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Wilson NK, Tremblay S, Shields AR, Woodle ES, Alloway RR, Vinks AA, Miyagawa B, Mizuno T. Belatacept Removal by Plasmapheresis: Dose Adjustments and Clinical Recommendations. Transplant Direct 2024; 10:e1677. [PMID: 38988686 PMCID: PMC11230821 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K. Wilson
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pharmacy, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX
| | - Simon Tremblay
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
- Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cary, NC
| | - Adele R. Shields
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Surgery, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
| | - E. Steve Woodle
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Rita R. Alloway
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alexander A. Vinks
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Bradley Miyagawa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Tomoyuki Mizuno
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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Oliveras L, Coloma A, Lloberas N, Lino L, Favà A, Manonelles A, Codina S, Couceiro C, Melilli E, Sharif A, Hecking M, Guthoff M, Cruzado JM, Pascual J, Montero N. Immunosuppressive drug combinations after kidney transplantation and post-transplant diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2024; 38:100856. [PMID: 38723582 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2024.100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a frequent complication after kidney transplantation (KT). This systematic review investigated the effect of different immunosuppressive regimens on the risk of PTDM. We performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included KT recipients with any immunosuppression and reported PTDM outcomes up to 1 October 2023. The analysis included 125 RCTs. We found no differences in PTDM risk within induction therapies. In de novo KT, there was an increased risk of developing PTDM with tacrolimus versus cyclosporin (RR 1.71, 95%CI [1.38-2.11]). No differences were observed between tacrolimus+mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi) and tacrolimus+MMF/MPA, but there was a tendency towards a higher risk of PTDM in the cyclosporin+mTORi group (RR 1.42, 95%CI [0.99-2.04]). Conversion from cyclosporin to an mTORi increased PTDM risk (RR 1.89, 95%CI [1.18-3.03]). De novo belatacept compared with a calcineurin inhibitor resulted in 50% lower risk of PTDM (RR 0.50, 95%CI [0.32-0.79]). Steroid avoidance resulted in 31% lower PTDM risk (RR 0.69, 95%CI [0.57-0.83]), whereas steroid withdrawal resulted in no differences. Immunosuppression should be decided on an individual basis, carefully weighing the risk of future PTDM and rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Oliveras
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Coloma
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Nuria Lloberas
- Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Lino
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Alexandre Favà
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Anna Manonelles
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Codina
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Couceiro
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edoardo Melilli
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adnan Sharif
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Manfred Hecking
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Guthoff
- Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Josep M Cruzado
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Pascual
- Hospital 12 de Octubre, Nephrology Department, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nuria Montero
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Nephrology Department. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain.
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Muckenhuber M, Mengrelis K, Weijler AM, Steiner R, Kainz V, Buresch M, Regele H, Derdak S, Kubetz A, Wekerle T. IL-6 inhibition prevents costimulation blockade-resistant allograft rejection in T cell-depleted recipients by promoting intragraft immune regulation in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4309. [PMID: 38830846 PMCID: PMC11148062 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48574-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of costimulation blockade with CTLA4-Ig (belatacept) in transplantation is limited due to T cell-mediated rejection, which also persists after induction with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG). Here, we investigate why ATG fails to prevent costimulation blockade-resistant rejection and how this barrier can be overcome. ATG did not prevent graft rejection in a murine heart transplant model of CTLA4-Ig therapy and induced a pro-inflammatory cytokine environment. While ATG improved the balance between regulatory T cells (Treg) and effector T cells in the spleen, it had no such effect within cardiac allografts. Neutralizing IL-6 alleviated graft inflammation, increased intragraft Treg frequencies, and enhanced intragraft IL-10 and Th2-cytokine expression. IL-6 blockade together with ATG allowed CTLA4-Ig therapy to achieve long-term, rejection-free heart allograft survival. This beneficial effect was abolished upon Treg depletion. Combining ATG with IL-6 blockade prevents costimulation blockade-resistant rejection, thereby eliminating a major impediment to clinical use of costimulation blockers in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Muckenhuber
- Div. of Transplantation, Dept. of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konstantinos Mengrelis
- Div. of Transplantation, Dept. of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Marianne Weijler
- Div. of Transplantation, Dept. of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Romy Steiner
- Div. of Transplantation, Dept. of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Kainz
- Div. of Transplantation, Dept. of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlena Buresch
- Div. of Transplantation, Dept. of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Regele
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophia Derdak
- Core Facilities, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Kubetz
- Div. of Transplantation, Dept. of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wekerle
- Div. of Transplantation, Dept. of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Lange NW, King K, Husain SA, Salerno DM, Tsapepas DS, Hedvat J, Yu M, Mohan S. Obesity is associated with a higher incidence of rejection in patients on belatacept: A pooled analysis from the BENEFIT/BENEFIT-EXT clinical trials. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:1027-1034. [PMID: 38387620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Though belatacept is administered with a weight-based dosing schema, there has been higher clearance reported in obese patients. Therefore, we evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI) and transplant outcomes in kidney transplant recipients who were randomized to cyclosporine- or belatacept-based immunosuppression in the BENEFIT and BENEFIT-EXT randomized clinical trials. A total of 666 and 543 patients underwent randomization and transplantation in BENEFIT and BENEFIT-EXT, respectively, of which 1056 had complete data and were included in this analysis. Patients were grouped categorically according to BMI: <25, 25 to <30, and ≥30 kg/m2. BMI did influence both the incidence and severity of acute rejection. Obese patients with BMI >30 kg/m2 in the low intensity belatacept group experienced significantly more rejection at 12 months than did patients with BMI <25 kg/m2 or BMI 25 to <30 kg/m2. In both the moderate intensity belatacept and low intensity belatacept groups, obese patients with BMI >30 kg/m2 experienced significantly more severe acute rejection than did patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2 or BMI 25 to <30 kg/m2. These results suggest that obese kidney transplant recipients are at an increased risk for acute rejection when under belatacept-based immunosuppression when compared to nonobese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W Lange
- Department of Pharmacy, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Kristen King
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; Columbia University Renal Epidemiology Group, New York, New York, USA
| | - Syed Ali Husain
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; Columbia University Renal Epidemiology Group, New York, New York, USA
| | - David M Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Demetra S Tsapepas
- Columbia University Renal Epidemiology Group, New York, New York, USA; Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; Department of Quality, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Hedvat
- Department of Pharmacy, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Miko Yu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; Columbia University Renal Epidemiology Group, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sumit Mohan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; Columbia University Renal Epidemiology Group, New York, New York, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Klein A, Toll A, Stewart D, Fitzsimmons WE. Applying propensity methods to the United States transplant registry for external real-world evidence control arms for 5-year survival in the BENEFIT study. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:250-259. [PMID: 37832826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
