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Amancherla K, Feurer ID, Rega SA, Cluckey A, Salih M, Davis J, Pedrotty D, Ooi H, Rali AS, Siddiqi HK, Menachem J, Brinkley DM, Punnoose L, Sacks SB, Zalawadiya SK, Wigger M, Balsara K, Trahanas J, McMaster WG, Hoffman J, Pasrija C, Lindenfeld J, Shah AS, Schlendorf KH. Early Assessment of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Risk Among Recipients of Hepatitis C Virus-infected Donors in the Current Era. J Card Fail 2024; 30:694-700. [PMID: 37907147 PMCID: PMC11056484 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2023.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplantation of hearts from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donors has increased substantially in recent years following development of highly effective direct-acting antiviral therapies for treatment and cure of HCV. Although historical data from the pre-direct-acting antiviral era demonstrated an association between HCV-positive donors and accelerated cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in recipients, the relationship between the use of HCV nucleic acid test-positive (NAT+) donors and the development of CAV in the direct-acting antiviral era remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a retrospective, single-center observational study comparing coronary angiographic CAV outcomes during the first year after transplant in 84 heart transplant recipients of HCV NAT+ donors and 231 recipients of HCV NAT- donors. Additionally, in a subsample of 149 patients (including 55 in the NAT+ cohort and 94 in the NAT- cohort) who had serial adjunctive intravascular ultrasound examination performed, we compared development of rapidly progressive CAV, defined as an increase in maximal intimal thickening of ≥0.5 mm in matched vessel segments during the first year post-transplant. In an unadjusted analysis, recipients of HCV NAT+ hearts had reduced survival free of CAV ≥1 over the first year after heart transplant compared with recipients of HCV NAT- hearts. After adjustment for known CAV risk factors, however, there was no significant difference between cohorts in the likelihood of the primary outcome, nor was there a difference in development of rapidly progressive CAV. CONCLUSIONS These findings support larger, longer-term follow-up studies to better elucidate CAV outcomes in recipients of HCV NAT+ hearts and to inform post-transplant management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Amancherla
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Irene D Feurer
- Departments of Surgery and Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Scott A Rega
- Vanderbilt Transplant Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Andrew Cluckey
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mohamed Salih
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan Davis
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Dawn Pedrotty
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Henry Ooi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Aniket S Rali
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hasan K Siddiqi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan Menachem
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Douglas M Brinkley
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lynn Punnoose
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Suzanne B Sacks
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sandip K Zalawadiya
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mark Wigger
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Keki Balsara
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - John Trahanas
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - William G McMaster
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jordan Hoffman
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Chetan Pasrija
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Joann Lindenfeld
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ashish S Shah
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kelly H Schlendorf
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
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Appenzeller-Herzog C, Rosat A, Mathes T, Baroja-Mazo A, Chruscinski A, Feng S, Herrero I, Londono MC, Mazariegos G, Ohe H, Pons JA, Sanchez-Fueyo A, Waki K, Vionnet J. Time since liver transplant and immunosuppression withdrawal outcomes: Systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. Liver Int 2024; 44:250-262. [PMID: 37905605 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Successful immunosuppression withdrawal (ISW) is possible for a subfraction of liver transplant (LT) recipients but the factors that define the risk of ISW failure are largely unknown. One candidate prognostic factor for ISW success or operational tolerance (OT) is longer time between LT and ISW which we term "pre-withdrawal time". To clarify the impact of pre-withdrawal time span on subsequent ISW success or failure, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS We systematically interrogated the literature for LT recipient ISW studies reporting pre-withdrawal time. Eligible articles from Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used for backward and forward citation searching. Pre-withdrawal time individual patient data (IPD) was requested from authors. Pooled mean differences and time-response curves were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS We included 17 studies with 691 patients, 15 of which (620 patients) with IPD. Study-level risk of bias was heterogeneous. Mean pre-withdrawal time was greater by 427 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 67-788] in OT compared to non-OT patients. This increase was potentiated to 799 days (95% CI 369-1229) or 1074 days (95% CI 685-1463) when restricting analysis to adult or European study participants. In time-response meta-analysis for adult or European ISW candidates, likelihood of OT increased by 7% (95% CI 4-10%) per year after LT (GRADE low- and moderate-certainty of evidence, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our data support the impact of pre-withdrawal time in ISW decision-making for adult and European LT recipients. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42021272995.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aurélie Rosat
- Service of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tim Mathes
- Department for Medical Statistics, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Alberto Baroja-Mazo
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Sandy Feng
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ignacio Herrero
- Liver Unit, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Centro de investigación Biomédica en Red, Navarra, Spain
- Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria-Carlota Londono
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Centro de investigación Biomédica en Red, Barcelona, Spain
- Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - George Mazariegos
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hidenori Ohe
- Department of Surgery, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - José A Pons
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London University and King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kayo Waki
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Julien Vionnet
- Service of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London University and King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Transplantation Centre, University Hospital of Lausanne and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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3
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Maspero M, Hashimoto K, Fairchild RL, Schlegel A. Reply: Acute rejection in liver transplantation: Time for uniform definitions. Hepatology 2023; 78:E53-E54. [PMID: 37264696 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Maspero
- Transplantation Center, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Koji Hashimoto
- Transplantation Center, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert L Fairchild
- Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrea Schlegel
- Transplantation Center, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centre of Preclinical Research, Milan, Italy
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4
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Berenguer M, de Martin E, Hessheimer AJ, Levitsky J, Maluf DG, Mas VR, Selzner N, Hernàndez-Èvole H, Lutu A, Wahid N, Zubair H. European Society for Organ Transplantation Consensus Statement on Biomarkers in Liver Transplantation. Transpl Int 2023; 36:11358. [PMID: 37711401 PMCID: PMC10498996 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.11358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Currently, one-year survival following liver transplantation (LT) exceeds 90% in large international registries, and LT is considered definitive treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and liver cancer. Recurrence of disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), significantly hampers post-LT outcomes. An optimal approach to immunosuppression (IS), including safe weaning, may benefit patients by mitigating the effect on recurrent diseases, as well as reducing adverse events associated with over-/under-IS, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Prediction of these outcome measures-disease recurrence, CKD, and immune status-has long been based on relatively inaccurate clinical models. To address the utility of new biomarkers in predicting these outcomes in the post-LT setting, the European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) and International Liver Transplant Society (ILTS) convened a working group of experts to review literature pertaining to primary disease recurrence, development of CKD, and safe weaning of IS. Summaries of evidence were presented to the group of panelists and juries to develop guidelines, which were discussed and voted in-person at the Consensus Conference in Prague November 2022. The consensus findings and recommendations of the Liver Working Group on new biomarkers in LT, clinical applicability, and future needs are presented in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Berenguer
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario la Fe - IIS La Fe Valencia, CiberEHD and University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eleonora de Martin
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Amelia J. Hessheimer
- General & Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josh Levitsky
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniel G. Maluf
- Program in Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Valeria R. Mas
- Surgical Sciences Research in Transplantation, Chief Surgical Sciences Division, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nazia Selzner
- Ajmera Transplant Center, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Alina Lutu
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Nabeel Wahid
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Haseeb Zubair
- Surgical Sciences Division, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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5
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Abstract
Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment for people with end-stage organ disease. Immune-mediated transplant rejection is a common complication that decreases allograft survival. Although immunosuppression is required to prevent rejection, it also increases the risk of infection. Some infections, such as cytomegalovirus and BK virus, can promote inflammatory gene expression that can further tip the balance toward rejection. BK virus and other infections can induce damage that resembles the clinical pathology of rejection, and this complicates accurate diagnosis. Moreover, T cells specific for viral infection can lead to rejection through heterologous immunity to donor antigen directly mediated by antiviral cells. Thus, viral infections and allograft rejection interact in multiple ways that are important to maintain immunologic homeostasis in solid organ transplant recipients. Better insight into this dynamic interplay will help promote long-term transplant survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Higdon
- Department of Medicine/Nephrology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jane C Tan
- Department of Medicine/Nephrology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jonathan S Maltzman
- Department of Medicine/Nephrology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
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6
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Pérez-Escobar J, Jimenez JV, Rodríguez-Aguilar EF, Servín-Rojas M, Ruiz-Manriquez J, Safar-Boueri L, Carrillo-Maravilla E, Navasa M, García-Juárez I. Immunotolerance in liver transplantation: a primer for the clinician. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:100760. [PMID: 36179797 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of immunosuppressive medications for solid organ transplantation is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and oncologic complications. On the other hand, the development of graft rejection is associated with increased mortality and graft dysfunction. Liver transplant recipients can withdraw from immunosuppression without developing graft injury while preserving an adequate antimicrobial response - a characteristic known as immunotolerance. Immunotolerance can be spontaneously or pharmacologically achieved. Contrary to the classic dogma, clinical studies have elucidated low rates of true spontaneous immunotolerance (no serologic or histological markers of immune injury) among liver transplant recipients. However, clinical, serologic, and tissue biomarkers can aid in selecting patients in whom immunosuppression can be safely withdrawn. For those who failed an immunosuppression withdrawal trial or are at high risk of rejection, pharmacological interventions for immunotolerance induction are under development. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms of immunotolerance, the clinical studies investigating predictors and biomarkers of spontaneous immunotolerance, as well as the potential pharmacological interventions for inducing it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita Pérez-Escobar
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jose Victor Jimenez
- Department of Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Erika Faride Rodríguez-Aguilar
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maximiliano Servín-Rojas
- Department of Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jesus Ruiz-Manriquez
- Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luisa Safar-Boueri
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Eduardo Carrillo-Maravilla
- Department of Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miquel Navasa
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hepatology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Juárez
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
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7
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Gama JFG, Cardoso LMDF, Bisaggio RDC, Lagrota-Candido J, Henriques-Pons A, Alves LA. Immunological Tolerance in Liver Transplant Recipients: Putative Involvement of Neuroendocrine-Immune Interactions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152327. [PMID: 35954171 PMCID: PMC9367574 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152327] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The transplantation world changed significantly following the introduction of immunosuppressants, with millions of people saved. Several physicians have noted that liver recipients that do not take their medication for different reasons became tolerant regarding kidney, heart, and lung transplantations at higher frequencies. Most studies have attempted to explain this phenomenon through unique immunological mechanisms and the fact that the hepatic environment is continuously exposed to high levels of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or non-pathogenic microorganism-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) from commensal flora. These components are highly inflammatory in the periphery but tolerated in the liver as part of the normal components that arrive via the hepatic portal vein. These immunological mechanisms are discussed herein based on current evidence, although we hypothesize the participation of neuroendocrine-immune pathways, which have played a relevant role in autoimmune diseases. Cells found in the liver present receptors for several cytokines, hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters that would allow for system crosstalk. Furthermore, the liver is innervated by the autonomic system and may, thus, be influenced by the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. This review therefore seeks to discuss classical immunological hepatic tolerance mechanisms and hypothesizes the possible participation of the neuroendocrine-immune system based on the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaciara Fernanda Gomes Gama
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Avenue, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil; (J.F.G.G.); (L.M.d.F.C.)
