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de Weerd AE, Roelen DL, Betjes MG, Clahsen-van Groningen MC, Haasnoot GW, Kho MM, Reinders ME, Roodnat JI, Severs D, Karahan GE, van de Wetering J. Anti-HLA Class II Antibodies Are the Most Resistant to Desensitization in Crossmatch-positive Living-donor Kidney Transplantations: A Patient Series. Transplant Direct 2024; 10:e1695. [PMID: 39220218 PMCID: PMC11365629 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In HLA-incompatible kidney transplantation, the efficacy of desensitization in terms of anti-HLA antibody kinetics is not well characterized. We present an overview of the course of anti-HLA antibodies throughout plasma exchange (PE) desensitization in a series of crossmatch-positive patients. Methods All consecutive candidates in the Dutch HLA-incompatible kidney transplantation program between November 2012 and January 2022 were included. The eligibility criteria were a positive crossmatch with a living kidney donor and no options for compatible transplantation. Desensitization consisted of 5-10 PE with low-dose IVIg. Results A total of 16 patient-donor pairs were included. Patients had median virtual panel-reactive antibody of 99.58%. Cumulative donor-specific anti-HLA antibody (cumDSA) mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was 31 399 median, and immunodominant DSA (iDSA) MFI was 18 677 for class I and 21 893 for class II. Median anti-HLA antibody MFI response to desensitization was worse in class II as compared with class I (P < 0.001), particularly for HLA-DQ. Class I cumDSA MFI decreased 68% after 4 PE versus 53% in class II. The decrease between the fifth and the 10th PE sessions was modest with 21% in class I versus 9% in class II. Antibody-mediated rejection occurred in 85% of patients, with the iDSA directed to the same mismatched HLA as before desensitization, except for 3 patients, of whom 2 had vigorous rebound of antibodies to repeated mismatches (RMMs). Rebound was highest (86%) in RMM-DSA with prior grafts removed (transplantectomy n = 7), lower (39%) in non-RMM-DSA (n = 30), and lowest (11%) for RMM-DSA with in situ grafts (n = 5; P = 0.018 for RMM-DSA transplantectomy versus RMM-DSA graft in situ). With a median follow-up of 59 mo, 1 patient had died resulting in a death-censored graft survival of 73%. Conclusions Patients with class II DSA, and particularly those directed against HLA-DQ locus, were difficult to desensitize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies E. de Weerd
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dave L. Roelen
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel G.H. Betjes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Geert W. Haasnoot
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marcia M.L. Kho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies E.J. Reinders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joke I. Roodnat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Severs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gonca E. Karahan
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline van de Wetering
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Vo A, Ammerman N, Jordan SC. New Therapies for Highly Sensitized Patients on the Waiting List. KIDNEY360 2024; 5:1207-1225. [PMID: 38995690 PMCID: PMC11371354 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to HLA alloantigens through pregnancy, blood products, and previous transplantations induce powerful immunologic responses that create an immunologic barrier to successful transplantation. This is commonly detected through screening for HLA antibodies using Luminex beads coated with HLA antigens at transplant evaluation. Currently accepted approaches to desensitization include plasmapheresis/low-dose or high-dose intravenous Ig plus anti-CD20. However, these approaches are often unsuccessful because of the inability to remove high titer circulating HLA antibodies and limit rebound responses by long-lived anti-HLA antibody secreting plasma cells (PCs) and memory B cells (B MEM ). This is especially significant for patients with a calculated panel reactive antibody of 99%-100%. Newer desensitization approaches, such as imlifidase (IgG endopeptidase), rapidly inactivate IgG molecules and create an antibody-free zone by cleaving IgG into F(ab'2) and Fc fragments, thus eliminating complement and cell-mediated injury to the graft. This represents an important advancement in desensitization. However, the efficacy of imlifidase is limited by pathogenic antibody rebound, increasing the potential for antibody-mediated rejection. Controlling antibody rebound requires new strategies that address the issues of antibody depletion and inhibition of B MEM and PC responses. This will likely require a combination of agents that effectively and rapidly deplete pathogenic antibodies and prevent immune cell activation pathways responsible for antibody rebound. Here, using anti-IL-6 receptor (tocilizumab) or anti-IL-6 (clazakizumab) could offer long-term control of B MEM and PC donor-specific HLA antibody responses. Agents aimed at eliminating long-lived PCs (anti-CD38 and anti-B-cell maturation antigen×CD3) are likely to benefit highly HLA sensitized patients. Complement inhibitors and novel agents aimed at inhibiting Fc neonatal receptor IgG recycling will be important in desensitization. Administering these agents alone or in combination will advance our ability to effectively desensitize patients and maintain durable suppression post-transplant. After many years of limited options, advanced therapeutics will likely improve efficacy of desensitization and improve access to kidney transplantation for highly HLA sensitized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Vo
- Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, West Hollywood, California