To address the challenges of assessing the impact of a reasonably likely surrogate endpoint on long-term graft survival in prospective kidney transplant clinical trials, the Transplant Therapeutics Consortium established a real-world evidence workgroup evaluating the scientific value of using transplant registry data as an external control to supplement the internal control group. The United Network for Organ Sharing retrospectively simulated the use of several distinct contemporaneous external control groups, applied multiple cause inference methods, and compared treatment effects to those observed in the BENEFIT study. Applying BENEFIT study enrollment criteria produced a smaller historical cyclosporine control arm (n = 153) and a larger, alternative (tacrolimus) historical control arm (n = 1069). Following covariate-balanced propensity scoring, Kaplan-Meier 5-year all-cause graft survivals were 81.3% and 81.7% in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) tacrolimus and cyclosporine external control arms, similar to 80.3% observed in the BENEFIT cyclosporine treatment arm. Five-year graft survival in the belatacept-less intensive arm was significantly higher than the OPTN controls using propensity scoring for comparing cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Propensity weighting using OPTN controls closely mirrored the BENEFIT study's long-term control (cyclosporine) arm's survival rate and the less intensive arm's treatment effect (significantly higher survival vs control). This study supports the feasibility and validity of using supplemental external registry controls for long-term survival in kidney transplant clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Toll
- United Network for Organ Sharing, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Darren Stewart
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
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Kitchens WH, Larsen CP, Badell IR. Costimulatory Blockade and Solid Organ Transplantation: The Past, Present, and Future. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2529-2545. [PMID: 38106575 PMCID: PMC10719580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.08.037] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Belatacept is the first costimulatory blockade agent clinically approved for transplant immunosuppression. Although more than 10 years of study have demonstrated that belatacept offers superior long-term renal allograft and patient survival compared to conventional calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based immunosuppression regimens, the clinical adoption of belatacept has continued to lag because of concerns of an early risk of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and various logistical barriers to its administration. In this review, the history of the clinical development of belatacept is examined, along with the findings of the seminal BENEFIT and BENEFIT-EXT trials culminating in the clinical approval of belatacept. Recent efforts to incorporate belatacept into novel CNI-free immunosuppression regimens are reviewed, as well as the experience of the Emory Transplant Center in using a tapered course of low-dose tacrolimus in belatacept-treated renal allograft patients to garner the long-term outcome benefits of belatacept without the short-term increased risks of ACR. Potential avenues to increase the clinical adoption of belatacept in the future are explored, including surmounting the logistical barriers of belatacept administration through subcutaneous administration or more infrequent belatacept dosing. In addition, belatacept conversion strategies and potential expanded clinical indications of belatacept are discussed for pediatric transplant recipients, extrarenal transplant recipients, treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), and in patients with failed renal allografts. Finally, we discuss the novel immunosuppressive drugs currently in the development pipeline that may aid in the expansion of costimulation blockade utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H. Kitchens
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christian P. Larsen
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - I. Raul Badell
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Qayyum S, Shahid K. Comparative Safety and Efficacy of Immunosuppressive Regimens Post-kidney Transplant: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e43903. [PMID: 37746361 PMCID: PMC10512192 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressive agents are used post-organ transplant to prevent acute rejection and graft losses. Tacrolimus, the most widely used immunosuppressive agent for kidney transplant recipients, has unfavorable side effects such as new-onset diabetes after transplant, nephrotoxicity, and electrolyte imbalances. Other drug groups such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, belatacept, and bleselumab have been used to either substitute calcineurin inhibitors or reduce their exposure. This systematic analysis reviews evidence from randomized controlled trials to compare the safety and efficacy of various immunosuppressive regimens for kidney transplant recipients. An in-depth methodical search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Mendeley. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed for this study. Randomized controlled trials comparing varying regimens were included in this study. While there was no difference in safety and efficacy between once-daily and twice-daily tacrolimus, mTOR inhibitors showed to be a viable option for a reduced tacrolimus exposure regimen. Calcineurin inhibitor avoidance and early steroid withdrawal regimens both showed increased rates of rejection. Based on these findings, a regimen containing once-daily tacrolimus and an mTOR inhibitor with or without corticosteroid is a viable immunosuppressive regimen post-kidney transplant. Further trials, especially ones with longer follow-up periods, are needed to explore these regimens' long-term safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Qayyum
- Nephrology, Diaverum Dialysis Center, Wadi Al Dawasir, SAU
| | - Kamran Shahid
- Internal Medicine/Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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Petrossian G, Ortiz J, Ortiz AC, Addonizio K, Hsiao A, James R, Koizumi N, Patel S, Plews R. Increased CMV disease and "severe" BK viremia with belatacept vs. sirolimus three-drug maintenance immunosuppression. Transpl Immunol 2023; 79:101857. [PMID: 37201797 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Belatacept may provide benefit in delayed graft function, but its association with infectious complications is understudied. We aim to assess the incidence of CMV and BK viremia in patients treated with sirolimus or belatacept as part of a three-drug immunosuppression regimen after kidney transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Kidney transplant recipients from 01/01/2015 to 10/01/2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Maintenance immunosuppression was either tacrolimus, mycophenolate and sirolimus (B0) or tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and belatacept (5.0 mg/kg monthly) (B1). Primary outcomes of interest were BK and CMV viremia which were followed until the end of the study period. Secondary outcomes included graft function (serum creatinine, eGFR) and acute rejection through 12 months. RESULTS Belatacept was initiated in patients with a higher mean kidney donor profile index (B0:0.36 vs. B1:0.44, p = .02) with more delayed graft function (B0:6.1% vs. B1:26.1%, p < .001). Belatacept therapy was associated with more "severe" CMV viremia >25,000 copies/mL (B0:1.2% vs. B1:5.9%, p = .016) and CMV disease (B0:0.41% vs. B1:4.2%, p = .015). However, there was no difference in the overall incidence of CMV viremia >200 IU/mL (B0:9.4% vs. B1:13.5%, p = .28). There was no difference in the incidence of BK viremia >200 IU/mL (B0:29.7% vs. B1:31.1%, p = .78) or BK-associated nephropathy (B0:2.4% vs. B1:1.7%, p = .58), but belatacept was associated with "severe" BK viremia, defined as >10,000 IU/mL (B0:13.0% vs. B1:21.8%, p = .03). The mean serum Cr was significantly higher with belatacept therapy at 1-year follow up (B0:1.24 mg/dL vs. B1:1.43 mg/dL, p = .003). Biopsy-proven acute rejection (B0:1.2% vs. B1:2.6%, p = .35) and graft loss (B0:1.2% vs. B1:0.84%, p = .81) were comparable at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Belatacept therapy was associated with an increased risk of CMV disease and "severe" CMV and BK viremia. However, this regimen did not increase the overall incidence of infection and facilitated comparable acute rejection and graft loss at 12-month follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Ortiz
- Eerie County Medical Center, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Rosy James
- George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
| | - Naoru Koizumi
- George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
| | - Sunil Patel
- University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
| | - Robert Plews
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
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Sorohan BM, Ismail G, Leca N. Immunosuppression in HIV-positive kidney transplant recipients. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2023; 28:279-289. [PMID: 37219235 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF STUDY The purpose of this review is to provide the current state of immunosuppression therapy in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) with HIV and to discuss practical dilemmas to better understand and manage these patients. RECENT FINDINGS Certain studies find higher rates of rejection, which raises the need to critically assess the approach to immunosuppression management in HIV-positive KTR. Induction immunosuppression is guided by transplant center-level preference rather than by the individual patient characteristics. Earlier recommendations expressed concerns about the use of induction immunosuppression, especially utilizing lymphocyte-depleting agents; however, updated guidelines based on newer data recommend that induction can be used in HIV-positive KTR, and the choice of agent be made according to immunological risk. Likewise, most studies point out success with using first-line maintenance immunosuppression including tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroids. In selected patients, belatacept appears to be a promising alternative to calcineurin inhibitors with some well established advantages. Early discontinuation of steroids in this population carries a high risk of rejection and should be avoided. SUMMARY Immunosuppression management in HIV-positive KTR is complex and challenging, mainly because of the difficulty of maintaining a proper balance between rejection and infection. Interpretation and understanding of the current data towards a personalized approach of immunosuppression could improve management in HIV-positive KTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Marian Sorohan