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Immunobiology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Gragoatá Bl-M Campus, Niterói 24210-200, Brazil;
| | - Liana Monteiro da Fonseca Cardoso
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Avenue, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil; (J.F.G.G.); (L.M.d.F.C.)
| | - Rodrigo da Cunha Bisaggio
- Department of Biotechnology, Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro 20270-021, Brazil;
| | - Jussara Lagrota-Candido
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Immunobiology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Gragoatá Bl-M Campus, Niterói 24210-200, Brazil;
| | - Andrea Henriques-Pons
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education, and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-361, Brazil;
| | - Luiz A. Alves
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Avenue, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil; (J.F.G.G.); (L.M.d.F.C.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +55-(21)-2562-1816 (ext. 1841)
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8
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Andrade MS, Young JS, Pollard JM, Yin D, Alegre ML, Chong AS. Linked sensitization by memory CD4+ T cells prevents costimulation blockade–induced transplantation tolerance. JCI Insight 2022; 7:159205. [PMID: 35674134 PMCID: PMC9220839 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.159205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dominant infectious tolerance explains how brief tolerance-inducing therapies result in lifelong tolerance to donor antigens and “linked” third-party antigens, while recipient sensitization and ensuing immunological memory prevent the successful induction of transplant tolerance. In this study, we juxtapose these 2 concepts to test whether mechanisms of dominant infectious tolerance can control a limited repertoire of memory T and B cells. We show that sensitization to a single donor antigen is sufficient to prevent stable transplant tolerance, rendering it unstable. Mechanistic studies revealed that recall antibody responses and memory CD8+ T cell expansion were initially controlled, but memory CD4+Foxp3– T cell (Tconv) responses were not. Remarkably, naive donor-specific Tconvs at tolerance induction also acquired a resistance to tolerance, proliferating and acquiring a phenotype similar to memory Tconvs. This phenomenon of “linked sensitization” underscores the challenges of reprogramming a primed immune response toward tolerance and identifies a potential therapeutic checkpoint for synergizing with costimulation blockade to achieve transplant tolerance in the clinic.
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9
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Appenzeller-Herzog C, Hartleif S, Vionnet J. Clinical parameters and biomarkers predicting spontaneous operational tolerance after liver transplantation: A scoping review. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:3312-3323. [PMID: 33783969 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16585] [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: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Indefinite allograft acceptance after immunosuppression withdrawal (ISW), also known as operational tolerance (OT), can occur spontaneously after liver transplantation (LT), but reliable and reproducible prognosis of OT versus non-OT outcomes remains elusive. To prime this, systematic extraction of OT-predictive factors from the literature is crucial. We provide the first comprehensive identification and synthesis of clinical parameters and biomarkers predicting spontaneous OT in non-autoimmune/non-replicative viral LT recipients selected for ISW. We searched Embase, Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, clinicaltrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for articles, conference abstracts, and ongoing trials. We contacted principal investigators of stand-alone abstracts and ongoing trials for unpublished data and screened citations and references of eligible articles. Twenty-three articles reporting on 11 completed ISW studies, 13 abstracts, and five trial registry entries were included. Longer time between LT and ISW was the only clinical parameter that may increase the incidence of OT. Prognostic biomarkers conspicuously differed between pediatric and adult ISW candidates. These included allograft gene expression patterns and peripheral blood immune exhaustion markers for adults, and histological allograft scores for children. Our results will foster cross-validation efforts to facilitate safe and harmonized candidate selection for successful ISW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steffen Hartleif
- University Hospital Tübingen, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Julien Vionnet
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK.,Transplantation Centre, University Hospital of Lausanne and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Service of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Lausanne and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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10
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Wang X, MacParland SA, Perciani CT. Immunological Determinants of Liver Transplant Outcomes Uncovered by the Rat Model. Transplantation 2021; 105:1944-1956. [PMID: 33417410 PMCID: PMC8376267 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For many individuals with end-stage liver disease, the only treatment option is liver transplantation. However, liver transplant rejection is observed in 24%-80% of transplant patients and lifelong drug regimens that follow the transplant procedure lead to serious side effects. Furthermore, the pool of donor livers available for transplantation is far less than the demand. Well-characterized and physiologically relevant models of liver transplantation are crucial to a deeper understanding of the cellular processes governing the outcomes of liver transplantation and serve as a platform for testing new therapeutic strategies to enhance graft acceptance. Such a model has been found in the rat transplant model, which has an advantageous size for surgical procedures, similar postoperative immunological progression, and high genome match to the human liver. From rat liver transplant studies published in the last 5 years, it is clear that the rat model serves as a strong platform to elucidate transplant immunological mechanisms. Using the model, we have begun to uncover potential players and possible therapeutic targets to restore liver tolerance and preserve host immunocompetence. Here, we present an overview of recent literature for rat liver transplant models, with an aim to highlight the value of the models and to provide future perspectives on how these models could be further characterized to enhance the overall value of rat models to the field of liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinle Wang
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sonya A MacParland
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Family Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catia T Perciani
- Ajmera Family Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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López-López V, Pérez-Sánz F, de Torre-Minguela C, Marco-Abenza J, Robles-Campos R, Sánchez-Bueno F, Pons JA, Ramírez P, Baroja-Mazo A. Proteomics in Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:672829. [PMID: 34381445 PMCID: PMC8350337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.672829] [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: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although proteomics has been employed in the study of several models of liver injury, proteomic methods have only recently been applied not only to biomarker discovery and validation but also to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in transplantation. Methods The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology and the guidelines for performing systematic literature reviews in bioinformatics (BiSLR). The PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were searched for publications through April 2020. Proteomics studies designed to understand liver transplant outcomes, including ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), rejection, or operational tolerance in human or rat samples that applied methodologies for differential expression analysis were considered. Results The analysis included 22 studies after application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among the 497 proteins annotated, 68 were shared between species and 10 were shared between sample sources. Among the types of studies analyzed, IRI and rejection shared a higher number of proteins. The most enriched pathway for liver biopsy samples, IRI, and rejection was metabolism, compared to cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions for tolerance. Conclusions Proteomics is a promising technique to detect large numbers of proteins. However, our study shows that several technical issues such as the identification of proteoforms or the dynamic range of protein concentration in clinical samples hinder the successful identification of biomarkers in liver transplantation. In addition, there is a need to minimize the experimental variability between studies, increase the sample size and remove high-abundance plasma proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor López-López
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.,Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Pérez-Sánz
- Biomedical Informatic and Bioinformatic Platform, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos de Torre-Minguela