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Doctor GT, Dudreuilh C, Perera R, Dorling A. Granulomatous Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in a Kidney Allograft: Treatment with Interleukin-6 Receptor Antagonist Stabilises Kidney Function. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3427. [PMID: 38929956 PMCID: PMC11205090 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Granulomatous tubulointerstitial nephritis (GTIN) attributed to early onset sarcoidosis is an ultrarare finding in an allograft kidney biopsy. We present the case of a young man with allograft dysfunction who had GTIN upon biopsy. We performed a thorough case review based on recovered records from early childhood and reassessed genetic testing results. We revised his underlying diagnosis from cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome to early-onset sarcoidosis with wild-type NOD2 and established a rationale to use the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker tocilizumab (TCZ). This suppressed his inflammatory disease and stabilised kidney function. We performed a literature review related to the emerging role of IL-6 pathway blockade in kidney transplantation. We identified 18 reports with 417 unique patients treated with TCZ for indications including HLA-desensitisation, transplant immunosuppression induction, treatment of chronic antibody-mediated rejection, and treatment of subclinical rejection. Both TCZ and the direct IL-6 inhibitor clazakizumab are being studied in ongoing randomised control trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel T. Doctor
- Department of Transplantation, Renal and Urology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 9RT, UK; (C.D.); (R.P.); (A.D.)
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4
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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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Friedmann J, Schuster A, Reichelt-Wurm S, Banas B, Bergler T, Steines L. Serum IL-6 predicts risk of kidney transplant failure independently of immunological risk. Transpl Immunol 2024; 84:102043. [PMID: 38548029 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2024.102043] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an important immune mediator and a target for novel antibody therapies. In this study, we aimed to determine whether serum IL-6 levels are associated with immunological risk, allograft rejection and outcomes in kidney transplant (Ktx) patients. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 104 patients who underwent Ktx at our center between 2011 and 2015. The patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups (n = 52 per group) based on panel reactive antibody (PRA) percentage ≥ 35%, the existence of pre-Ktx donor-specific antibodies (DSA), or a previous transplant. IL-6 concentrations were measured before and at 3 months, 12 months, and 3 years after Ktx. Serum IL-6 levels tended to be higher in high-risk patients than in low-risk patients prior to Ktx and at 12 months after Ktx; however, the difference did not reach statistical significance (pre-Ktx, high-risk: 1.995 ± 2.79 pg/ml vs. low-risk: 1.43 ± 1.76 pg/ml, p = 0.051; 12 mo. high-risk: 1.16 ± 1.87 pg/ml vs. low-risk: 0.78 ± 1.13 pg/ml, p = 0.067). IL-6 levels were correlated with the types (no rejection, T cell mediated rejection (TCMR), antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), or both) and time (<1 year vs. >1 year after Ktx) of rejection, as well as patient and graft survival. Patients with both TCMR and ABMR had significantly higher IL-6 levels at 3 months (14.1 ± 25.2 pg/ml) than patients with ABMR (3.4 ± 4.8 pg/ml, p = 0.017), with TCMR (1.7 ± 1.3 pg/ml, p < 0.001), and without rejection (1.7 ± 1.4 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Three years after Ktx, patients with AMBR had significantly higher IL-6 levels (5.30 ± 7.66 pg/ml) than patients with TCMR (1.81 ± 1.61 pg/ml, p = 0.009) and patients without rejection (1.19 ± 0.95 pg/ml; p = 0.001). Moreover, three years after Ktx IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with late rejections (3.5 ± 5.4 pg/ml) than those without rejections (1.2 ± 1.0 pg/ml) (p = 0.006). The risk of death-censored graft failure was significantly increased in patients with elevated IL-6 levels at 12 months (IL-6 level > 1.396 pg/ml, HR 4.61, p = 0.007) and 3 years (IL-6 level > 1.976 pg/ml, HR 6.75, p = 0.003), but elevated IL-6 levels were not associated with a higher risk of death. Overall, our study highlights IL-6 as a risk factor for allograft failure and confirms that IL-6 levels are higher in patients developing ABMR compared to TCMR alone or no rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Friedmann
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Schuster
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Bernhard Banas
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bergler
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Department of Nephrology, Hospital Ingolstadt, Ingolstadt, Germany
| | - Louisa Steines