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
- Department of Kidney Transplantation
| | - Gener Ismail
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicolae Leca
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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10
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Three-year Outcomes After Conversion From Monthly to Every 2-month Belatacept Maintenance Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial. Transplant Direct 2023; 9:e1449. [PMID: 36875938 PMCID: PMC9977481 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance immunosuppression with belatacept following kidney transplantation results in improved long-term graft function as compared with calcineurin inhibitors. However, broad application of belatacept has been limited, in part related to logistical barriers surrounding a monthly (q1m) infusion requirement. Methods To determine whether every 2-mo (q2m) belatacept is noninferior to standard q1m maintenance, we conducted a prospective, single-center randomized trial in low-immunologic-risk, stable renal transplant recipients. Here, post hoc analysis of 3-y outcomes, including renal function and adverse events, are reported. Results One hundred sixty-three patients received treatment in the q1m control group (n = 82) or q2m study group (n = 81). Renal allograft function as measured by baseline-adjusted estimated glomerular filtration rate was not significantly different between groups (time-averaged mean difference of 0.2 mL/min/1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval: -2.5, 2.9). There were no statistically significant differences in time to death or graft loss, freedom from rejection, or freedom from donor-specific antibodies (DSAs). During the extended 12- to 36-mo follow-up, 3 deaths, 1 graft loss occurred in the q1m group, compared with 2 deaths, and 2 graft losses in the q2m group. In the q1m group, 1 patient developed DSAs and acute rejection. In the q2m group, 3 patients developed DSAs and 2 associated with acute rejection. Conclusions Based on the similar renal function and survival at 36 mo compared with q1m, q2m belatacept is a potentially viable maintenance immunosuppressive strategy in low immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients that may facilitate increased clinical utilization of costimulation blockade-based immunosuppression.
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Shi T, Burg AR, Caldwell JT, Roskin K, Castro-Rojas CM, Chukwuma PC, Gray GI, Foote SG, Alonso J, Cuda CM, Allman DA, Rush JS, Regnier CH, Wieczorek G, Alloway RR, Shields AR, Baker BM, Woodle ES, Hildeman DA. Single cell transcriptomic analysis of renal allograft rejection reveals novel insights into intragraft TCR clonality. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.08.524808. [PMID: 36798151 PMCID: PMC9934650 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.08.524808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Bulk analysis of renal allograft biopsies (rBx) identified RNA transcripts associated with acute cellular rejection (ACR); however, these lacked cellular context critical to mechanistic understanding. We performed combined single cell RNA transcriptomic and TCRα/β sequencing on rBx from patients with ACR under differing immunosuppression (IS): tacrolimus, iscalimab, and belatacept. TCR analysis revealed a highly restricted CD8 + T cell clonal expansion (CD8 EXP ), independent of HLA mismatch or IS type. Subcloning of TCRα/β cDNAs from CD8 EXP into Jurkat76 cells (TCR -/- ) conferred alloreactivity by mixed lymphocyte reaction. scRNAseq analysis of CD8 EXP revealed effector, memory, and exhausted phenotypes that were influenced by IS type. Successful anti-rejection treatment decreased, but did not eliminate, CD8 EXP , while CD8 EXP were maintained during treatment-refractory rejection. Finally, most rBx-derived CD8 EXP were also observed in matching urine samples. Overall, our data define the clonal CD8 + T cell response to ACR, providing novel insights to improve detection, assessment, and treatment of rejection.
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12
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Lim MA, Bloom RD. How to maximize graft survival. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2023; 28:55-63. [PMID: 36579685 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Kidney transplant failure results in significant patient morbidity and mortality, increased financial burden and exacerbates the organ shortage faced by kidney transplant candidates. The different strategies to maximize graft survival in kidney transplant recipients is presented in this review. RECENT FINDINGS Maximizing kidney graft survival requires optimizing immunosuppression, preventing and managing recurrent disease and using general chronic kidney disease strategies to slow allograft injury. Herein, we review: 1) strategies to tailor immunosuppression to the individual patient to avoid over and underimmunosuppression, and avoid immunosuppression-related drug toxicities, 2) latest findings in the following recurrent diseases: focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, complement-mediated kidney disease and monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance, and, 3) approaches to slow allograft injury including BP control, and the use of antiproteinuric agents and SGLT-2 inhibitors. SUMMARY The last two decades has seen significant improvement in allograft outcomes resulting from advances in immunosuppression. With the federal government's renewed focus on kidney disease and transplantation, and recent advances in biomarkers, genetic testing, big data analytics and machine learning, we hope to see further outcome improvements in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann Lim
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Yakubu I, Moinuddin I, Gupta G. Use of belatacept in kidney transplantation: what's new? Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2023; 28:36-45. [PMID: 36326538 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The advent of calcineurin inhibitors have led to a significant improvement in short term outcomes after kidney transplantation. However, long term outcomes are hindered by the cardiovascular, metabolic and chronic renal toxicity associated with these agents. Belatacept is a selective T cell costimulation blocker that is approved for prevention of rejection in kidney transplantation, and has been associated with favorable cardiovascular, metabolic and renal outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. This review provides an overview of recent updates in the use of belatacept in kidney transplant recipients. RECENT FINDINGS Belatacept may be a safe alternative to calcineurin inhibitors for select kidney transplant populations. Patients converted to belatacept from a calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression generally experience improvement in renal function, and may be less likely to develop de novo donor specific antibodies or new onset diabetes after transplantation. Although, belatacept based immunosuppression may increase the risk of early acute cellular rejection, it may however be beneficial in stabilization of long-term renal function and improvement in inflammation in patients with chronic active antibody mediated rejection. These benefits need to be counterweighed with risks of lack of response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination and other adverse infectious outcomes. SUMMARY Belatacept may be an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors and may contribute to improved long term metabolic and allograft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. Careful selection of patients for belatacept-based immunosuppression is needed, to obviate the risk of acute rejection shown in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irfan Moinuddin
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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14
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Conversion to belatacept after lung transplantation: Report of 10 cases. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281492. [PMID: 36920935 PMCID: PMC10016650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) remain the cornerstone of maintenance immunosuppression (IS) after lung transplantation (LTx), although CNI-related life-threatening toxic effects may occur. Belatacept, a novel immunosuppressant that blocks a T-cell co-stimulation pathway, is a non-nephrotoxic drug indicated as an alternative to CNIs in kidney Tx. In LTx, there are only a few reports of belatacept conversion as a CNI-free or CNI-sparing IS treatment. METHODS We reviewed a series of 10 LTx recipients with conversion to a CNI-free belatacept IS regimen within the first year post-LTx (n = 7) or a belatacept/low-dose CNI combination after the first year (n = 3). RESULTS Use of belatacept was triggered by severe renal failure in 9 patients and under-IS with previous other IS-related toxicities in 1 patient. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate after starting belatacept significantly improved at 6 months after initiation and at the last-follow-up (p = 0.006, and p = 0.002 respectively). The incidence of recurrent and/or severe acute cellular rejection (ACR) episodes was high in patients with CNI-free belatacept-based IS (n = 4/7). Chronic graft allograft dysfunction developed in 2 of 9 recipients under belatacept IS. Belatacept was stopped in 6 patients because of recurrent/severe ACR (n = 3), recurrent opportunistic infections (n = 1), center modified policy (n = 1), or other cause (n = 1). CONCLUSION Early conversion to CNI-free belatacept-based IS improved renal function in this series but was counterbalanced by a high incidence of recurrent ACR, including life-threatening episodes. Other studies are needed to better determine the indications for its use after LTx, possibly with lower immunological risk IS regimens, such as CNI-sparing belatacept.