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Ricardo Robles-Campos
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.,Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Sánchez-Bueno
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.,Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - José A Pons
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology, Unit of Hepatology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramírez
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.,Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Alberto Baroja-Mazo
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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12
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Slepicka PF, Yazdanifar M, Bertaina A. Harnessing Mechanisms of Immune Tolerance to Improve Outcomes in Solid Organ Transplantation: A Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:688460. [PMID: 34177941 PMCID: PMC8222735 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.688460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival after solid organ transplantation (SOT) is limited by chronic rejection as well as the need for lifelong immunosuppression and its associated toxicities. Several preclinical and clinical studies have tested methods designed to induce transplantation tolerance without lifelong immune suppression. The limited success of these strategies has led to the development of clinical protocols that combine SOT with other approaches, such as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT prior to SOT facilitates engraftment of donor cells that can drive immune tolerance. Recent innovations in graft manipulation strategies and post-HSCT immune therapy provide further advances in promoting tolerance and improving clinical outcomes. In this review, we discuss conventional and unconventional immunological mechanisms underlying the development of immune tolerance in SOT recipients and how they can inform clinical advances. Specifically, we review the most recent mechanistic studies elucidating which immune regulatory cells dampen cytotoxic immune reactivity while fostering a tolerogenic environment. We further discuss how this understanding of regulatory cells can shape graft engineering and other therapeutic strategies to improve long-term outcomes for patients receiving HSCT and SOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ferreira Slepicka
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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13
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Aregay A, Engel B, Port K, Vondran FWR, Bremer B, Niehaus C, Khera T, Richter N, Jaeckel E, Cornberg M, Taubert R, Wedemeyer H. Distinct Immune Imprints of Post-Liver Transplantation Hepatitis C Persist Despite Viral Clearance. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:887-899. [PMID: 33641215 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Recurrence or de novo infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) has been associated with progressive graft hepatitis that can be improved by treatment with novel direct-acting antivirals. Cases of rejection episodes have been described during and after HCV treatment. The evolution of innate and adaptive immune response during and after cure of HCV LT is unknown. We studied 74 protein biomarkers in the plasma of LT patients receiving antiviral therapy. In addition, deep immune phenotyping of both the myeloid and lymphoid immune cell subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed. We found that LT patients with active HCV infection displayed distinct alterations of inflammatory protein biomarkers, such as C-X-Cmotif chemokine 10 (CXCL10), caspase 8, C-C motif chemokine 20 (CCL20), CCL19, interferon γ, CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1), interleukin (IL)-18R1, CXCL11, CCL3, IL8, IL12B, tumor necrosis factor-beta, CXCL6, osteoprotegerin, IL10, fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, hepatocyte growth factor, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, neurotrophin-3, CCL4, IL6, tumornecrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9, programmed death ligand 1, IL18, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and enrichment of peripheral immune cell subsets unlike patients without HCV infection who received transplants. Interestingly, patients who cleared HCV after LT did not normalize the altered inflammatory milieu nor did the peripheral immune cell subsets normalize to what would be seen in the absence of HCV recurrence. Overall, these data indicate that HCV-specific imprints on inflammatory analytes and immune cell subsets after LT are not completely normalized by therapy-induced HCV elimination. This is in line with the clinical observation that cure of HCV after LT did not trigger rejection episodes in many patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amare Aregay
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bastian Engel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin Port
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian W R Vondran
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Birgit Bremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Niehaus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanvi Khera
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Richter
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Centre Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, DZIF, partner-site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany.,Centre for individualized infection medicine (CIIM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Centre Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Centre Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, DZIF, partner-site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
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14
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Aghabi YO, Yasin A, Kennedy JI, Davies SP, Butler AE, Stamataki Z. Targeting Enclysis in Liver Autoimmunity, Transplantation, Viral Infection and Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:662134. [PMID: 33953725 PMCID: PMC8089374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.662134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent liver inflammation can lead to cirrhosis, which associates with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are no curative treatments beyond transplantation, followed by long-term immunosuppression. The global burden of end stage liver disease has been increasing and there is a shortage of donor organs, therefore new therapies are desperately needed. Harnessing the power of the immune system has shown promise in certain autoimmunity and cancer settings. In the context of the liver, regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies are in development. The hypothesis is that these specialized lymphocytes that dampen inflammation may reduce liver injury in patients with chronic, progressive diseases, and promote transplant tolerance. Various strategies including intrinsic and extracorporeal expansion of Treg cells, aim to increase their abundance to suppress immune responses. We recently discovered that hepatocytes engulf and delete Treg cells by enclysis. Herein, we propose that inhibition of enclysis may potentiate existing regulatory T cell therapeutic approaches in patients with autoimmune liver diseases and in patients receiving a transplant. Moreover, in settings where the abundance of Treg cells could hinder beneficial immunity, such us in chronic viral infection or liver cancer, enhancement of enclysis could result in transient, localized reduction of Treg cell numbers and tip the balance towards antiviral and anti-tumor immunity. We describe enclysis as is a natural process of liver immune regulation that lends itself to therapeutic targeting, particularly in combination with current Treg cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zania Stamataki
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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15
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Strategies for Liver Transplantation Tolerance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052253. [PMID: 33668238 PMCID: PMC7956766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplant (LT) recipients require life-long immunosuppression (IS) therapy to preserve allograft function. The risks of chronic IS include an increased frequency of malignancy, infection, renal impairment, and other systemic toxicities. Despite advances in IS, long-term LT outcomes have not been improved over the past three decades. Standard-of-care (SoC) therapy can, in rare cases, lead to development of operational tolerance that permits safe withdrawal of maintenance IS. However, successful IS withdrawal cannot be reliably predicted and, in current prospective studies, is attempted several years after the transplant procedure, after considerable exposure to the cumulative burden of maintenance therapy. A recent pilot clinical trial in liver tolerance induction demonstrated that peri-transplant immunomodulation, using a regulatory T-cell (Treg) approach, can reduce donor-specific alloreactivity and allow early IS withdrawal. Herein we review protocols for active tolerance induction in liver transplantation, with a focus on identifying tolerogenic cell populations, as well as barriers to tolerance. In addition, we propose the use of novel IS agents to promote immunomodulatory mechanisms favoring tolerance. With numerous IS withdrawal trials underway, improved monitoring and use of novel immunomodulatory strategies will help provide the necessary knowledge to establish an active liver tolerance induction protocol for widespread use.