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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Elias C, Chen C, Cherukuri A. Regulatory B Cells in Solid Organ Transplantation: From Immune Monitoring to Immunotherapy. Transplantation 2024; 108:1080-1089. [PMID: 37779239 PMCID: PMC10985051 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory B cells (Breg) modulate the immune response in diverse disease settings including transplantation. Despite the lack of a specific phenotypic marker or transcription factor, their significance in transplantation is underscored by their ability to prolong experimental allograft survival, the possibility for their clinical use as immune monitoring tools, and the exciting prospect for them to form the basis for cell therapy. Interleukin (IL)-10 expression remains the most widely used marker for Breg. Several Breg subsets with distinct phenotypes that express this "signature Breg cytokine" have been described in mice and humans. Although T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin family-1 is the most inclusive and functional marker that accounts for murine Breg with disparate mechanisms of action, the significance of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin family-1 as a marker for Breg in humans still needs to be explored. Although the primary focus of this review is the role of Breg in clinical transplantation, the net modulatory effect of B cells on the immune response and clinical outcomes is the result of the balancing functions of both Breg and effector B cells. Supporting this notion, B-cell IL-10/tumor necrosis factor α ratio is shown to predict immunologic reactivity and clinical outcomes in kidney and liver transplantation. Assessment of Breg:B effector balance using their IL-10/tumor necrosis factor α ratio may identify patients that require more immunosuppression and provide mechanistic insights into potential therapies. In summary, current advances in our understanding of murine and human Breg will pave way for future definitive clinical studies aiming to test them for immune monitoring and as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charbel Elias
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chuxiao Chen
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aravind Cherukuri
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Renal and Electrolyte Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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7
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Negi S, Rutman AK, Saw CL, Paraskevas S, Tchervenkov J. Pretransplant, Th17 dominant alloreactivity in highly sensitized kidney transplant candidates. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2024; 3:1336563. [PMID: 38993777 PMCID: PMC11235243 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2024.1336563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Sensitization to donor human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules prior to transplantation is a significant risk factor for delayed access to transplantation and to long-term outcomes. Memory T cells and their cytokines play a pivotal role in shaping immune responses, thereby increasing the risk of allograft rejection among highly sensitized patients. This study aims to elucidate the precise contribution of different CD4+ memory T cell subsets to alloreactivity in highly sensitized (HS) kidney transplant recipients. Methods and results Stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with various polyclonal stimulating agents to assess non-specific immune responses revealed that HS patients exhibit elevated immune reactivity even before kidney transplantation, compared to non-sensitized (NS) patients. HS patients' PBMC displayed higher frequencies of CD4+ T cells expressing IFNγ, IL4, IL6, IL17A, and TNFα and secreted relatively higher levels of IL17A and IL21 upon stimulation with PMA/ionomycin. Additionally, PBMC from HS patients stimulated with T cell stimulating agent phytohemagglutinin (PHA) exhibited elevated expression levels of IFNγ, IL4 and, IL21. On the other hand, stimulation with a combination of resiquimod (R848) and IL2 for the activation of memory B cells demonstrated higher expression of IL17A, TNFα and IL21, as determined by quantitative real-time PCR. A mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) assay, employing third-party donor antigen presenting cells (APCs), was implemented to evaluate the direct alloreactive response. HS patients demonstrated notably higher frequencies of CD4+ T cells expressing IL4, IL6 and IL17A. Interestingly, APCs expressing recall HLA antigens triggered a stronger Th17 response compared to APCs lacking recall HLA antigens in sensitized patients. Furthermore, donor APCs induced higher activation of effector memory T cells in HS patients as compared to NS patients. Conclusion These results provide an assessment of pretransplant alloreactive T cell subsets in highly sensitized patients and emphasize the significance of Th17 cells in alloimmune responses. These findings hold promise for the development of treatment strategies tailored to sensitized kidney transplant recipients, with potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Negi
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Human Islet Transplantation Laboratory, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Chee Loong Saw
- HLA Laboratory, Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Steven Paraskevas
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Human Islet Transplantation Laboratory, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of General Surgery and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean Tchervenkov
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of General Surgery and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
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8