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15
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Rodriguez-Ramirez S, Al Jurdi A, Konvalinka A, Riella LV. Antibody-mediated rejection: prevention, monitoring and treatment dilemmas. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:405-414. [PMID: 35950887 PMCID: PMC9475491 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has emerged as the leading cause of late graft loss in kidney transplant recipients. Donor-specific antibodies are an independent risk factor for AMR and graft loss. However, not all donor-specific antibodies are pathogenic. AMR treatment is heterogeneous due to the lack of robust trials to support clinical decisions. This review provides an overview and comments on practical but relevant dilemmas physicians experience in managing kidney transplant recipients with AMR. RECENT FINDINGS Active AMR with donor-specific antibodies may be treated with plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids with additional therapies considered on a case-by-case basis. On the contrary, no treatment has been shown to be effective against chronic active AMR. Various biomarkers and prediction models to assess the individual risk of graft failure and response to rejection treatment show promise. SUMMARY The ability to personalize management for a given kidney transplant recipient and identify treatments that will improve their long-term outcome remains a critical unmet need. Earlier identification of AMR with noninvasive biomarkers and prediction models to assess the individual risk of graft failure should be considered. Enrolling patients with AMR in clinical trials to assess novel therapeutic agents is highly encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Rodriguez-Ramirez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ayman Al Jurdi
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ana Konvalinka
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonardo V. Riella
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Iglesias M, Brennan DC, Larsen CP, Raimondi G. Targeting inflammation and immune activation to improve CTLA4-Ig-based modulation of transplant rejection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:926648. [PMID: 36119093 PMCID: PMC9478663 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.926648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For the last few decades, Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI)-based therapy has been the pillar of immunosuppression for prevention of organ transplant rejection. However, despite exerting effective control of acute rejection in the first year post-transplant, prolonged CNI use is associated with significant side effects and is not well suited for long term allograft survival. The implementation of Costimulation Blockade (CoB) therapies, based on the interruption of T cell costimulatory signals as strategy to control allo-responses, has proven potential for better management of transplant recipients compared to CNI-based therapies. The use of the biologic cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4)-Ig is the most successful approach to date in this arena. Following evaluation of the BENEFIT trials, Belatacept, a high-affinity version of CTLA4-Ig, has been FDA approved for use in kidney transplant recipients. Despite its benefits, the use of CTLA4-Ig as a monotherapy has proved to be insufficient to induce long-term allograft acceptance in several settings. Multiple studies have demonstrated that events that induce an acute inflammatory response with the consequent release of proinflammatory cytokines, and an abundance of allograft-reactive memory cells in the recipient, can prevent the induction of or break established immunomodulation induced with CoB regimens. This review highlights advances in our understanding of the factors and mechanisms that limit CoB regimens efficacy. We also discuss recent successes in experimentally designing complementary therapies that favor CTLA4-Ig effect, affording a better control of transplant rejection and supporting their clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Iglesias
- Vascularized and Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Giorgio Raimondi, ; Marcos Iglesias,
| | - Daniel C. Brennan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christian P. Larsen
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Giorgio Raimondi
- Vascularized and Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Giorgio Raimondi, ; Marcos Iglesias,
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17
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Nelson J, Alvey N, Bowman L, Schulte J, Segovia M, McDermott J, Te HS, Kapila N, Levine DJ, Gottlieb RL, Oberholzer J, Campara M. Consensus recommendations for use of maintenance immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation: Endorsed by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, American Society of Transplantation, and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 42:599-633. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.2716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Nelson
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmacy Services University Health San Antonio Texas USA
- Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center University of Texas Health San Antonio San Antonio Texas USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacotherapy Division, College of Pharmacy The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Nicole Alvey
- Department of Pharmacy Rush University Medical Center Chicago Illinois USA
- Science and Pharmacy Roosevelt University College of Health Schaumburg Illinois USA
| | - Lyndsey Bowman
- Department of Pharmacy Tampa General Hospital Tampa Florida USA
| | - Jamie Schulte
- Department of Pharmacy Services Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | | | - Jennifer McDermott
- Richard DeVos Heart and Lung Transplant Program, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids Michigan USA
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Grand Rapids Michigan USA
| | - Helen S. Te
- Liver Transplantation, Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Nikhil Kapila
- Department of Transplant Hepatology Duke University Hospital Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Deborah Jo Levine
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio San Antonio Texas USA
| | - Robert L. Gottlieb
- Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor Scott and White Research Institute Dallas Texas USA
| | - Jose Oberholzer
- Department of Surgery/Division of Transplantation University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
| | - Maya Campara
- Department of Surgery University of Illinois Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice University of Illinois Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
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18
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Kizilbash SJ, Jensen CJ, Kouri AM, Balani SS, Chavers B. Steroid avoidance/withdrawal and maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14189. [PMID: 34786800 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticosteroids have been an integral part of maintenance immunosuppression for pediatric kidney transplantation. However, prolonged steroid therapy is associated with significant toxicities resulting in several SW/avoidance strategies in recent years. METHOD/OBJECTIVE This comprehensive review aims to discuss steroid-related toxicities and the safety, efficacy, and benefit of steroid avoidance/withdrawal immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. RESULTS Initial studies of SW/avoidance conducted in the setting of CSA and AZA showed an increased incidence of AR but no increase in graft loss or mortality with SW/avoidance maintenance immunosuppression. Studies performed under modern immunosuppression (induction therapy, Tac, and MMF) show no significant increase in AR or graft loss with SW/avoidance immunosuppression. Furthermore, SW/avoidance immunosuppression is associated with significant improvement in growth, BMI, BP control, and lipid profile in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Despite these data, SW/avoidance remains controversial, and only 40% of pediatric kidney transplant recipients in the United States are currently on SW/avoidance maintenance immunosuppression. CONCLUSION SW/avoidance maintenance immunosuppression is safe and associated with fewer side effects compared with steroid-inclusive maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Kizilbash
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chelsey J Jensen