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16
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Doyle EH, Aloman C, El-Shamy A, Eng F, Rahman A, Klepper AL, Haydel B, Florman SS, Fiel MI, Schiano T, Branch AD. A subset of liver resident natural killer cells is expanded in hepatitis C-infected patients with better liver function. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1551. [PMID: 33452360 PMCID: PMC7810844 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis leads to immune-mediated liver injury. The rate of disease progression varies between individuals. We aimed to phenotype immune cells associated with preservation of normal liver function during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Clinical data and specimens were obtained from 19 HCV-infected patients undergoing liver transplantation. Liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and eight subsets of innate immune cells were delineated by multiparameter flow cytometry. Cytokine assays and microarrays were performed. Intrahepatic CD56Bright/CD16- natural killer (NK) cells comprised the only subset correlating with better liver function, i.e., lower bilirubin (p = 0.0002) and lower model for end stage of liver disease scores (p = 0.03). The signature of liver NK cells from HCV-infected patients included genes expressed by NK cells in normal liver and by decidual NK cells. Portal vein blood had a higher concentration of interleukin (IL)-10 than peripheral blood (p = 0.03). LMCs were less responsive to toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation than PBMCs, with fewer pro-inflammatory gene-expression pathways up-regulated after in vitro exposure to lipopolysaccharide and a TLR-7/8 agonist. Hepatic CD56Bright/CD16- NK cells may be critical for maintaining liver homeostasis. Portal vein IL-10 may prime inhibitory pathways, attenuating TLR signaling and reducing responsiveness to pro-inflammatory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin H Doyle
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School, 1425 Madison Ave., Icahn 11-23, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | | | - Ahmed El-Shamy
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School, 1425 Madison Ave., Icahn 11-23, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Francis Eng
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School, 1425 Madison Ave., Icahn 11-23, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Adeeb Rahman
- Human Immune Monitoring Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arielle L Klepper
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School, 1425 Madison Ave., Icahn 11-23, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Brandy Haydel
- Recanati Miller Transplantation Institute, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sander S Florman
- Recanati Miller Transplantation Institute, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Isabel Fiel
- Department of Pathology, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Schiano
- Recanati Miller Transplantation Institute, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea D Branch
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School, 1425 Madison Ave., Icahn 11-23, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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17
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Merritt E, Londoño MC, Childs K, Whitehouse G, Kodela E, Sánchez-Fueyo A, Martínez-Llordella M. On the impact of hepatitis C virus and heterologous immunity on alloimmune responses following liver transplantation. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:247-257. [PMID: 32524678 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Virus-induced heterologous immunity is considered a barrier to transplantation tolerance. Yet, hepatitis C (HCV)-infected liver transplant (LT) patients occasionally achieve operational tolerance. We investigated the mechanisms through which HCV infection modulates donor-specific T cell responses following LT and the influence of HCV eradication. We generated T cell lines from HCV-infected LT and non-LT patients before and after HCV eradication and quantified alloreactive responses using cell lines expressing single-HLA class-I antigens in the presence/absence of PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade. HCV-specific CD8+ T cells cross-reacted with allogeneic class-I HLA molecules. HCV-positive LT recipients exhibited a higher proportion of CD8+ T cells coexpressing inhibitory receptors (PD-1/CTLA4) than HCV-negative LT, and their expression correlated with CXCL10 plasma levels. This resulted in decreased antidonor and third-party proliferative responses, which were significantly reversed by HCV eradication. PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade increased the proportion of HCV-specific CD8+ T cells reacting against donor only before viral clearance. In conclusion, HCV infection results in the generation of HCV-specific CD8+ T cells capable of reacting against allogeneic HLA molecules. Following LT, this results in a PD-1/CTLA4-dependent decrease in alloimmune responses. Our findings challenge the notion that heterologous immunity is necessarily detrimental in LT and provide an explanation for the association between HCV eradication and immune-mediated allograft damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Merritt
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, Faculty e Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria-Carlota Londoño
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, Faculty e Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, London, UK
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kate Childs
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, Faculty e Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gavin Whitehouse
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, Faculty e Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elisavet Kodela
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, Faculty e Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Fueyo
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, Faculty e Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marc Martínez-Llordella
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Department of Inflammation Biology, Faculty e Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, London, UK
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18
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Thomson AW, Vionnet J, Sanchez-Fueyo A. Understanding, predicting and achieving liver transplant tolerance: from bench to bedside. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 17:719-739. [PMID: 32759983 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-0334-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the past 40 years, liver transplantation has evolved from a high-risk procedure to one that offers high success rates for reversal of liver dysfunction and excellent patient and graft survival. The liver is the most tolerogenic of transplanted organs; indeed, immunosuppressive therapy can be completely withdrawn without rejection of the graft in carefully selected, stable long-term liver recipients. However, in other recipients, chronic allograft injury, late graft failure and the adverse effects of anti-rejection therapy remain important obstacles to improved success. The liver has a unique composition of parenchymal and immune cells that regulate innate and adaptive immunity and that can promote antigen-specific tolerance. Although the mechanisms underlying liver transplant tolerance are not well understood, important insights have been gained into how the local microenvironment, hepatic immune cells and specific molecular pathways can promote donor-specific tolerance. These insights provide a basis for the identification of potential clinical biomarkers that might correlate with tolerance or rejection and for the development of novel therapeutic targets. Innovative approaches aimed at promoting immunosuppressive drug minimization or withdrawal include the adoptive transfer of donor-derived or recipient-derived regulatory immune cells to promote liver transplant tolerance. In this Review, we summarize and discuss these developments and their implications for liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus W Thomson
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Julien Vionnet
- Institute of Liver Studies, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Transplantation, School of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, King's College London University, King's College Hospital, London, UK.,Transplantation Center, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Service of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo
- Institute of Liver Studies, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Transplantation, School of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, King's College London University, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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19
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Tanimine N, Ohira M, Tahara H, Ide K, Tanaka Y, Onoe T, Ohdan H. Strategies for Deliberate Induction of Immune Tolerance in Liver Transplantation: From Preclinical Models to Clinical Application. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1615. [PMID: 32849546 PMCID: PMC7412931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver exhibits intrinsic immune regulatory properties that maintain tolerance to endogenous and exogenous antigens, and provide protection against pathogens. Such an immune privilege contributes to susceptibility to spontaneous acceptance despite major histocompatibility complex mismatch when transplanted in animal models. Furthermore, the presence of a liver allograft can suppress the rejection of other solid tissue/organ grafts from the same donor. Despite this immune privilege of the livers, to control the undesired alloimmune responses in humans, most liver transplant recipients require long-term treatment with immune-suppressive drugs that predispose to cardiometabolic side effects and renal insufficiency. Understanding the mechanism of liver transplant tolerance and crosstalk between a variety of hepatic immune cells, such as dendritic cells, Kupffer cells, liver sinusoidas endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells and so on, and alloreactive T cells would lead to the development of strategies for deliberate induction of more specific immune tolerance in a clinical setting. In this review article, we focus on results derived from basic studies that have attempted to elucidate the immune modulatory mechanisms of liver constituent cells and clinical trials that induced immune tolerance after liver transplantation by utilizing the immune-privilege potential of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Tanimine
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tahara
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ide
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuka Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Onoe
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, National Hospital Organization, Kure, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohdan
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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20
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Levitsky J, Burrell BE, Kanaparthi S, Turka LA, Kurian S, Sanchez-Fueyo A, Lozano JJ, Demetris A, Lesniak A, Kirk AD, Stempora L, Yang GY, Mathew JM. Immunosuppression Withdrawal in Liver Transplant Recipients on Sirolimus. Hepatology 2020; 72:569-583. [PMID: 31721246 PMCID: PMC7217743 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS As conversion from calcineurin inhibitor to sirolimus (SRL), a mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTOR-I), has been shown to enhance immunoregulatory profiles in liver transplant (LT) recipients (LTRs), mTOR-I therapy might allow for increased success of immunosuppression (IS) withdrawal. Our aim was to determine if operational tolerance could be observed in LTRs withdrawn from SRL and if blood/graft tolerance biomarkers were predictive of successful withdrawal. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed a prospective trial of SRL monotherapy withdrawal in nonimmune, nonviremic LTRs > 3 years post-LT. SRL was weaned over ~6 months, and biopsies were performed 12 months postweaning or at concern for acute rejection. Twenty-one LTRs consented; 6 were excluded due to subclinical acute rejection on baseline biopsy or other reasons, and 15 underwent weaning (age 61.3 ± 8.8 years; LT to SRL weaning 6.7 ± 3 years). Eight (53%) achieved operational tolerance (TOL). Of the 7 who were nontolerant (non-TOL), 6 had mild acute rejection on biopsy near the end of weaning or at study end; 1 was removed from the trial due to liver cancer recurrence. At baseline preweaning, there were statistically increased blood tolerogenic dendritic cells and cell phenotypes correlating with chronic antigen presentation in the TOL versus non-TOL groups. A previously identified biopsy gene signature accurately predicted TOL versus non-TOL in 12/14 LTRs before weaning. At study end, biopsy staining revealed statistically significant increases in antigen-presenting cell:leukocyte pairings, FOXP3+ /CD4+ T cells, Tbet+ /CD8+ T cells, and lobular dendritic cells in the non-TOL group. CONCLUSIONS This study evaluated IS withdrawal directly from mTOR-I therapy in LTRs and achieved > 50% operational tolerance. Preweaning gene expression and peripheral blood mononuclear cell profiling may be useful as predictors of successful mTOR-I therapy withdrawal. NCT02062944.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Levitsky
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | | | - Laurence A. Turka
- Immune Tolerance Network, Bethesda, MD; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Sunil Kurian
- Scripps Clinic Bio-Repository and Transplantation Research, La Jolla, California, United States
| | | | - Juan J. Lozano
- Biomedical Research Center in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases, Carlos III Health Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Guang-Yu Yang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - James M. Mathew
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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21
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Tolerance Biomarkers in Liver Transplantation: Independent External Validation of the Predictive Strength of SENP6 and FEM1C Gene Expression. Transplantation 2020; 103:1887-1892. [PMID: 30720688 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have emphasized the genetic and phenotypic profiles of tolerant transplant patients. Moreover, different groups have defined several biomarkers, trying to distinguish patients who are going to be tolerant from those who are going to reject. However, most of these biomarkers have not been validated by other groups or even established for clinical practice. METHODS We reanalyzed and stratified the predictive capacity of 20 previously described biomarkers for liver transplantation tolerance in a cohort of 17 liver transplant patients subjected to an independent, nonrandomized, prospective study of immunosuppression drug withdrawal. RESULTS Only 4 of the 20 studied biomarkers (expression of SENP6, FEM1C, miR31, and miR95) showed a strong predictive capacity in the present study. miR31 and FEM1C presented an area under the ROC curve of 96.7%, followed by SENP1 with 93.3%. Finally, miR95 had an area under the ROC curve value <86.7%. CONCLUSIONS Even though this independent analysis seems to confirm the predictive strength of SENP6 and FEM1C in liver transplantation tolerance, there are also risks in establishing biomarkers for clinical phenotypes without an understanding of how they are biologically relevant. Future collaborations between groups should be promoted so that the most promising biomarkers can be validated and implemented in daily clinical practice.