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Vo A, Ammerman N, Jordan SC. Advances in desensitization for human leukocyte antigen incompatible kidney transplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2024; 29:104-120. [PMID: 38088373 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001131] [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: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sensitization is a major barrier to kidney transplantation induced by exposure to alloantigens through pregnancy, blood product exposure and previous transplantations. Desensitization strategies are undertaken to improve the chances of finding compatible organ offers. Standard approaches to desensitization include the use of plasmapheresis/low dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or high dose IVIG plus anti-CD20. However, current methods to reduce HLA antibodies are not always successful, especially in those with calculated panel reactive antibody 99-100%. RECENT FINDINGS Newer desensitization strategies such as imlifidase [immunoglobulin G (IgG) endopeptidase] rapidly inactivates IgG molecules and creates an "antibody-free zone", representing an important advancement in desensitization. However, pathogenic antibodies rebound, increasing allograft injury that is not addressed by imlifidase. Here, use of anti-IL-6R (tocilizumab) or anti-interleukin-6 (clazakizumab) could offer long-term control of B-memory and plasma cell DSA responses to limit graft injury. Agents aimed at long-lived plasma cells (anti-CD38 and anti-BCMAxCD3) could reduce or eliminate HLA-producing plasma cells from marrow niches. Other agents such as complement inhibitors and novel agents inhibiting the Fc neonatal receptor (FcRn) mediated IgG recycling will likely find important roles in desensitization. SUMMARY Use of these agents alone or in combination will likely improve the efficacy and durability of desensitization therapies, improving access to kidney transplantation for immunologically disadvantaged patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Vo
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Puliyanda DP, Jordan SC. Management of the sensitized pediatric renal transplant candidate. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14694. [PMID: 38400645 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with ESRD as it is associated with improved patient survival and better quality of life, especially in children. There are several barriers to a successful transplant including organ shortage, anatomic barriers, and immunologic barriers. One of the biggest immunologic barriers that precludes transplantation is sensitization, when patients have antibodies prior to transplantation, resulting in positive crossmatches with donor. 30%-40% of adult patients on the wait list are sensitized. There is a growing number of pediatric patients on the wait list who are sensitized. This poses a unique challenge to the pediatric transplant community. Therefore, attempts to perform desensitization to remove or suppress pathogenic HLA antibodies resulting in acceptable crossmatches, and ultimately a successful transplant, while reducing the risk of acute rejection, are much needed in these children. This review article aims to address the management of such patients both prior to transplantation, with strategies to overcome sensitization, and after transplantation with monitoring for allograft rejection and other complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dechu P Puliyanda
- Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stanley C Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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10
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de Weerd AE, Roelen DL, van de Wetering J, Betjes MGH, Heidt S, Reinders MEJ. Imlifidase Desensitization in HLA-incompatible Kidney Transplantation: Finding the Sweet Spot. Transplantation 2024; 108:335-345. [PMID: 37340532 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004689] [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: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Imlifidase, derived from a Streptococcus pyogenes enzyme, cleaves the entire immunoglobulin G pool within hours after administration in fully cleaved antigen-binding and crystallizable fragments. These cleaved fragments can no longer exert their antibody-dependent cytotoxic functions, thereby creating a window to permit HLA-incompatible kidney transplantation. Imlifidase is labeled, in Europe only, for deceased donor kidney transplantation in highly sensitized patients, whose chances for an HLA-compatible transplant are negligible. This review discusses outcomes of preclinical and clinical studies on imlifidase and describes the phase III desensitization trials that are currently enrolling patients. A comparison is made with other desensitization methods. The review discusses the immunological work-up of imlifidase candidates and especially the "delisting strategy" of antigens that shift from unacceptable to acceptable with imlifidase desensitization. Other considerations for clinical implementation, such as adaptation of induction protocols, are also discussed. Imlifidase cleaves most of the currently used induction agents except for horse antithymocyte globulin, and rebound of donor-specific antibodies should be managed. Another consideration is the timing and interpretation of (virtual) crossmatches when bringing this novel desensitization agent into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies E de Weerd
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dave L Roelen
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline van de Wetering
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel G H Betjes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marlies E J Reinders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Transplant Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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11
