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Manzia TM, Antonelli B, Carraro A, Conte G, Guglielmo N, Lauterio A, Mameli L, Cillo U, De Carlis L, Del Gaudio M, De Simone P, Fagiuoli S, Lupo F, Tisone G, Volpes R. Immunosuppression in adult liver transplant recipients: a 2024 update from the Italian Liver Transplant Working Group. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10703-4. [PMID: 39009897 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10703-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advances in surgical procedures and immunosuppressive therapies have considerably improved the outcomes of patients who have undergone liver transplantation in the past few decades. In 2020, the Italian Liver Transplant Working Group published practice-oriented algorithms for immunosuppressive therapy (IT) in adult liver transplant (LT) recipients. Due to the rapidly evolving LT field, regular updates to the recommendations are required. This review presents a consensus- and evidence-based update of the 2020 recommendations. METHODS The Italian Liver Transplant Working Group set out to address new IT issues, which were discussed based on supporting literature and the specialists' personal experiences. The panel deliberated on and graded each statement before consensus was reached. RESULTS A series of consensus statements were formulated and finalized on: (i) oncologic indications for LT; (ii) management of chronic LT rejection; (iii) combined liver-kidney transplantation; (iv) immunosuppression for transplantation with an organ donated after circulatory death; (v) transplantation in the presence of frailty and sarcopenia; and (vi) ABO blood group incompatibility between donor and recipient. Algorithms were updated in the following LT groups: standard patients, critical patients, oncology patients, patients with specific etiology, and patients at high immunologic risk. A steroid-free approach was generally recommended, except for patients with autoimmune liver disease and those at high immunologic risk. CONCLUSION The updated consensus- and evidence-based 2024 recommendations for immunosuppression regimens in adult patients with ABO-compatible LT address a range of clinical variables that should be considered to optimize the choice of the immunosuppression treatment in clinical practice in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Antonelli
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Amedeo Carraro
- Liver Transplant Unit, University Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Grazia Conte
- Clinica di Chirurgia Epatobiliare, Pancreatica e dei Trapianti, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nicola Guglielmo
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lauterio
- ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luciano De Carlis
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Del Gaudio
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo De Simone
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Pisa Medical School Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Fagiuoli
- Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca and Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Piazza OMS, 124127, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Francesco Lupo
- Department of General Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute e Della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Volpes
- Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT/IRCCS), Palermo, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio di Cefalù, Palermo, Italy
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Ji X, Yang L, Lai X, Ye Y, Wu Y, Xiang S, Luo Y, Liu L. Post-transplant de novo anti-HLA donor specific antibodies may contribute to poor graft function after haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. HLA 2024; 103:e15560. [PMID: 38839559 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15560] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
De novo anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) were rarely reported in stem cell transplantation patients. We present a case of 39-year-old acute myelogenous leukaemia patient who developed de novo DSAs only 16 days after transplantation with the highest mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of 7406.23, which were associated with poor graft function (PGF). We used plasma exchange (PE) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) to reduce DSA level. A series of treatment including mesenchymal stem cells and donor cell transfusion were used to help recover graft function. On day 130, the patient achieved a successful engraftment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Ji
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luxin Yang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lai
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yishan Ye
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shipei Xiang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lizhen Liu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
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3
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Fernando JJ, Biswas R, Biswas L. Non-invasive molecular biomarkers for monitoring solid organ transplantation: A comprehensive overview. Int J Immunogenet 2024; 51:47-62. [PMID: 38200592 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12654] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving intervention for individuals with end-stage organ failure. Despite the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy, the risk of graft rejection persists in all viable transplants between individuals. The risk of rejection may vary depending on the degree of compatibility between the donor and recipient for both human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA gene-encoded products. Monitoring the status of the allograft is a critical aspect of post-transplant management, with invasive biopsies being the standard of care for detecting rejection. Non-invasive biomarkers are increasingly being recognized as valuable tools for aiding in the detection of graft rejection, monitoring graft status and evaluating the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy. Here, we focus on the importance of molecular biomarkers in solid organ transplantation and their potential role in clinical practice. Conventional molecular biomarkers used in transplantation include HLA typing, detection of anti-HLA antibodies, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genotypes, and anti-MHC class 1-related chain A antibodies, which are important for assessing the compatibility of the donor and recipient. Emerging molecular biomarkers include the detection of donor-derived cell-free DNA, microRNAs (regulation of gene expression), exosomes (small vesicles secreted by cells), and kidney solid organ response test, in the recipient's blood for early signs of rejection. This review highlights the strengths and limitations of these molecular biomarkers and their potential role in improving transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffy J Fernando
- Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Raja Biswas
- Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Lalitha Biswas
- Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