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22
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Dai H, Zheng Y, Thomson AW, Rogers NM. Transplant Tolerance Induction: Insights From the Liver. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1044. [PMID: 32582167 PMCID: PMC7289953 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A comparison of pre-clinical transplant models and of solid organs transplanted in routine clinical practice demonstrates that the liver is most amenable to the development of immunological tolerance. This phenomenon arises in the absence of stringent conditioning regimens that accompany published tolerizing protocols for other organs, particularly the kidney. The unique immunologic properties of the liver have assisted our understanding of the alloimmune response and how it can be manipulated to improve graft function and survival. This review will address important findings following liver transplantation in both animals and humans, and how these have driven the understanding and development of therapeutic immunosuppressive options. We will discuss the liver's unique system of immune and non-immune cells that regulate immunity, yet maintain effective responses to pathogens, as well as mechanisms of liver transplant tolerance in pre-clinical models and humans, including current immunosuppressive drug withdrawal trials and biomarkers of tolerance. In addition, we will address innovative therapeutic strategies, including mesenchymal stem cell, regulatory T cell, and regulatory dendritic cell therapy to promote liver allograft tolerance or minimization of immunosuppression in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helong Dai
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Organ Transplantation in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yawen Zheng
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Organ Transplantation in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Center, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Angus W Thomson
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Natasha M Rogers
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Center for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Renal Division, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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Tolerance studies in liver transplantation: are we fooling ourselves? Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2020; 25:151-157. [DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Complement C1q mediates the expansion of periportal hepatic progenitor cells in senescence-associated inflammatory liver. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:6717-6725. [PMID: 32139604 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918028117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) develop in patients with chronic hepatitis, which creates a microenvironment for the growth of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) at the periportal area and subsequent development of HCCs. We investigated the signal from the inflammatory liver for this pathogenic process in the hepatic conditional β-catenin knockout mouse model. Senescent β-catenin-depleted hepatocytes in aged mice create an inflammatory microenvironment that stimulates periportal HPC expansion but arrests differentiation, which predisposes mice to the development of liver tumors. The release of complement C1q from macrophages in the inflammatory niche was identified as the unorthodox signal that activated the β-catenin pathway in periportal HPCs and was responsible for their expansion and de-differentiation. C1q inhibitors blocked the β-catenin pathway in both the expanding HPCs and the liver tumors but spared its orthodox pathway in pericentral normal hepatocytes. This mechanism has been validated in human liver specimens from patients with chronic hepatitis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that C1q- mediated activation of β-catenin pathway in periportal HPCs is a previously unrecognized mechanism for replenishing hepatocytes in the inflammatory liver and, if unchecked, for promoting hepatocarcinogenesis. C1q may become a new target for blocking carcinogenesis in patients with chronic hepatitis.
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Yu S, Su C, Luo X. Impact of infection on transplantation tolerance. Immunol Rev 2019; 292:243-263. [PMID: 31538351 PMCID: PMC6961566 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Allograft tolerance is the ultimate goal of organ transplantation. Current strategies for tolerance induction mainly focus on inhibiting alloreactive T cells while promoting regulatory immune cells. Pathogenic infections may have direct impact on both effector and regulatory cell populations, therefore can alter host susceptibility to transplantation tolerance induction as well as impair the quality and stability of tolerance once induced. In this review, we will discuss existing data demonstrating the effect of infections on transplantation tolerance, with particular emphasis on the role of the stage of infection (acute, chronic, or latent) and the stage of tolerance (induction or maintenance) in this infection-tolerance interaction. While the deleterious effect of acute infection on tolerance is mainly driven by proinflammatory cytokines induced shortly after the infection, chronic infection may generate exhausted T cells that could in fact facilitate transplantation tolerance. In addition to pathogenic infections, commensal intestinal microbiota also has numerous significant immunomodulatory effects that can shape the host alloimmunity following transplantation. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for the development of therapeutic strategies for robustly inducing and stably maintaining transplantation tolerance while preserving host anti-pathogen immunity in clinically relevant scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangjin Yu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States
- Division of Organ transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Chang Su
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Xunrong Luo
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States
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Manzia TM, Angelico R, Gazia C, Lenci I, Milana M, Ademoyero OT, Pedini D, Toti L, Spada M, Tisone G, Baiocchi L. De novo malignancies after liver transplantation: The effect of immunosuppression-personal data and review of literature. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:5356-5375. [PMID: 31558879 PMCID: PMC6761240 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i35.5356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosuppression has undoubtedly raised the overall positive outcomes in the post-operative management of solid organ transplantation. However, long-term exposure to immunosuppression is associated with critical systemic morbidities. De novo malignancies following orthotopic liver transplants (OLTs) are a serious threat in pediatric and adult transplant individuals. Data from different experiences were reported and compared to assess the connection between immunosuppression and de novo malignancies in liver transplant patients.
AIM To study the role of immunosuppression on the incidence of de novo malignancies in liver transplant recipients.
METHODS A systematic literature examination about de novo malignancies and immunosuppression weaning in adult and pediatric OLT recipients was described in the present review. Worldwide data were collected from highly qualified institutions performing OLTs. Patient follow-up, immunosuppression discontinuation and incidence of de novo malignancies were reported. Likewise, the review assesses the differences in adult and pediatric recipients by describing the adopted immunosuppression regimens and the different type of diagnosed solid and blood malignancy.
RESULTS Emerging evidence suggests that the liver is an immunologically privileged organ able to support immunosuppression discontinuation in carefully selected recipients. Malignancies are often detected in liver transplant patients undergoing daily immunosuppression regimens. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative diseases and skin tumors are the most detected de novo malignancies in the pediatric and adult OLT population, respectively. To date, immunosuppression withdrawal has been achieved in up to 40% and 60% of well-selected adult and pediatric recipients, respectively. In both populations, a clear benefit of immunosuppression weaning protocols on de novo malignancies is difficult to ascertain because data have not been specified in most of the clinical experiences.
CONCLUSION The selected populations of tolerant pediatric and adult liver transplant recipients greatly benefit from immunosuppression weaning. There is still no strong clinical evidence on the usefulness of immunosuppression withdrawal in OLT recipients on malignancies. An interesting focus is represented by the complete reconstitution of the immunological pathways that could help in decreasing the incidence of de novo malignancies and may also help in treating liver transplant patients suffering from cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Maria Manzia
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Roberta Angelico
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Carlo Gazia
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
| | - Ilaria Lenci
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Martina Milana
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | | | - Domiziana Pedini
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Luca Toti
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Marco Spada
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
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Wang Y, Rao H, Chi X, Li B, Liu H, Wu L, Zhang H, Liu S, Zhou G, Li N, Niu J, Wei L, Zhao J. Detection of residual HCV-RNA in patients who have achieved sustained virological response is associated with persistent histological abnormality. EBioMedicine 2019; 46:227-235. [PMID: 31345785 PMCID: PMC6711338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether achieving sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with hepatitis C attains complete elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is unknown, because occult HCV infection (OCI), defined as the detection of HCV-RNA in hepatocytes or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in absence of serum HCV-RNA, may occur. We thus investigated the prevalence and clinical relevance of OCI. METHODS Subjects from three hospitals who had achieved serum HCV clearance, including 60 of Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) induced SVR, 50 of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PR) induced SVR, and 30 of spontaneous resolution, were subjected to detect HCV-RNA in liver by robust RNAscope assay and PBMC by qPCR. Paired liver biopsies at baseline and at SVR24 were analyzed. RESULTS OCI was detected in 16 of 140 subjects (11.4%), with 15.0% in DAA-based group, 10.0% in PR group and 6.7% in spontaneously resolved group. In DAA-based subgroups, the incidence of OCI was gradually increased in group of solely DAA(s) therapy, combining DAA and PR therapy and combining DAA and ribavirin therapy. OCI is more frequent in patients with genotype 3. No correlation between baseline viral load, interleukin-28B genotype, baseline transaminases, post-SVR transaminases and OCI were found. However, OCI was significantly linked with severity of fibrosis and active inflammation at post-SVR, even considering basal fibrosis status. In addition, both the magnitude and the frequency of fibrosis regression were lower in patients with OCI than in those without OCI. In the multivariate analysis, PR therapy was identified an independent negative prognostic factor for both hepatic inflammation (P = .022) and fibrosis regression (P = .015). Importantly, we found HCV relapse in one of the OCI patients at 48 weeks after the end of PR treatment. CONCLUSIONS HCV-RNA can persist in hepatocytes and/or PBMC in a certain of patients who achieved spontaneous or treatment-induced HCV RNA clearance from serum and associated with persistent histological abnormality. Our findings provide new insights into cure of HCV and could influence the following-up scenario after SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijin Wang
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Huiying Rao
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumei Chi
- Department of Hepatology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Boan Li
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Hongyang Liu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Liyuan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Shuhong Liu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Gaungde Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Na Li
- Advanced Cell Diagnostics, 3960 Point Eden Way, Hayward, CA 94545, USA
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Lai Wei
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, China.
| | - Jingmin Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, the 5th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, China.