- Solid Organ Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anne M Kouri
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shanthi S Balani
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Blanche Chavers
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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19
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Herr F, Desterke C, Bargiel K, Vernochet A, Vanhove B, Vadanici R, Ye F, Dekeyser M, Durrbach A. The proliferation of belatacept-resistant T cells requires early IFNα pathway activation. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:489-503. [PMID: 34431219 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Belatacept was developed to replace calcineurin inhibitors in kidney transplantation. Its use is associated with better kidney transplant function, a lower incidence of anti-donor antibodies and higher graft survival. However, it is also associated with a higher risk of cellular rejection. We studied the activation and proliferation mechanisms of belatacept-resistant T lymphocytes (TLs), to identify new pathways for control. We performed a transcriptomic analysis on CD4+ CD57+ PD1- memory TLs, which are responsible for a higher incidence of graft rejection, after allogeneic stimulation with activated dendritic cells (aDCs) in the presence or absence of belatacept. After six hours of contact with aDCs, the (CD4+ CD57+ PD1- ) (CD4+ CD57+ PD1+ ) and (CD4+ CD57- ) lymphocytes had different transcriptional profiles with or without belatacept. In the CD4+ CD57+ PD1- population, the IFNα-dependent activation pathway was positively overrepresented, and IRF7 transcript levels were high. IRF7 was associated with IFNα/β and IL-6 regulation. The inhibition of both these cytokines in a context of belatacept treatment inhibited the proliferation of CD4+ CD57+ PD1- T cells. Our results show that IRF7 is rapidly upregulated in belatacept-resistant CD4+ CD57+ PD1- TLs. The inhibition of type I IFN or IL-6 in association with belatacept treatment reduces the proliferation of belatacept-resistant TLs, paving the way for new treatments for use in organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Herr
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | | | - Karen Bargiel
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Amelia Vernochet
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | | | | | - Fan Ye
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Manon Dekeyser
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.,Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, Creteil, France
| | - Antoine Durrbach
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.,Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, Creteil, France
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20
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Ekberg J, Baid-Agrawal S, Jespersen B, Källén R, Rafael E, Skov K, Lindnér P. A Randomized Controlled Trial on Safety of Steroid Avoidance in Immunologically Low-Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients. Kidney Int Rep 2022; 7:259-269. [PMID: 35155865 PMCID: PMC8821032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Steroid-based immunosuppression after transplantation increases the risk of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM), with adverse effects on patient and graft survival. In the SAILOR study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of complete steroid avoidance in immunologically low-risk kidney recipients without diabetes on the current standard-of-care maintenance regimen with tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Methods In this 2-year, multicenter, open-label trial, a total of 222 patients were randomized to receive either steroid avoidance protocol (tacrolimus/MMF/antithymocyte globulin [ATG] induction [n = 113]) or steroid maintenance protocol (tacrolimus/MMF/prednisolone/basiliximab-induction [n = 109]). Results At 1 year, no significant differences were found between steroid avoidance and steroid maintenance arms in the incidence of PTDM, the primary end point (12.4% vs. 18.3%, respectively, P = 0.30, CI: 16.3–4.4), or in overall biopsy-proven rejections (15% vs. 13.8%, respectively, P = 0.85). At 2 years, the composite end point of freedom from acute rejection, graft loss, and death (81% vs. 85%, respectively, P = 0.4), kidney function, or adverse events was comparable between the 2 arms. Moreover, 63.9% of the patients in the steroid avoidance arm remained free from steroids at 2 years. Conclusion The SAILOR study provides further evidence for the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of early steroid-free treatment at 2 years in immunologically low-risk kidney recipients with tacrolimus/MMF maintenance regimen.
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21
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Karadkhele G, Duneton C, Garro R, Badell IR, Pearson TC, Larsen CP, Hogan J. Temporal trends and current use of de novo belatacept in kidney transplant recipients in the United States. Clin Transplant 2021; 36:e14531. [PMID: 34757651 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The adoption of de novo belatacept in kidney transplant (kTx) recipients was hampered by an increased risk of acute cellular rejection (ACR) with variation in adopted belatacept based immunosuppressive therapies across centers. We used data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) to evaluate the temporal trends in belatacept use and describe the associated induction and maintenance regimens in US adult kTx recipients transplanted between June 2011 and December 2018. The number of patients receiving de novo-belatacept based immunosuppressive therapy increased from .74% in 2011 to 3.11% in 2016. In 2016, 66/207 centers used de novo belatacept-based regimen with 3.03% using it in over 50% of their patients. The use of T-cell depleting agents increased with time. Since 2012, the rate of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) use in combination with belatacept remained stable around 50% and ∼30% remained under belatacept/CNI combination at 1-year post-transplantation. The adoption of belatacept as de novo immunosuppressive regimen has been slow and its use remains low in the United States. Various regimens have been used to modulate the risk of ACR. Further studies evaluating the long-term outcomes of these regimens and assessing their safety especially with regard to the risk of infection are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geeta Karadkhele
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Charlotte Duneton
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Rouba Garro
- Pediatric Nephrology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Idelberto Raul Badell
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thomas C Pearson
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christian P Larsen
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julien Hogan
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
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22
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Shi T, Roskin K, Baker BM, Woodle ES, Hildeman D. Advanced Genomics-Based Approaches for Defining Allograft Rejection With Single Cell Resolution. Front Immunol 2021; 12:750754. [PMID: 34721421 PMCID: PMC8551864 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid organ transplant recipients require long-term immunosuppression for prevention of rejection. Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based immunosuppressive regimens have remained the primary means for immunosuppression for four decades now, yet little is known about their effects on graft resident and infiltrating immune cell populations. Similarly, the understanding of rejection biology under specific types of immunosuppression remains to be defined. Furthermore, development of innovative, rationally designed targeted therapeutics for mitigating or preventing rejection requires a fundamental understanding of the immunobiology that underlies the rejection process. The established use of microarray technologies in transplantation has provided great insight into gene transcripts associated with allograft rejection but does not characterize rejection on a single cell level. Therefore, the development of novel genomics tools, such as single cell sequencing techniques, combined with powerful bioinformatics approaches, has enabled characterization of immune processes at the single cell level. This can provide profound insights into the rejection process, including identification of resident and infiltrating cell transcriptomes, cell-cell interactions, and T cell receptor α/β repertoires. In this review, we discuss genomic analysis techniques, including microarray, bulk RNAseq (bulkSeq), single-cell RNAseq (scRNAseq), and spatial transcriptomic (ST) techniques, including considerations of their benefits and limitations. Further, other techniques, such as chromatin analysis via assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATACseq), bioinformatic regulatory network analyses, and protein-based approaches are also examined. Application of these tools will play a crucial role in redefining transplant rejection with single cell resolution and likely aid in the development of future immunomodulatory therapies in solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Shi