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Srivastava PK, Kittleson MM. Modern advances in heart transplantation. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 82:147-156. [PMID: 38244826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Heart transplantation (HTx) is the only definitive therapy for patients with end stage heart disease. With the increasing global prevalence of heart failure, the demand for HTx has continued to grow and outpace supply. In this paper, we will review advances in the field of HTx along the clinical journey of a HTx recipient. Starting with the sensitized patient, we discuss current methods to define sensitization, and assays to help identify clinically relevant anti-HLA antibodies. Desensitization strategies targeting all levels of the adaptive immune system are discussed with emphasis on novel techniques such as anti-CD 38 blockade and use of the Immunoglobulin G-Degrading Enzyme of Streptococcus Pyogenes. We next discuss donor procurement and the resurgence of donation after circulatory death as a viable strategy to significantly and safely increase the donor pool. Post-transplant, we evaluate non-invasive surveillance techniques including gene expression profiling and donor-derived cell-free DNA. Last, we discuss the ground-breaking developments in the field of xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratyaksh K Srivastava
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Michelle M Kittleson
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
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12
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Hou YB, Chang S, Chen S, Zhang WJ. Intravenous immunoglobulin in kidney transplantation: Mechanisms of action, clinical applications, adverse effects, and hyperimmune globulin. Clin Immunol 2023; 256:109782. [PMID: 37742791 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109782] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been developed for over 40 years. The mechanisms of action of IVIG are complex and diverse, and there may be multiple mechanisms that combine to influence it. IVIG has been used in kidney transplantation for desensitization, treatment of antibody-mediated rejection, and ABO-incompatible transplantation. and treatment or prevention of some infectious diseases. Hyperimmune globulins such as cytomegalovirus hyperimmune globulin (CMV-IG) and hepatitis B hyperimmune globulin (HBIG) have also been used to protect against cytomegalovirus and hepatitis B virus, respectively. However, IVIG is also associated with some rare but serious adverse effects and some application risks, and clinicians need to weigh the pros and cons and develop individualized treatment programs to benefit more patients. This review will provide an overview of the multiple mechanisms of action, clinical applications, adverse effects, and prophylactic measures of IVIG, and hyperimmune globulin will also be introduced in it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Bo Hou
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Sheng Chang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Song Chen
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430030, China.
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13
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Abstract
Access to kidney transplantation is limited by HLA-specific sensitization. Desensitization strategies enable crossmatch-positive kidney transplantation. In this review, we describe clinical experience gained over the last 20 y using desensitization strategies before kidney transplantation and describe the different tools used (both drugs and apheresis options), including IVIg, rituximab, apheresis techniques, interleukin-6 interference, proteasome inhibition, enzymatic degradation of HLA antibodies, complement inhibition, and B cytokine interference. Although access to transplantation for highly sensitized kidney transplantation candidates has been vastly improved by desensitization strategies, it remains, however, limited by the recurrence of HLA antibodies after transplantation and the occurrence of antibody-mediated rejection.
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14
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Anti-interleukin-6 Antibody Clazakizumab in Antibody-mediated Renal Allograft Rejection: Accumulation of Antibody-neutralized Interleukin-6 Without Signs of Proinflammatory Rebound Phenomena. Transplantation 2023; 107:495-503. [PMID: 35969004 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blockade of interleukin-6 (IL-6) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for antibody-mediated rejection. Subtherapeutic anti-IL-6 antibody level or treatment cessation following prolonged cytokine neutralization may result in proinflammatory rebound phenomena via accumulation of IL-6 and/or modulated gene expression of major components of the IL-6/IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) axis. METHODS We evaluated biologic material obtained from a randomized controlled, double-blind phase 2 trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody clazakizumab in late antibody-mediated rejection. Twenty kidney transplant recipients, allocated to clazakizumab or placebo, received 4-weekly doses over 12 wks, followed by a 40-wk extension where all recipients received clazakizumab. Serum proteins were detected using bead-based immunoassays and RNA transcripts using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (peripheral blood) or microarray analysis (serial allograft biopsies). RESULTS Clazakizumab treatment resulted in a substantial increase in median total (bound and unbound to drug) serum IL-6 level (1.4, 8015, and 13 600 pg/mL at 0, 12, and 52 wks), but median level of free (unbound to drug) IL-6 did not increase (3.0, 2.3, and 2.3 pg/mL, respectively). Neutralization of IL-6 did not boost soluble IL-6R or leukocyte or allograft expression of IL-6, IL-6R, and glycoprotein 130 mRNA. Cessation of treatment at the end of the trial did not result in a meaningful increase in C-reactive protein or accelerated progression of graft dysfunction during 12 mo of follow-up. CONCLUSION Our results argue against clinically relevant rebound phenomena and modulation of major components of the IL-6/IL-6R axis following prolonged IL-6 neutralization with clazakizumab.