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Hansel C, Erschfeld S, Baues M, Lammers T, Weiskirchen R, Trautwein C, Kroy DC, Drescher HK. The Inhibitory T Cell Receptors PD1 and 2B4 Are Differentially Regulated on CD4 and CD8 T Cells in a Mouse Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:244. [PMID: 30949049 PMCID: PMC6436071 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Infiltrating CD4 and CD8 T cells have been shown to worsen inflammatory liver damage in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Inhibitory T cell receptors such as the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and the natural killer cell receptor 2B4 regulate the activity of CD4 and CD8 T cells and therefore play an important role in immune tolerance required in the liver. In this study, we investigated the expression profile of inhibitory T cell receptors on CD4 and CD8 T cells in a mouse model of NASH. Male B57BL/6J mice were fed a Western diet for 24 weeks. The expression levels of inhibitory receptors on the surface of intrahepatic and peripheral T cells were measured and correlated with markers of activation (CD107a, CD69, and CD44), metabolic disorder (serum triglycerides, serum cholesterol, γ-glutamyl transferase, hepatic triglycerides), inflammation (serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and hepatic fibrosis (collagen 1A1, α-smooth muscle actin, hydroxyproline). Under Western diet, PD1 is exclusively upregulated on intrahepatic and peripheral CD8+ T cells, whereas the expression level on CD4 T cells is unaffected. In contrast, 2B4 is upregulated liver-specifically on both CD4 and CD8 T cells and unchanged on peripheral T cells. Upregulation of PD1 on CD8 T cells is restricted to CD8 effector memory T cells and correlates with lower levels of degranulation. Similarly, the inhibitory function of PD1 on intrahepatic CD4 T cells is shown by a lower CD69 and CD44 expression on PD1-positive CD4 T cells. In murine steatohepatitis, the upregulation of PD1 on CD8 T cells and 2B4 on CD4 and CD8 T cells potentially limits T cell-mediated liver damage. Therefore, these inhibitory T cell receptors could serve as promising targets of immune-modulatory NASH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordula Hansel
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Erschfeld
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maike Baues
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy, and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniela C Kroy
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hannah K Drescher
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Huang H, Lu Y, Zhou T, Gu G, Xia Q. Innate Immune Cells in Immune Tolerance After Liver Transplantation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2401. [PMID: 30473690 PMCID: PMC6237933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. Immunosuppressive agents are required to be taken after the operations, which have significantly reduced rejection rates and improved the short-term (<1 year) survival rates. However, post-transplant complications related to the immunosuppressive therapy have led to the development of new protocols aimed at protecting renal function and preventing de novo cancer and dysmetabolic syndrome. Donor specific immune tolerance, which means the mature immune systems of recipients will not attack the grafts under the conditions without any immunosuppression therapies, is considered the optimal state after liver transplantation. There have been studies that have shown that some patients can reach this immune tolerance state after liver transplantation. The intrahepatic immune system is quite different from that in other solid organs, especially the innate immune system. It contains a variety of liver specific cells, such as liver-derived dendritic cells, Kupffer cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, liver-derived natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, and so on. Depending on their specific structures and functions, these intrahepatic innate immune cells play important roles in the development of intrahepatic immune tolerance. In this article, in order to have a deeper understanding of the tolerogenic functions of liver, we summarized the molecular mechanisms of immune tolerance induced by intrahepatic innate immune cells after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongting Huang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yefeng Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangxiang Gu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Lee YH, Seo JW, Kim YG, Moon JY, Kim JS, Jeong KH, Kim BM, Kim KW, Yang CW, Kim CD, Park JB, Kim YH, Chung BH, Lee SH. Validation Study of an Operational Tolerance Signature in Korean Kidney Transplant Recipients. Immune Netw 2018; 18:e36. [PMID: 30402331 PMCID: PMC6215901 DOI: 10.4110/in.2018.18.e36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Operational tolerance (OT), defined as maintaining stable graft function without immunosuppression after transplant surgery, is an ideal goal for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Recent investigations have demonstrated the distinctive features of B cells, T cells, and dendritic cell-related gene signatures and the distributions of circulating lymphocytes in these patients; nonetheless, substantial heterogeneities exist across studies. This study was conducted to determine whether previously reported candidate gene biomarkers and the profiles of lymphocyte subsets of OT could be applied in Korean KTRs. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 153 patients, including 7 operationally tolerant patients. Quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate gene expression and lymphocyte subsets, respectively. Patients with OT showed significantly higher levels of B cell-related gene signatures (IGKV1D-13 and IGKV4-1), while T cell-related genes (TOAG-1) and dendritic cell-related genes (BNC2, KLF6, and CYP1B1) were not differentially expressed across groups. Lymphocyte subset analyses also revealed a higher proportion of immature B cells in this group. In contrast, the distributions of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, mature B cells, and memory B cells showed no differences across diagnostic groups. An OT signature, generated by the integration of IGKV1D-13, IGKV4-1, and immature B cells, effectively discriminated patients with OT from those in other diagnostic groups. Finally, the OT signature was observed among 5.6% of patients who had stable graft function for more than 10 years while on immunosuppression. In conclusion, we validated an association of B cells and their related signature with OT in Korean KTRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ho Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Jung-Woo Seo
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Yang Gyun Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Ju-Young Moon
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Jin Sug Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwan Jeong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Bo-Mi Kim
- Transplant Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Kyoung Woon Kim
- Transplant Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Chul Woo Yang
- Transplant Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Chan-Duck Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41404, Korea
| | - Jae Berm Park
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Yeong Hoon Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Korea
| | - Byung Ha Chung
- Transplant Research Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
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Diskitis, Osteomyelitis, Spinal Epidural Abscess, Meningitis, and Endocarditis Following Sacroiliac Joint Injection for the Treatment of Low-Back Pain in a Patient on Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2018; 42:517-520. [PMID: 28492440 DOI: 10.1097/aap.0000000000000608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sacroiliac joint injections are frequently performed procedures in the management of acute and chronic low-back pain, including patients with various immunocompromised states. Infectious complications following these procedures along with other spinal injections are rarely reported, but the true incidence is unknown. The purpose of this report is to highlight the devastating neurologic sequela that can occur, and to discuss potential future management strategies. CASE REPORT We present a patient who developed diskitis, osteomyelitis, spinal epidural abscess, meningitis, and endocarditis from Staphylococcus aureus, all of which developed shortly after a sacroiliac joint injection. The patient was on treatment for hepatitis C virus, and the resulting immunocompromised state likely contributed to the outcome. CONCLUSIONS Immunocompromised patients should be identified prior to treatment, and the small possibility of devastating complications should be thoughtfully weighed against the potential benefit of the procedure. Conservative management should be maximized initially, and if a procedure is done, strict asepsis must be maintained. Prophylaxis for S. aureus should be considered for immunocompromised patients undergoing interventional spine procedures.
