with ACR-3 had significantly higher risk than those without ACR-3 of subsequent clinical acute rejection at 12 and 24 months, faster decline in graft function, and decreased graft survival in adjusted Cox analysis. We identified a 17-gene signature in peripheral blood that accurately diagnosed ACR-3, and validated it using microarray expression profiles of blood samples from 65 transplant recipients in the GoCAR cohort and three public microarray datasets. In an independent cohort of 110 transplant recipients, tests of the targeted expression assay on the basis of the 17-gene set showed that it identified individuals at higher risk of ongoing acute rejection and future graft loss. CONCLUSIONS Our targeted expression assay enabled noninvasive diagnosis of subclinical acute rejection and inflammation in the graft and may represent a useful tool to risk-stratify kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Zhengzi Yi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Karen L Keung
- Department of Medicine, Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Huimin Shang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Chengguo Wei
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Zeguo Sun
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Caixia Xi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Christopher Woytovich
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Samira Farouk
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Weiqing Huang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Khadija Banu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Lorenzo Gallon
- Department of Medicine-Nephrology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ciara N Magee
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nader Najafian
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Milagros Samaniego
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Arjang Djamali
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Stephen I Alexander
- Department of Medicine, Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ivy A Rosales
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rex Neal Smith
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jenny Xiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Dirk Kuypers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Maarten Naesens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Philip J O'Connell
- Department of Medicine, Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Colvin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Madhav C Menon
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Barbara Murphy
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York;
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42
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Friedewald J, Abecassis M. Clinical implications for the use of a biomarker for subclinical rejection - Conflating arguments cause a disconnection between the premise and the conclusion. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:2141-2142. [PMID: 30809931 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John Friedewald
- Division of Transplantation, Northwestern University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael Abecassis
- Division of Transplantation, Northwestern University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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43
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Friedewald J, Abecassis M, Kurian S. Gene expression biomarkers for kidney transplant rejection - The entire landscape. EBioMedicine 2019; 42:41. [PMID: 30910482 PMCID: PMC6491954 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John Friedewald
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Michael Abecassis
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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44
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High Calcineurin Inhibitor Intrapatient Variability Is Associated With Renal Allograft Inflammation, Chronicity, and Graft Loss. Transplant Direct 2019; 5:e424. [PMID: 30882028 PMCID: PMC6415973 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) intrapatient variability (IPV) has been associated with poor kidney allograft outcomes. However, the relationship between early allograft histological changes, their progression, and CNI-IPV is less well studied. Hence, we evaluated effect of CNI-IPV defined by the degree of fluctuation of CNI levels in all kidney transplant patients over 2 to 12 months posttransplant on early allograft inflammation, subsequent chronicity, and later clinical outcomes. Methods Two hundred eighty-six patients transplanted from January 2013 to November 2014 were enrolled with protocol and indication biopsies. The mean CNI-IPV was 28.5% and a quarter of our cohort had IPV of 35% or greater (high CNI IPV). Baseline demographic differences were similar between high and low CNI IPV groups. Results High CNI-IPV was associated with a higher incidence of acute rejection (AR) within 1 year (52% vs 31% P < 0.001), more persistent/recurrent AR by 1 year (18.2% vs 6.2%, P = 0.002), higher-grade AR (≥Banff 1B, 27.5% vs 7.3%, P < 0.001), and worse interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (P = 0.005). High CNI-IPV was associated with increased graft loss (GL) and impending graft loss (iGL, defined as eGFR<30 ml/min and >30% decline in eGFR from baseline), regardless of donor-specific antibody, delayed graft function, rejection, or race. In a multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards Model, high CNI-IPV was independently associated with GL + iGL (hazard ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-5.9, P < 0.001). Conclusions High CNI-IPV within 1 year posttransplant is associated with higher incidence of AR, severe AR, allograft chronicity, GL, and iGL. This represents a subset of patients who are at risk for poor kidney transplant outcomes and potentially a modifiable risk factor for late allograft loss.