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Krishna Roskin
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - E Steve Woodle
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - David Hildeman
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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23
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Balani SS, Jensen CJ, Kouri AM, Kizilbash SJ. Induction and maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplantation-Advances and controversies. Pediatr Transplant 2021; 25:e14077. [PMID: 34216190 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Advances in immunosuppression have improved graft survival in pediatric kidney transplant recipients; however, treatment-related toxicities need to be balanced against the possibility of graft rejection. Several immunosuppressive agents are available for use in transplant recipients; however, the optimal combinations of agents remain unclear, resulting in variations in institutional protocols. Lymphocyte-depleting antibodies, specifically ATG, are the most common induction agent used for pediatric kidney transplantation in the US. Basiliximab may be used for induction in immunologically low-risk children; however, pediatric data are scarce. CNIs and antiproliferative agents (mostly Tac and mycophenolate in recent years) constitute the backbone of maintenance immunosuppression. Steroid-avoidance maintenance regimens remain controversial. Belatacept and mTOR inhibitors are used in children under specific circumstances such as non-adherence or CNI toxicity. This article reviews the indications, mechanism of action, efficacy, dosing, and side effect profiles of various immunosuppressive agents available for pediatric kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi S Balani
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chelsey J Jensen
- Solid Organ Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anne M Kouri
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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24
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Belatacept Conversion in Kidney After Liver Transplantation. Transplant Direct 2021; 7:e780. [PMID: 34712780 PMCID: PMC8547931 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Costimulatory blockade with belatacept has demonstrated long-term benefits in renal transplantation, but de novo use in liver transplant recipients has resulted in increased rejection, graft loss, and death. However, belatacept conversion as a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) avoidance strategy has not been studied and may be of benefit in liver transplantation where CNI-induced renal dysfunction and toxicity are barriers to improved outcomes. Methods. Using clinical data extracted from our institutional medical record, we report on 8 patients who underwent kidney after liver transplantation and were treated with belatacept-based immunosuppression and transient CNI therapy. Results. All patients tolerated belatacept therapy without any patient deaths or graft losses. No episodes of rejection, de novo donor-specific antibody formation, or major systemic infections were observed, and all patients demonstrated preserved liver and excellent renal allograft function. Patients received belatacept for a median duration of 13.2 mo, and at a median follow-up of 15.9 mo post–kidney transplant, 6 of 8 patients continued on belatacept with 3 completely off and 3 poised to transition off CNI. Conclusions. These findings are the first evidence that in liver transplant recipients requiring subsequent kidney transplantation, belatacept-based therapy can potentially facilitate CNI-free maintenance immunosuppression. This supports the possibility of belatacept conversion in stand-alone liver transplant recipients as a viable method of CNI avoidance.
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He X, Li S, Zhang J, Cao L, Yang C, Rong P, Yi S, Ghimire K, Ma X, Wang W. Benefit of Belatacept in Cord Blood-Derived Regulatory T Cell-Mediated Suppression of Alloimmune Response. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:9636897211046556. [PMID: 34570631 PMCID: PMC8718163 DOI: 10.1177/09636897211046556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tolerance induction post-transplantation is well-established, but Tregs adoptive transfer alone without combined immunosuppressants have failed so far in achieving clinical outcomes. Here we applied a set of well-designed criteria to test the influence of commonly used immunosuppressants (belatacept, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate) on cord blood-derived Tregs (CB-Tregs). Our study shows that while none of these immunosuppressants modulated the stability and expression of homing molecules by CB-Tregs, belatacept met all other selective criteria, shown by its ability to enhance CB-Tregs-mediated in vitro suppression of the allogeneic response without affecting their viability, proliferation, mitochondrial metabolism and expression of functional markers. In contrast, treatment with tacrolimus or mycophenolate led to reduced expression of functional molecule GITR in CB-Tregs, impaired their viability, proliferation and mitochondrial metabolism. These findings indicate that belatacept could be considered as a candidate in Tregs-based clinical immunomodulation regimens to induce transplant tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing He
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Sang Li
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Cao
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Cejun Yang
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Shounan Yi
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Centre for Transplant and Renal Research (CTRR), Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kedar Ghimire
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research (CTRR), Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute for Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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Badell IR, Parsons RF, Karadkhele G, Cristea O, Mead S, Thomas S, Robertson JM, Kim GS, Hanfelt JJ, Pastan SO, Larsen CP. Every 2-month belatacept maintenance therapy in kidney transplant recipients greater than 1-year posttransplant: A randomized, noninferiority trial. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:3066-3076. [PMID: 33583120 PMCID: PMC8363674 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Belatacept results in improved kidney transplant outcomes, but utilization has been limited by logistical barriers related to monthly (q1m) intravenous infusions. Every 2-month (q2m) belatacept has potential to increase utilization, therefore we conducted a randomized noninferiority trial in low immunologic risk renal transplant recipients greater than 1-year posttransplant. Patients on belatacept were randomly assigned to q1m or q2m therapy. The primary objective was a noninferiority comparison of renal function (eGFR) at 12 months with a noninferiority margin (NIM) of 6.0 ml/min/1.73 m2 . One hundred and sixty-six participants were randomized to q1m (n = 82) or q2m (n = 84) belatacept, 163 patients received treatment, and 76 q1m and 77 q2m subjects completed the 12-month study period. Every 2-month belatacept was noninferior to q1m, as the difference in mean eGFR adjusted for baseline renal function did not exceed the NIM. Two-month dosing was safe and well tolerated, with no patient deaths or graft losses. Four rejection episodes and three cases of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) occurred among q2m subjects; however, only one rejection and one instance of DSA were observed in subjects adherent to the study protocol. Every 2-month belatacept therapy may facilitate long-term utilization of costimulation blockade, but future multicenter studies with long-term follow-up will further elucidate immunologic risk. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02560558).