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15
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Tambur AR, Bestard O, Campbell P, Chong AS, Barrio MC, Ford ML, Gebel HM, Heidt S, Hickey M, Jackson A, Kosmoliaptsis V, Lefaucheur C, Louis K, Mannon RB, Mengel M, Morris A, Pinelli DF, Reed EF, Schinstock C, Taupin JL, Valenzuela N, Wiebe C, Nickerson P. Sensitization in transplantation: Assessment of Risk 2022 Working Group Meeting Report. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:133-149. [PMID: 36695615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The Sensitization in Transplantation: Assessment of Risk workgroup is a collaborative effort of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics that aims at providing recommendations for clinical testing, highlights gaps in current knowledge, and proposes areas for further research to enhance histocompatibility testing in support of solid organ transplantation. This report provides updates on topics discussed by the previous Sensitization in Transplantation: Assessment of Risk working groups and introduces 2 areas of exploration: non-human leukocyte antigen antibodies and utilization of human leukocyte antigen antibody testing measurement to evaluate the efficacy of antibody-removal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat R Tambur
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Oriol Bestard
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Campbell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Anita S Chong
- Section of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Martha Crespo Barrio
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar & Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mandy L Ford
- Department of Surgery and Emory Transplant Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Howard M Gebel
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands
| | - Michelle Hickey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Annette Jackson
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR-S970, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kevin Louis
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR-S970, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Roslyn B Mannon
- Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Michael Mengel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Anna Morris
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David F Pinelli
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elaine F Reed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Jean-Luc Taupin
- Department of Immunology, Saint Louis Hospital and University Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chris Wiebe
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Peter Nickerson
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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16
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Chandran S, Tang Q. Impact of interleukin-6 on T cells in kidney transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2022; 22 Suppl 4:18-27. [PMID: 36453710 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine, plays a key role in T cell activation, survival, and differentiation. Acting as a switch that induces the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th17 cells and inhibits their development into regulatory T cells, IL-6 promotes rejection and abrogates tolerance. Therapies that target IL-6 signaling include antibodies to IL-6 and the IL-6 receptor and inhibitors of janus kinases; several of these therapeutics have demonstrated robust clinical efficacy in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Clinical trials of IL-6 inhibition in kidney transplantation have focused primarily on its effects on B cells, plasma cells, and HLA antibodies. In this review, we summarize the impact of IL-6 on T cells in experimental models of transplant and describe the effects of IL-6 inhibition on the T cell compartment in kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Chandran
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Qizhi Tang
- Department of Surgery, Diabetes Center, Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genome Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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17
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Jordan SC, Ammerman N, Huang E, Vo A. Importance of IL-6 inhibition in prevention and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection in kidney allografts. Am J Transplant 2022; 22 Suppl 4:28-37. [PMID: 36453709 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine critical for innate and adaptive immune responses. However, persistent expression of high levels of IL-6 are associated with a number of pathologic conditions including autoimmune diseases and capillary leak syndrome. Importantly, in kidney transplant patients, IL-6 may play a role in mediation of cell-mediated rejection (CMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). This is likely due to the importance of IL-6 in stimulating B cell responses with pathogenic donor-specific antibody (DSA) generation and stimulation of T effector cell responses while inhibiting T regulatory cells. Data from preliminary clinical trials and clinical observations show that tocilizumab (anti-IL-6R) and clazakizumab (anti-IL-6) may have promise in treatment of CMR, AMR and chronic (cAMR). This has led to a phase 3 placebo, randomized clinical trial of clazakizumab for treatment of cAMR, a condition for which there is currently no treatment. The identification of IL-6 production in vascular endothelia cells after alloimmune activation reveals another potential pathway for vasculitis as endothelia cell IL-6 may stimulate immune cell responses that are potentially inhibitable with anti-IL-6/IL-6R treatment. Importantly, anti-IL-6/IL-6R treatments have shown the ability to induce Treg and Breg cells in vivo which may have potential importance for prevention and treatment of DSA development and allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley C Jordan