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Chen G, Hu X, Huang Y, Xiang X, Pan S, Chen R, Xu X. Role of the immune system in liver transplantation and its implications for therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e444. [PMID: 38098611 PMCID: PMC10719430 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) stands as the gold standard for treating end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, yet postoperative complications continue to impact survival rates. The liver's unique immune system, governed by a microenvironment of diverse immune cells, is disrupted during processes like ischemia-reperfusion injury posttransplantation, leading to immune imbalance, inflammation, and subsequent complications. In the posttransplantation period, immune cells within the liver collaboratively foster a tolerant environment, crucial for immune tolerance and liver regeneration. While clinical trials exploring cell therapy for LT complications exist, a comprehensive summary is lacking. This review provides an insight into the intricacies of the liver's immune microenvironment, with a specific focus on macrophages and T cells as primary immune players. Delving into the immunological dynamics at different stages of LT, we explore the disruptions after LT and subsequent immune responses. Focusing on immune cell targeting for treating liver transplant complications, we provide a comprehensive summary of ongoing clinical trials in this domain, especially cell therapies. Furthermore, we offer innovative treatment strategies that leverage the opportunities and prospects identified in the therapeutic landscape. This review seeks to advance our understanding of LT immunology and steer the development of precise therapies for postoperative complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanrong Chen
- The Fourth School of Clinical MedicineZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xin Hu
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Yingchen Huang
- The Fourth School of Clinical MedicineZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaonan Xiang
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Sheng Pan
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
| | - Ronggao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
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Clinical recommendations for posttransplant assessment of anti-HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) donor-specific antibodies: A Sensitization in Transplantation: Assessment of Risk consensus document. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:115-132. [PMID: 36695614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although anti-HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) are commonly measured in clinical practice and their relationship with transplant outcome is well established, clinical recommendations for anti-HLA antibody assessment are sparse. Supported by a careful and critical review of the current literature performed by the Sensitization in Transplantation: Assessment of Risk 2022 working group, this consensus report provides clinical practice recommendations in kidney, heart, lung, and liver transplantation based on expert assessment of quality and strength of evidence. The recommendations address 3 major clinical problems in transplantation and include guidance regarding posttransplant DSA assessment and application to diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics: (1) the clinical implications of positive posttransplant DSA detection according to DSA status (ie, preformed or de novo), (2) the relevance of posttransplant DSA assessment for precision diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection and for treatment management, and (3) the relevance of posttransplant DSA for allograft prognosis and risk stratification. This consensus report also highlights gaps in current knowledge and provides directions for clinical investigations and trials in the future that will further refine the clinical utility of posttransplant DSA assessment, leading to improved transplant management and patient care.
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Wang L, Ji K, Chen L, Li Y, Zhu W, Yuan X, Bao X, Wu X, He J. Posttransplant de novo DSA and NDSA affect GvHD, OS, and DFS after haplo-HSCT in patients without pre-existing HLA antibodies of hematological malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1047200. [PMID: 36532004 PMCID: PMC9751004 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1047200] [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] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
To examine the production time, type, and MFI of post-transplantation de novo HLA antibodies, and their effects on haplo-HSCT outcomes, we retrospectively included 116 patients who were negative for pre-existing HLA antibodies. In total, 322 serum samples from pre-transplantation to post-transplantation were dynamically tested by Luminex and single-antigen bead reagents. Patients were divided into: HLA antibody persistently negative group (group 1), the de novo HLA antibody transiently positive group (group 2), the de novo HLA antibody non-persistently positive group (group 3), and the de novo HLA antibody persistently positive group (group 4). Group 4 included DSA+non-DSA (NDSA) (group 4a) and NDSA (group 4b) groups. The detection rate of de novo HLA antibodies was 75.9% (88/116). The median MFI for de novo HLA antibodies was 2439 (1033-20162). The incidence of II-IV aGvHD was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (52.6% vs 17.9%, P < 0.01); in group 4a than in group 1 (87.5% vs 17.9%, P < 0.001); and in group 4a than in group 4b (87.5% vs 40.0%, P = 0.001). The DFS (37.5% vs 85.7%, P < 0.01) and OS (37.5% vs 85.7%, P < 0.01) of group 4a were lower than those of group 1. The DFS (48.0% vs 85.7%, P < 0.01) and OS (56.0% vs 85.7%, P = 0.03) of group 4b were lower than those of group 1. Multivariate analysis showed that de novo HLA antibody being transiently positive (HR: 5.30; 95% CI: 1.71-16.42, P = 0.01) and persistently positive (HR: 5.67; 95% CI: 2.00-16.08, P < 0.01) were both associated with a higher incidence of II-IV aGvHD. Persistently positive de novo HLA antibodies were a risk factor for reduced DFS (HR: 6.57; 95% CI: 2.08-20.70, P < 0.01) and OS (HR: 5.51; 95% CI: 1.73-17.53, P < 0.01). DSA and NDSA can be detected since 15 days after haplo-HSCT in patients without pre-existing HLA antibodies, and affect aGvHD, DFS, and OS. Haplo-HSCT patients must be monitored for HLA antibodies changes for appropriate preventive clinical management, and we recommend that 1-month post-transplantation is the best test time point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Wang
- HLA Laboratory of Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Ji
- HLA Laboratory of Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Luyao Chen
- HLA Laboratory of Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Li
- HLA Laboratory of Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhu
- HLA Laboratory of Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoni Yuan
- HLA Laboratory of Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojing Bao
- HLA Laboratory of Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojin Wu
- Department of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun He