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Raul Badell
- Emory Transplant Center, Atlanta, Georgia,Corresponding author: I. Raul Badell, MD,
| | | | | | | | - Sue Mead
- Emory Transplant Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Grace S. Kim
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John J. Hanfelt
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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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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Wojciechowski D, Wiseman A. Long-Term Immunosuppression Management: Opportunities and Uncertainties. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 16:1264-1271. [PMID: 33853841 PMCID: PMC8455033 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.15040920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The long-term management of maintenance immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients remains complex. The vast majority of patients are treated with the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus as the primary agent in combination with mycophenolate, with or without corticosteroids. A tacrolimus trough target 5-8 ng/ml seems to be optimal for rejection prophylaxis, but long-term tacrolimus-related side effects and nephrotoxicity support the ongoing evaluation of noncalcineurin inhibitor-based regimens. Current alternatives include belatacept or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors. For the former, superior kidney function at 7 years post-transplant compared with cyclosporin generated initial enthusiasm, but utilization has been hampered by high initial rejection rates. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have yielded mixed results as well, with improved kidney function tempered by higher risk of rejection, proteinuria, and adverse effects leading to higher discontinuation rates. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors may play a role in the secondary prevention of squamous cell skin cancer as conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor to an mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor resulted in a reduction of new lesion development. Early withdrawal of corticosteroids remains an attractive strategy but also is associated with a higher risk of rejection despite no difference in 5-year patient or graft survival. A major barrier to long-term graft survival is chronic alloimmunity, and regardless of agent used, managing the toxicities of immunosuppression against the risk of chronic antibody-mediated rejection remains a fragile balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wojciechowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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29
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we discuss achievements in immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients published at last 18 months. RECENT FINDINGS Results of recent trials with everolimus in low-risk primary kidney transplant recipients suggest that lowTAC/EVR combination is noninferior and CMV and BKV viral infections are less frequent to standTAC/MPA. Iscalimab monoclonal antibody, which prevents CD40 to CD154 binding, has just recently entered phase II clinical studies in kidney transplantation. Eculizumab, anti-C5 monoclonal antobody was recently shown to improve outcomes in DSA+ living-donor kidney transplant recipients requiring pretransplant desensitization because of crossmatch positivity. Proximal complement C1 inhibition in patients with antibody-mediated rejection was studied in several phase I trials. SUMMARY Recent knowledge creates a path towards future immunosuppression success in sensitized recipients and in those in high risk of viral infections or CNI nephrotoxicity.
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Kaufman D, Woodle ES, Shields A, Leone J, Matas A, Wiseman A, West-Thielke P, Sa T, King E, Alloway R. Belatacept for Simultaneous Calcineurin Inhibitor and Chronic Corticosteroid Immunosuppression Avoidance. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 16:1387-1397. [PMID: 34233921 PMCID: PMC8729588 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.13100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplantation is associated with numerous toxicities. CD28-mediated T cell costimulation blockade using belatacept may reduce long-term nephrotoxicity, compared with calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression. The efficacy and safety of simultaneous calcineurin inhibitor avoidance and rapid steroid withdrawal were tested in a randomized, prospective, multi-center study. Methods All kidney transplants were performed using rapid steroid withdrawal immunosuppression. Recipients were randomized to 1:1:1 to receive belatacept with alemtuzumab induction, belatacept with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) induction, or tacrolimus with rATG induction. The composite endpoint consisted of death, kidney allograft loss, or an MDRD calculated eGFR of <45 ml/min/1.73m2 at 2 years. Results The composite endpoint was observed for 11/107 (10%) participants assigned to belatacept/alemtuzumab, 13/104 (13%) assigned to belatacept /rATG, and 21/105 (21%) assigned to tacrolimus/rATG (belatacept/alemtuzumab vs tacrolimus/rATG p = 0.99: belatacept/rATG vs tacrolimus/rATG p = 0.66). Patient and graft survival rates were similar between all groups. eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73m2 was observed for 9/107 (8%) participants assigned to belatacept/alemtuzuab, 8/104 (8%) participants assigned to belatacept/rATG, and 20/105 (19%) participants assigned to tacrolimus/rATG (p<0.05 for each belatacept group vs tacrolimus/rATG). Biopsy-proven acute rejection was observed for 20/107 (19%) participants assigned to belatacept/alemtuzuab, 26/104 (25%) participants assigned to belatacept/rATG, and 7/105 (7%) participants assigned to tacrolimus/rATG (belatacept/alemtuzumab vs tacrolimus/rATG p = 0.006: belatacept/rATG vs tacrolimus/rATG p < 0.001). Gastrointestinal and neurologic adverse events were less frequent with belatacept versus calcineurin based immunosuppression. Conclusions Overall two-year outcomes were similar comparing maintenance immunosuppression based on belatacept versus tacrolimus, each protocol with rapid steroid withdrawal. The incidence of eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73m2 was significantly lower but the incidence of biopsy proven acute rejection significantly higher with belatacept compared with tacrolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixon Kaufman
- D Kaufman, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - E Steve Woodle
- E Woodle, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Adele Shields
- A Shields, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, United States
| | - John Leone
- J Leone, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, United States
| | - Arthur Matas
- A Matas, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | | | | | - Ting Sa
- T Sa, Biostastics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Eileen King
- E King, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Rita Alloway
- R Alloway, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, United States
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31
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Kirk AD, Adams AB, Durrbach A, Ford ML, Hildeman DA, Larsen CP, Vincenti F, Wojciechowski D, Woodle ES. Optimization of de novo belatacept-based immunosuppression administered to renal transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:1691-1698. [PMID: 33128812 PMCID: PMC8246831 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Kidney transplant recipients administered belatacept-based maintenance immunosuppression present with a more favorable metabolic profile, reduced incidence of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSAs), and improved renal function and long-term patient/graft survival relative to individuals receiving calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based immunosuppression. However, the rates and severity of acute rejection (AR) are greater with the approved belatacept-based regimen than with CNI-based immunosuppression. Although these early co-stimulation blockade-resistant rejections are typically steroid sensitive, the higher rate of cellular AR has led many transplant centers to adopt immunosuppressive regimens that differ from the approved label. This article summarizes the available data on these alternative de novo belatacept-based maintenance regimens. Steroid-sparing, belatacept-based immunosuppression (following T cell-depleting induction therapy) has been shown to yield AR rates comparable to those seen with CNI-based regimens. Concomitant treatment with belatacept plus a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi; sirolimus or everolimus) has yielded AR rates ranging from 0 to 4%. Because the optimal induction agent and number of induction doses; blood levels of mTORi; and dose, duration, and use of corticosteroids have yet to be determined, larger prospective clinical trials are needed to establish the optimal alternative belatacept-based regimen for minimizing early cellular AR occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan D. Kirk
- Department of SurgeryDuke UniversityDurhamNorth Carolina
| | | | - Antoine Durrbach
- Assistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de ParisNephrology and Renal Transplantation DepartmentHôpital Henri‐MondorUniversité Paris‐SaclayCreteilFrance
| | - Mandy L. Ford
- Emory Transplant CenterEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgia
| | - David A. Hildeman
- Division of ImmunobiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhio
| | | | - Flavio Vincenti
- Division of Transplant SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | | | - E. Steve Woodle
- Division of TransplantationDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhio
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32