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, West Hollywood, California, USA
| | - Noriko Ammerman
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, West Hollywood, California, USA
| | - Edmund Huang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, West Hollywood, California, USA
| | - Ashley Vo
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, West Hollywood, California, USA
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18
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Eskandari SK, Gaya da Costa M, Faria B, Petr V, Azzi JR, Berger SP, Seelen MAJ, Damman J, Poppelaars F. An interleukin 6-based genetic risk score strengthened with interleukin 10 polymorphisms associated with long-term kidney allograft outcomes. Am J Transplant 2022; 22 Suppl 4:45-57. [PMID: 36453708 PMCID: PMC10107952 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17212] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Of all kidney transplants, half are still lost in the first decade after transplantation. Here, using genetics, we probed whether interleukin 6 (IL-6) could be a target in kidney transplantation to improve graft survival. Additionally, we investigated if a genetic risk score (GRS) based on IL6 and IL10 variants could improve prognostication of graft loss. In a prospective cohort study, DNA of 1271 donor-recipient kidney transplant pairs was analyzed for the presence of IL6, IL6R, IL10, IL10RA, and IL10RB variants. These polymorphisms and their GRS were then associated with 15-year death-censored allograft survival. The C|C-genotype of the IL6 polymorphism in donor kidneys and the combined C|C-genotype in donor-recipient pairs were both associated with a reduced risk of graft loss (p = .043 and p = .042, respectively). Additionally, the GRS based on IL6, IL6R, IL10, IL10RA, and IL10RB variants was independently associated with the risk of graft loss (HR 1.53, 95%-CI [1.32-1.84]; p < .001). Notably, the GRS improved risk stratification and prediction of graft loss beyond the level of contemporary clinical markers. Our findings reveal the merits of a polygenic IL-6-based risk score strengthened with IL-10- polymorphisms for the prognostication and risk stratification of late graft failure in kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siawosh K. Eskandari
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Transplantation Research CenterBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Mariana Gaya da Costa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Bernardo Faria
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Nephrology R&D GroupInstitute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), São João University Hospital Center, University of PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Vojtech Petr
- Department of NephrologyInstitute for Clinical and Experimental MedicinePragueCzech Republic
| | - Jamil R. Azzi
- Transplantation Research CenterBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Stefan P. Berger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Marc A. J. Seelen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey Damman
- Department of PathologyErasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus UniversityRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Felix Poppelaars
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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19
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Miller CL, Madsen JC. Targeting IL-6 to prevent cardiac allograft rejection. Am J Transplant 2022; 22 Suppl 4:12-17. [PMID: 36453706 PMCID: PMC10191185 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Outcomes following heart transplantation remain suboptimal with acute and chronic rejection being major contributors to poor long-term survival. IL-6 is increasingly recognized as a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in allograft injury and has been shown to play a key role in regulating the inflammatory and alloimmune responses following heart transplantation. Therapies that inhibit IL-6 signaling have emerged as promising strategies to prevent allograft rejection. Here, we review experimental and pre-clinical evidence that supports the potential use of IL-6 signaling blockade to improve outcomes in heart transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L. Miller
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joren C. Madsen
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Weinhard J, Noble J, Jouve T, Malvezzi P, Rostaing L. [Improving access to kidney transplantation for highly sensitized patients: What place for IL-6 pathway blockade in desensitization protocols?]. Nephrol Ther 2022; 18:577-583. [PMID: 36328901 DOI: 10.1016/j.nephro.2022.07.