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Ezekian B, Schroder PM, Freischlag K, Yoon J, Kwun J, Knechtle SJ. Contemporary Strategies and Barriers to Transplantation Tolerance. Transplantation 2018; 102:1213-1222. [PMID: 29757903 PMCID: PMC6059978 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to discuss immunologic tolerance as it applies to solid organ transplantation and to identify barriers that hinder the achievement of this long-term goal. First, the definition of tolerance and an introduction of mechanisms by which tolerance exists or can be achieved will be discussed. Next, a review of contemporary attempts at achieving transplant tolerance will be described. Finally, a discussion of the humoral barriers to transplantation tolerance and potential ways to overcome these barriers will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Ezekian
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Paul M. Schroder
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Kyle Freischlag
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Janghoon Yoon
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Jean Kwun
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Stuart J. Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Ringelhan M, McKeating JA, Protzer U. Viral hepatitis and liver cancer. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0274. [PMID: 28893941 PMCID: PMC5597741 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B and C viruses are a global health problem causing acute and chronic infections that can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These infections are the leading cause for HCC worldwide and are associated with significant mortality, accounting for more than 1.3 million deaths per year. Owing to its high incidence and resistance to treatment, liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with HCC representing approximately 90% of all primary liver cancer cases. The majority of viral-associated HCC cases develop in subjects with liver cirrhosis; however, hepatitis B virus infection can promote HCC development without prior end-stage liver disease. Thus, understanding the role of hepatitis B and C viral infections in HCC development is essential for the future design of treatments and therapies for this cancer. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on hepatitis B and C virus hepatocarcinogenesis and highlight direct and indirect risk factors. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Human oncogenic viruses’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ringelhan
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstrasse 30, 81675 Muenchen, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hopsital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 Muenchen, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Institute for Advanced Science, Technical University of Munich, Muenchen, Germany .,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstrasse 30, 81675 Muenchen, Germany .,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich.,Institute for Advanced Science, Technical University of Munich, Muenchen, Germany
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36
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Litjens NHR, van der Wagen L, Kuball J, Kwekkeboom J. Potential Beneficial Effects of Cytomegalovirus Infection after Transplantation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:389. [PMID: 29545802 PMCID: PMC5838002 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause significant complications after transplantation, but recent emerging data suggest that CMV may paradoxically also exert beneficial effects in two specific allogeneic transplant settings. These potential benefits have been underappreciated and are therefore highlighted in this review. First, after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell-replete grafts, CMV reactivation is associated with protection from leukemic relapse. This association was not observed for other hematologic malignancies. This anti-leukemic effect might be mediated by CMV-driven expansion of donor-derived memory-like NKG2C+ NK and Vδ2negγδ T-cells. Donor-derived NK cells probably recognize recipient leukemic blasts by engagement of NKG2C with HLA-E and/or by the lack of donor (self) HLA molecules. Vδ2negγδ T cells probably recognize as yet unidentified antigens on leukemic blasts via their TCR. Second, immunological imprints of CMV infection, such as expanded numbers of Vδ2negγδ T cells and terminally differentiated TCRαβ+ T cells, as well as enhanced NKG2C gene expression in peripheral blood of operationally tolerant liver transplant patients, suggest that CMV infection or reactivation may be associated with liver graft acceptance. Mechanistically, poor alloreactivity of CMV-induced terminally differentiated TCRαβ+ T cells and CMV-induced IFN-driven adaptive immune resistance mechanisms in liver grafts may be involved. In conclusion, direct associations indicate that CMV reactivation may protect against AML relapse after allogeneic HSCT, and indirect associations suggest that CMV infection may promote allograft acceptance after liver transplantation. The causative mechanisms need further investigations, but are probably related to the profound and sustained imprint of CMV infection on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolle H R Litjens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lotte van der Wagen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jaap Kwekkeboom
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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37
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Biomarkers of immune tolerance in liver transplantation. Hum Immunol 2018; 79:388-394. [PMID: 29462637 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The liver exhibits intrinsic immune tolerogenic properties that contribute to a unique propensity toward spontaneous acceptance when transplanted, both in animal models and in humans. Thus, in contrast to what happens after transplantation of other solid organs, several years following liver transplantation a significant subset of patients are capable of maintaining normal allograft function with histological integrity in the absence of immunosuppressive drug treatment. Significant efforts have been put into identifying sensitive and specific biomarkers of tolerance in order to stratify liver transplant recipients according to their need for immunosuppressive medication and their likelihood of being able to completely discontinue it. These biomarkers are currently being validated in prospective clinical trials of immunosuppression withdrawal both in Europe and in the United States. These studies have the potential to transform the clinical management of liver transplant recipients by mitigating, at least in part, the burden of lifelong immunosuppression.
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38
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Mathew JM, Ansari MJ, Gallon L, Leventhal JR. Cellular and functional biomarkers of clinical transplant tolerance. Hum Immunol 2018; 79:322-333. [PMID: 29374560 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Development of tolerance protocols requires assays or biomarkers that distinguish tolerant recipients from non-tolerant ones to be established. In addition, a thorough understanding of the plausible mechanisms associated with clinical transplant tolerance is necessary to take the field forward. Unlike the majority of molecular signature analyses utilized by others, the emphasis of this article is on the cellular and functional biomarkers of induced transplant tolerance. Immunity to an organ transplant is very complex, comprised of two broad categories - innate and acquired or adaptive immune responses. Innate immunity can be avoided by eliminating or preventing ischemic injuries to the donor organ and tolerance at the level of adaptive immunity can be induced by infusions of a number of cellular products. Since adaptive immune response consists of inflammatory hypersensitivity, cellular (cytotoxic and helper) and humoral aspects, all these need to be measured, and the recipients who demonstrate donor-specific unresponsiveness in all can be considered tolerant or candidates for immunosuppression minimization and/or withdrawal. The mechanisms by which these agents bring about transplant tolerance include regulation, anergy, exhaustion, senescence and deletion of the recipient immune cells. Another proven mechanism of tolerance is full or mixed donor chimerism. However, it should be cautioned that non-deletional tolerance can be reversed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Mathew
- Department of Surgery - Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Mohammed Javeed Ansari
- Department of Surgery - Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Medicine-Nephrology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lorenzo Gallon
- Department of Surgery - Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Medicine-Nephrology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph R Leventhal
- Department of Surgery - Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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39
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Feng S, Bucuvalas J. Tolerance after liver transplantation: Where are we? Liver Transpl 2017; 23:1601-1614. [PMID: 28834221 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Impeccable management of immunosuppression is required to ensure the best longterm outcomes for liver transplant recipients. This is particularly challenging for children who arguably need 8 decades of graft and patient survival. Too little risks chronic, often subclinical allo-immune injury while too much risks insidious and cumulative toxicities. Historically, immunosuppression minimization or withdrawal has been a strategy to optimize the longevity of liver transplant recipients. The literature is sprinkled with single-center reports of operationally tolerant patients - those with apparently normal liver function and liver tests. However, without biopsy evidence of immunological quiescence, confidence in the phenotypic assignment of tolerance is shaky. More recently, multicenter trials of immunosuppression withdrawal for highly selected, stable, longterm adult and pediatric liver recipients have shown tolerance rates, based on both biochemical and histological assessment, of 40% and 60%, respectively. Extended biochemical and histologic follow-up of children over 8 years, equivalent to 7+ years off of drug, suggests that operational tolerance is robust. Therefore, clearly, immunosuppression can be completely and safety withdrawn from highly-selected subsets of adults and children. However, these trials have also confirmed that clinically ideal recipients - those eligible for immunosuppression withdrawal trial - can harbor significant and worrisome inflammation and/or fibrosis. Although the etiology and prognosis of these findings remain unknown, it is reasonable to surmise that they may reflect an anti-donor immune response that is insufficiently controlled. To achieve the outcomes that we are seeking and that our patients are demanding, we desperately need noninvasive but accurate biomarkers that identify whether immunosuppression is neither too much nor too little but "just right." Until these are available, liver histology remains the gold standard to assess allograft health and guide immunosuppression management. Liver Transplantation 23 1601-1614 2017 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Feng
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - John Bucuvalas
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
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40
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Angelico R, Parente A, Manzia TM. Using a weaning immunosuppression protocol in liver transplantation recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a compromise between the risk of recurrence and the risk of rejection? Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:74. [PMID: 29034347 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2017.08.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence rate after liver transplantation (LT) is still up to 15-20%, despite a careful selection of candidates and optimization of the management within the waiting list. To reduce tumour recurrence, the currently adopted post-transplant strategies are based on the administration of a tailored immunosuppression (IS) regimen. Drug-induced depression of the immune system is essential in preventing graft rejection, however has a well-established association with oncogenesis. The immune system has a key role as a defending mechanism against cancer development, preventing vascular invasion and metastasis. Thus, IS drugs represent one of few modifiable non-oncological risk factors for tumour recurrence. In HCC recipients, a tailored IS therapy, with the aim to minimize drugs' doses, is essential to gain the optimal balance between the risk of rejection and the risk of tumour recurrence. So far, a complete withdrawal of IS drugs after LT is reported to be safely achievable in 25% of patients (defined as "operational tolerant"), without the risk of patient and graft loss. The recent identification of non-invasive "bio-markers of tolerance", which permit to identify patients who could successfully withdraw IS therapies, opens new perspectives in the management of HCC after LT. IS withdrawal could potentially reduce the risk of tumour recurrence, which represents the major drawback in HCC recipients. Herein, we review the current literature on IS weaning in patients who underwent LT for HCC as primary indication and we report the largest experiences on IS withdrawal in HCC recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Angelico