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Nickerson PW, Balshaw R, Wiebe C, Ho J, Gibson IW, Bridges ND, Rush DN, Heeger PS. A noninferiority design for a delayed calcineurin inhibitor substitution trial in kidney transplantation. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:1503-1512. [PMID: 32956576 PMCID: PMC8048676 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Improving long-term kidney transplant outcomes requires novel treatment strategies, including delayed calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) substitution, tested using informative trial designs. An alternative approach to the usual superiority-based trial is a noninferiority trial design that tests whether an investigational agent is not unacceptably worse than standard of care. An informative noninferiority design, with biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) as the endpoint, requires determination of a prespecified, evidence-based noninferiority margin for BPAR. No such information is available for delayed CNI substitution in kidney transplantation. Herein we analyzed data from recent kidney transplant trials of CNI withdrawal and "real world" CNI- based standard of care, containing subjects with well-documented evidence of immune quiescence at 6 months posttransplant-ideal candidates for delayed CNI substitution. Our analysis indicates an evidence-based noninferiority margin of 13.8% for the United States Food and Drug Administration's composite definition of BPAR between 6 and 24 months posttransplant. Sample size estimation determined that ~225 randomized subjects would be required to evaluate noninferiority for this primary clinical efficacy endpoint, and superiority for a renal function safety endpoint. Our findings provide the basis for future delayed CNI substitution noninferiority trials, thereby increasing the likelihood they will provide clinically implementable results and achieve regulatory approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W. Nickerson
- Department of Internal MedicineMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Department of ImmunologyMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Robert Balshaw
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare InnovationUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Chris Wiebe
- Department of Internal MedicineMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Department of ImmunologyMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Julie Ho
- Department of Internal MedicineMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Department of ImmunologyMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Ian W. Gibson
- Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Department of PathologyMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Nancy D. Bridges
- Division of AllergyImmunology and TransplantationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseaseBethesdaMaryland
| | - David N. Rush
- Department of Internal MedicineMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Peter S. Heeger
- Translational Transplant Research CenterDepartment of MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew York
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Lichvar A, Pierce D, Benken J, West-Thielke P, Tzvetanov I, Benedetti E. Obesity impacts acute rejection but not allograft function improvement in the setting of belatacept conversion. Clin Transplant 2021; 35:e14290. [PMID: 33772879 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Lichvar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dana Pierce
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jamie Benken
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Ivo Tzvetanov
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Enrico Benedetti
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Abstract
Tacrolimus was discovered in 1984 and entered clinical use shortly thereafter, contributing to successful solid organ transplantation across the globe. In this review, we cover development of tacrolimus, its evolving clinical utility, and issues affecting its current usage. Since earliest use of this class of immunosuppressant, concerns for calcineurin-inhibitor toxicity have led to efforts to minimize or eliminate these agents in clinical regimens but with limited success. Current understanding of the role of tacrolimus focuses more on its efficacy in preventing graft rejection and graft loss. As we enter the fourth decade of tacrolimus use, newer studies utilizing novel combinations (as with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, everolimus, and T-cell costimulation blockade with belatacept) offer potential for enhanced benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song C Ong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Robert S Gaston
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting, Inc., Covington, KT
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Mannon RB, Armstrong B, Stock PG, Mehta AK, Farris AB, Watson N, Morrison Y, Sarwal M, Sigdel T, Bridges N, Robien M, Newell KA, Larsen CP. Avoidance of CNI and steroids using belatacept-Results of the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation 16 trial. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:3599-3608. [PMID: 32558199 PMCID: PMC7710570 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Immunosuppression devoid of corticosteroids has been investigated to avoid long-term comorbidities. Likewise, alternatives to calcineurin inhibitors have been investigated as a strategy to improve long-term kidney function following transplanion. Costimulatory blockade strategies that include corticosteroids have recently shown promise, despite their higher rates of early acute rejection. We designed a randomized clinical trial utilizing depletional induction therapy to mitigate early rejection risk while limiting calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids. This trial, Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation 16 (CTOT-16), sought to evaluate novel belatacept-based strategies employing tacrolimus and corticosteroid avoidance. Sixty-nine kidney transplant recipients were randomized from 4 US transplant centers comparing a control group of with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) induction, rapid steroid taper, and maintenance mycophenolate and tacrolimus, to 2 arms using maintenance belatacept. There were no graft losses but there were 2 deaths in the control group. However, the trial was halted early because of rejection in the belatacept treatment groups. Serious adverse events were similar across groups. Although rejection was not uniform in the belatacept maintenance therapy groups, the frequency of rejection limits the practical implementation of this strategy to avoid both calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roslyn B. Mannon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Peter G. Stock
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Aneesh K. Mehta
- Emory Transplant Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta GA,Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta GA
| | - Alton B. Farris
- Emory Transplant Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta GA
| | - Natasha Watson
- Transplantation Branch, National Institute Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yvonne Morrison
- Transplantation Branch, National Institute Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Minnie Sarwal
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Tara Sigdel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Nancy Bridges
- Transplantation Branch, National Institute Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Mark Robien
- Transplantation Branch, National Institute Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kenneth A. Newell
- Emory Transplant Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta GA
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Santeusanio A, Bhansali A, De Boccardo G, Sehgal V, Delaney V, Florman S, Shapiro R. Conversion to belatacept maintenance immunosuppression in HIV-positive kidney transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2020; 34:e14041. [PMID: 32654239 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There are only scattered case reports documenting belatacept use in HIV + kidney transplant recipients. We performed a retrospective review to describe short-term outcomes following conversion to belatacept in a cohort of HIV + patients. Patients were included if they were converted to belatacept between May 2015 and May 2019, had an HIV- donor, and received ≥4 doses of belatacept. All patients were treated with non-depleting induction and triple maintenance immunosuppression. Allograft and HIV-related outcomes were collected from the date of belatacept infusion until May 2020. Ten HIV + kidney transplant recipients were identified, who were converted to belatacept a median of 364 days post-transplant. At last follow-up (median 3.3 years), 8 patients remained on belatacept therapy, and all patients were alive with functioning allografts. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) improved from 31.6 mL/min at baseline to 42.8 mL/min at 1 year (P = .03). Two patients developed acute rejection, with one necessitating conversion back to tacrolimus. All patients maintained undetectable HIV-1 viral loads at last follow-up. One patient each developed pneumocystis pneumonia and Kaposi sarcoma following conversion, which were responsive to standard medical therapy. In our cohort of stable HIV + kidney transplant recipients, conversion to belatacept was associated with excellent early patient and allograft survival and improved eGFR at 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Santeusanio
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arjun Bhansali
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Graciela De Boccardo
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vinita Sehgal
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Veronica Delaney
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sander Florman
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ron Shapiro
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, NY, USA
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37
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Nickerson PW. What have we learned about how to prevent and treat antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation? Am J Transplant 2020; 20 Suppl 4:12-22. [PMID: 32538535 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in kidney transplantation is a major cause of late graft loss, and despite all efforts to date the "standard of care" remains plasmapheresis, IVIg, and steroids, which itself is based on low quality evidence. This review focuses on the risk factors leading to memory and de novo donor-specific antibody (DSA)-associated ABMR, the optimal prevention strategies for ABMR, and advances in adjunctive and emerging therapies for ABMR. Because new agents require regulatory approval via a Phase 3 randomized control trial (RCT), an overview of progress in innovative trial design for ABMR is provided. Finally, based on the insights gained in the biology of ABMR, current knowledge gaps are identified for future research that could significantly affect our understanding of how to optimally treat ABMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Nickerson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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