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45
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Friedewald JJ, Kurian SM, Heilman RL, Whisenant TC, Poggio ED, Marsh C, Baliga P, Odim J, Brown MM, Ikle DN, Armstrong BD, charette JI, Brietigam SS, Sustento-Reodica N, Zhao L, Kandpal M, Salomon DR, Abecassis MM. Development and clinical validity of a novel blood-based molecular biomarker for subclinical acute rejection following kidney transplant. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:98-109. [PMID: 29985559 PMCID: PMC6387870 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive biomarkers are needed to monitor stable patients after kidney transplant (KT), because subclinical acute rejection (subAR), currently detectable only with surveillance biopsies, can lead to chronic rejection and graft loss. We conducted a multicenter study to develop a blood-based molecular biomarker for subAR using peripheral blood paired with surveillance biopsies and strict clinical phenotyping algorithms for discovery and validation. At a predefined threshold, 72% to 75% of KT recipients achieved a negative biomarker test correlating with the absence of subAR (negative predictive value: 78%-88%), while a positive test was obtained in 25% to 28% correlating with the presence of subAR (positive predictive value: 47%-61%). The clinical phenotype and biomarker independently and statistically correlated with a composite clinical endpoint (renal function, biopsy-proved acute rejection, ≥grade 2 interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy), as well as with de novo donor-specific antibodies. We also found that <50% showed histologic improvement of subAR on follow-up biopsies despite treatment and that the biomarker could predict this outcome. Our data suggest that a blood-based biomarker that reduces the need for the indiscriminate use of invasive surveillance biopsies and that correlates with transplant outcomes could be used to monitor KT recipients with stable renal function, including after treatment for subAR, potentially improving KT outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thomas C. Whisenant
- UC San Diego Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jonah Odim
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Merideth M. Brown
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - jane I. charette
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Lihui Zhao
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Manoj Kandpal
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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46
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Seifert ME, Yanik MV, Feig DI, Hauptfeld-Dolejsek V, Mroczek-Musulman EC, Kelly DR, Rosenblum F, Mannon RB. Subclinical inflammation phenotypes and long-term outcomes after pediatric kidney transplantation. Am J Transplant 2018; 18:2189-2199. [PMID: 29766640 PMCID: PMC6436389 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of surveillance biopsies in pediatric kidney transplantation remains controversial. Surveillance biopsies detect subclinical injury prior to clinical dysfunction, which could allow for early interventions that prolong allograft survival. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 120 consecutive pediatric kidney recipients, of whom 103 had surveillance biopsies ≤6 months posttransplant. We tested the hypothesis that subclinical inflammation (borderline or T cell-mediated rejection without clinical dysfunction) is associated with a 5-year composite endpoint of acute rejection and allograft failure. Overall, 36% of subjects had subclinical inflammation, which was associated with increased hazard for the composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio 2.89 [1.27, 6.57]; P < .01). Subjects with treated vs untreated subclinical borderline rejection had a lower incidence of the composite endpoint (41% vs 67%; P < .001). Subclinical vascular injury (subclinical inflammation with Banff arteritis score > 0) had a 78% incidence of the composite endpoint vs 11% in subjects with no major surveillance abnormalities (P < .001). In summary, we showed that subclinical inflammation phenotypes were prevalent in pediatric kidney recipients without clinical dysfunction and were associated with increased acute rejection and allograft failure. Once prospectively validated, our data would support implementation of surveillance biopsies as standard of care in pediatric kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Seifert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Megan V. Yanik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Daniel I. Feig
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Vera Hauptfeld-Dolejsek
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama,Comprehensive Transplant Institute, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Elizabeth C. Mroczek-Musulman
- Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama,Department of Pathology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David R. Kelly
- Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama,Department of Pathology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Frida Rosenblum
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Roslyn B. Mannon
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama,Comprehensive Transplant Institute, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama,Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
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