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Desensitization allows kidney transplantation for HLA highly sensitized subjects. Due to the central role of IL-6 in immunological response, tocilizumab (monoclonal antibody directed against IL-6 receptor) could probably improve desensitization efficacy. METHODS Pubmed systematic review by using MeSH terms: tocilizumab, clazakizumab, interleukin-6 blockade, kidney transplantation, kidney graft and desensitization. STUDIES IL-6 plays a role in humoral response (plasmocyte differentiation induced by lymphocyte T, IL-21 secretion) as well as in cellular response (differentiation of LT Th17 rather than T reg). In desensitization field, tocilizumab was first studied as second-line treatment after failing of standard-of-care (apheresis, rituximab ± IgIV). Recent study showed that tocilizumab as a monotherapy attenuated anti-HLA antibodies rates but was not sufficient to allow transplantation. However, lymphocyte immunophenotyping showed that tocilizumab hindered B cells maturation. Thereby, tocilizumab could improve long-term efficacy of desensitization, by limiting the anti-HLA rebound and so avoiding antibody-mediated rejection. This hypothesis is supported by a recent study which used clazakizumab (monoclonal antibody directed against IL-6) in association with standard-of-care. In that study, clazakizumab was continued after kidney transplantation. Results were encouraging because 9/10 patients were transplanted and there was no donor-specific antibody at 6 months post-transplantation. CONCLUSION IL-6 pathway blockade as a monotherapy fails to desensitize HLA highly sensitized kidney transplant candidates. In association with standard-of-care, it does not seem to significatively improve kidney allograft access (short-term efficacy) vs. standard-of-care only. However, it could improve long-term prognosis of HLA incompatible transplantation by orienting the response towards a tolerogenic profile, by hindering B-cell maturation and, thereby, avoiding DSA rebounds after transplantation. This hypothesis needs to be proven by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules Weinhard
- Service de néphrologie, hémodialyse, aphérèses et transplantation rénale, CHU de Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Johan Noble
- Service de néphrologie, hémodialyse, aphérèses et transplantation rénale, CHU de Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Thomas Jouve
- Service de néphrologie, hémodialyse, aphérèses et transplantation rénale, CHU de Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France; Université Grenoble-Alpes, GrenobleFrance
| | - Paolo Malvezzi
- Service de néphrologie, hémodialyse, aphérèses et transplantation rénale, CHU de Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Lionel Rostaing
- Service de néphrologie, hémodialyse, aphérèses et transplantation rénale, CHU de Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France; Université Grenoble-Alpes, GrenobleFrance.
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21
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Kervella D, Le Bas-Bernardet S, Bruneau S, Blancho G. Protection of transplants against antibody-mediated injuries: from xenotransplantation to allogeneic transplantation, mechanisms and therapeutic insights. Front Immunol 2022; 13:932242. [PMID: 35990687 PMCID: PMC9389360 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.932242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term allograft survival in allotransplantation, especially in kidney and heart transplantation, is mainly limited by the occurrence of antibody-mediated rejection due to anti-Human Leukocyte Antigen antibodies. These types of rejection are difficult to handle and chronic endothelial damages are often irreversible. In the settings of ABO-incompatible transplantation and xenotransplantation, the presence of antibodies targeting graft antigens is not always associated with rejection. This resistance to antibodies toxicity seems to associate changes in endothelial cells phenotype and modification of the immune response. We describe here these mechanisms with a special focus on endothelial cells resistance to antibodies. Endothelial protection against anti-HLA antibodies has been described in vitro and in animal models, but do not seem to be a common feature in immunized allograft recipients. Complement regulation and anti-apoptotic molecules expression appear to be common features in all these settings. Lastly, pharmacological interventions that may promote endothelial cell protection against donor specific antibodies will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Kervella
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Néphrologie et Immunologie Clinique, Institut Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Stéphanie Le Bas-Bernardet
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Sarah Bruneau
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Gilles Blancho
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Néphrologie et Immunologie Clinique, Institut Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
- *Correspondence: Gilles Blancho,
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22
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Miller CL, O JM, Allan JS, Madsen JC. Novel approaches for long-term lung transplant survival. Front Immunol 2022; 13:931251. [PMID: 35967365 PMCID: PMC9363671 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.931251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Allograft failure remains a major barrier in the field of lung transplantation and results primarily from acute and chronic rejection. To date, standard-of-care immunosuppressive regimens have proven unsuccessful in achieving acceptable long-term graft and patient survival. Recent insights into the unique immunologic properties of lung allografts provide an opportunity to develop more effective immunosuppressive strategies. Here we describe advances in our understanding of the mechanisms driving lung allograft rejection and highlight recent progress in the development of novel, lung-specific strategies aimed at promoting long-term allograft survival, including tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L. Miller
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jane M. O
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - James S. Allan
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joren C. Madsen
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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