- HLA Laboratory of Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Jun He,
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Louis K, Lefaucheur C. DSA in solid organ transplantation: is it a matter of specificity, amount, or functional characteristics? Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:392-398. [PMID: 35881421 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review describes the clinical relevance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) donor-specific antibodies (HLA-DSAs) as biomarkers of alloimmunity and summarizes recent improvements in their characterization that provide insights into immune risk assessment, precision diagnosis, and prognostication in transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have addressed the clinical utility of HLA-DSAs as biomarkers for immune risk assessment in pretransplant and peritransplant, diagnosis and treatment evaluation of antibody-mediated rejection, immune monitoring posttransplant, and risk stratification. SUMMARY HLA-DSAs have proved to be the most advanced immune biomarkers in solid organ transplantation in terms of analytical validity, clinical validity and clinical utility. Recent studies are integrating multiple HLA-DSA characteristics including antibody specificity, HLA class, quantity, immunoglobulin G subclass, and complement-binding capacity to improve risk assessment peritransplant, diagnosis and treatment evaluation of antibody-mediated rejection, immune monitoring posttransplant, and transplant prognosis evaluation. In addition, integration of HLA-DSAs to clinical, functional and histological transplant parameters has further consolidated the utility of HLA-DSAs as robust biomarkers and allows to build new tools for monitoring, precision diagnosis, and risk stratification for individual patients. However, prospective and randomized-controlled studies addressing the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of HLA-DSA-based monitoring and patient management strategies are required to demonstrate that the use of HLA-DSAs as biomarkers can improve current clinical practice and transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Louis
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris
- Human Immunology and Immunopathology, Université de Paris
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Kidney Transplant Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris
- Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR-S970, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Vij M, Rammohan A, Rela M. Long-term liver allograft fibrosis: A review with emphasis on idiopathic post-transplant hepatitis and chronic antibody mediated rejection. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1541-1549. [PMID: 36157865 PMCID: PMC9453462 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i8.1541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving surgical procedure and the current standard of care for most patients with end stage liver disease. With improvements in organ preservation techniques, perioperative care, and immunosuppression, there is better patient and graft survival following LT, and assessment of the liver allograft in long-term survivors is becoming increasingly important. Recurrent or de novo viral or autoimmune injury remains the most common causes of chronic hepatitis and fibrosis following liver transplantation in adults. However, no obvious cause can be identified in many adults with controlled recurrent disease and the majority of pediatric LT recipients, as they have been transplanted for non-recurrent liver diseases. Serial surveillance liver biopsies post LT have been evaluated in several adult and pediatric centers to identify long-term pathological changes. Pathological findings are frequently present in liver biopsies obtained after a year post LT. The significance of these findings is uncertain as many of these are seen in protocol liver biopsies from patients with clinically good allograft function and normal liver chemistry parameters. This narrative review summaries the factors predisposing to long-term liver allograft fibrosis, highlighting the putative role of idiopathic post-LT hepatitis and chronic antibody mediated rejection in its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukul Vij
- Department of Pathology, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashwin Rammohan
- Institute of Liver disease and Transplantation, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohamed Rela
- Institute of Liver disease and Transplantation, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
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Angelico R, Sensi B, Manzia TM, Tisone G, Grassi G, Signorello A, Milana M, Lenci I, Baiocchi L. Chronic rejection after liver transplantation: Opening the Pandora’s box. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7771-7783. [PMID: 34963740 PMCID: PMC8661381 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i45.7771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic rejection (CR) of liver allografts causes damage to intrahepatic vessels and bile ducts and may lead to graft failure after liver transplantation. Although its prevalence has declined steadily with the introduction of potent immunosuppressive therapy, CR still represents an important cause of graft injury, which might be irreversible, leading to graft loss requiring re-transplantation. To date, we still do not fully appreciate the mechanisms underlying this process. In addition to T cell-mediated CR, which was initially the only recognized type of CR, recently a new form of liver allograft CR, antibody-mediated CR, has been identified. This has indeed opened an era of thriving research and renewed interest in the field. Liver biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis of CR, but current research is aiming to identify new non-invasive tools for predicting patients at risk for CR after liver transplantation. Moreover, the minimization or withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy might influence the establishment of subclinical CR-related injury, which should not be disregarded. Therapies for CR may only be effective in the “early” phases, and a tailored management of the immunosuppression regimen is essential for preventing irreversible liver damage. Herein, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and research on CR, focusing on early detection, identification of non-invasive biomarkers, immunosuppressive management, re-transplantation and future perspectives of CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Angelico
- Department of Surgery Sciences, HPB and Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Bruno Sensi
- Department of Surgery Sciences, HPB and Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Tommaso M Manzia
- Department of Surgery Sciences, HPB and Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Surgery Sciences, HPB and Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grassi
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00100, Italy
| | | | - Martina Milana
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00100, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lenci
- Hepatology Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00100, Italy
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