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Liver Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Research Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Parente
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Liver Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Maria Manzia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Liver Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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41
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Werner JM, Adenugba A, Protzer U. Immune Reconstitution After HCV Clearance With Direct Antiviral Agents: Potential Consequences for Patients With HCC? Transplantation 2017; 101:904-909. [PMID: 27941432 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent introduction of all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment has revolutionized care of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Because patients with different liver disease stages have been treated with great success including those awaiting liver transplantation, therapy has been extended to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma as well. From observational studies among compensated cirrhotic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon-containing regimens, it would have been expected that the rate of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence is markedly decreased after a sustained virological response. However, recently 2 studies have been published reporting markedly increased rates of tumor recurrence and occurrence after viral clearance with DAA agents. Over the last decades, it has been established that chronic antigen stimulation during persistent infection with hepatitis C virus is associated with continuous activation and impaired function of several immune cell populations, such as natural killer cells and virus-specific T cells. This review therefore focuses on recent studies evaluating the restoration of adaptive and innate immune cell populations after DAA therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the context of the immune responses in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens M Werner
- 1 Department of Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. 2 Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
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42
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Geng L, Huang JJ, Lin BY, Chen TC, Shen T, Zheng SS. Characteristics of recipients with complete immunosuppressant withdrawal after adult liver transplantation. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2017; 16:437-439. [PMID: 28823376 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(17)60043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Geng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jun-Jie Huang
- Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Bing-Yi Lin
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Tian-Chi Chen
- Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Tian Shen
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shu-Sen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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43
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Massart A, Ghisdal L, Abramowicz M, Abramowicz D. Operational tolerance in kidney transplantation and associated biomarkers. Clin Exp Immunol 2017; 189:138-157. [PMID: 28449211 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 1960s, our predecessors won a historical battle against acute rejection and ensured that transplantation became a common life-saving treatment. In parallel with this success, or perhaps because of it, we lost the battle for long-lived transplants, being overwhelmed with chronic immune insults and the toxicities of immunosuppression. It is likely that current powerful treatments block acute rejection, but at the same time condemn the few circulating donor cells that would have been able to elicit immunoregulatory host responses towards the allograft. Under these conditions, spontaneously tolerant kidney recipients - i.e. patients who maintain allograft function in the absence of immunosuppression - are merely accidents; they are scarce, mysterious and precious. Several teams pursue the goal of finding a biomarker that would guide us towards the 'just right' level of immunosuppression that avoids rejection while leaving some space for donor immune cells. Some cellular assays are attractive because they are antigen-specific, and provide a comprehensive view of immune responses toward the graft. These seem to closely follow patient regulatory capacities. However, these tests are cumbersome, and require abundant cellular material from both donor and recipient. The latest newcomers, non-antigen-specific recipient blood transcriptomic biomarkers, offer the promise that a practicable and simple signature may be found that overcomes the complexity of a system in which an infinite number of individual cell combinations can lead possibly to graft acceptance. Biomarker studies are as much an objective - identifying tolerant patients, enabling tolerance trials - as a means to deciphering the underlying mechanisms of one of the most important current issues in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Massart
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation, CUB Hôpital Erasme and Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular and Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Ghisdal
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier EpiCURA, Baudour, Belgium
| | - M Abramowicz
- Department of Human Genetics, CUB Hôpital Erasme and Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular and Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - D Abramowicz
- Department of Nephrology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen and Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
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44
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Clavien PA, Muller X, de Oliveira ML, Dutkowski P, Sanchez-Fueyo A. Can immunosuppression be stopped after liver transplantation? Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:531-537. [PMID: 28606879 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(16)30208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation has improved dramatically over the past three decades, mainly as a result of advances in surgical techniques and management of post-transplant complications. The focus has now turned towards rescuing additional organs in the face of scarce organ supply, or prevention of long-term toxicity associated with immunosuppression. The liver appears to be privileged in terms of immune tolerance, with a low incidence of antibody-mediated rejection, which is in sharp contrast to other solid organ transplants, such as kidney, lung, and heart transplants. However, tolerogenic processes remain poorly understood, and strategies for complete drug withdrawal should be selected carefully to avoid graft rejection. In this Review, we summarise the current understanding of liver-specific immune responses and provide an outlook on future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Alain Clavien
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Xavier Muller
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michelle L de Oliveira
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Dutkowski
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo
- Institute of Liver Studies, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, London, UK
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45
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Koutsoudakis G, Pérez-Del-Pulgar S, Forns X. Occult Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Are We Digging Too Deep? Gastroenterology 2017; 152:472-474. [PMID: 28038930 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- George Koutsoudakis
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sofía Pérez-Del-Pulgar
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Forns
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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46
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Emond JC, Griesemer AD. Tolerance in clinical liver transplantation: The long road ahead. Hepatology 2017; 65:411-413. [PMID: 27718261 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean C Emond
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
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47
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The CD8 T-cell response during tolerance induction in liver transplantation. Clin Transl Immunology 2016; 5:e102. [PMID: 27867515 PMCID: PMC5099425 DOI: 10.1038/cti.2016.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Both experimental and clinical studies have shown that the liver possesses unique tolerogenic properties. Liver allografts can be spontaneously accepted across complete major histocompatibility mismatch in some animal models. In addition, some liver transplant patients can be successfully withdrawn from immunosuppressive medications, developing ‘operational tolerance'. Multiple mechanisms have been shown to be involved in inducing and maintaining alloimmune tolerance associated with liver transplantation. Here, we focus on CD8 T-cell tolerance in this setting. We first discuss how alloreactive cytotoxic T-cell responses are generated against allografts, before reviewing how the liver parenchyma, donor passenger leucocytes and the host immune system function together to attenuate alloreactive CD8 T-cell responses to promote the long-term survival of liver transplants.
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48
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Sanchez-Fueyo A. Strategies for minimizing immunosuppression: State of the Art. Liver Transpl 2016; 22:68-70. [PMID: 27588414 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo
- Department of Liver Sciences, Institute of Liver Studies, MRC Transplant Centre, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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49
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Sanchez-Fueyo A, Markmann JF. Immune Exhaustion and Transplantation. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:1953-7. [PMID: 26729653 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Exhaustion of lymphocyte function through chronic exposure to a high load of foreign antigen is well established for chronic viral infection and antitumor immunity and has been found to be associated with a distinct molecular program and characteristic cell surface phenotype. Although exhaustion has most commonly been studied in the context of CD8 viral responses, recent studies indicate that chronic antigen exposure may affect B cells, NK cells and CD4 T cells in a parallel manner. Limited information is available regarding the extent of lymphocyte exhaustion development in the transplant setting and its impact on anti-graft alloreactivity. By analogy to the persistence of a foreign virus, the large mass of alloantigen presented by an allograft in chronic residence could provide an ideal setting for exhausting donor-reactive T cells. The extent of T cell exhaustion occurring with various allografts, the kinetics of its development, whether exhaustion is influenced positively or negatively by different immunosuppressants, and the impact of exhaustion on graft survival and tolerance development remains a fertile area for investigation. Harnessing or encouraging the natural processes of exhaustion may provide a novel means to promote graft survival and transplantation tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sanchez-Fueyo
- Institute of Liver Studies, Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London University, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - J F Markmann
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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50
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Baumann AK, Schlue J, Noyan F, Hardtke-Wolenski M, Lehner F, Barg-Hock H, Klempnauer J, Manns MP, Taubert R, Jaeckel E. Preferential accumulation of T helper cells but not cytotoxic T cells characterizes benign subclinical rejection of human liver allografts. Liver Transpl 2016; 22:943-55. [PMID: 26929119 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Subclinical rejection (SCR) is a common event in protocol biopsies after liver transplantation (LT). So far the interpretation of the underlying histological changes and clinical significance is limited. Previous studies were restricted to SCR manifestations within the first weeks after transplantation with limited follow-up. We analyzed clinical data from our prospective protocol biopsy program and found late SCR (at least 3 months after transplantation) to be a common event (41/94 patients). SCR manifested much later than acute cellular rejection (ACR). In the second year after transplantation, the SCR incidence in protocol biopsies reached a plateau of approximately 25% and remained at this level until the latest observed manifestations more than 5 years after transplantation. During a median follow-up of 32 months after SCR, no acute or chronic rejection, relevant graft fibrosis, graft loss, or liver-related death occurred even without specific therapy for SCR. Immunophenotyping of liver biopsies during SCR showed that similar to ACR, the composition of intrahepatic T cells depended on the severity of histological rejection. However, SCR showed a different pattern of infiltrating T cells with a stronger accumulation of CD4(+) cells, an increasing CD4(+) /CD8(+) ratio, and an increasing CD4(+) forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)(+) regulatory T cell (Treg)/CD8(+) ratio, which was not seen in ACR. These intrahepatic T cell patterns were not reflected in the peripheral blood. In conclusion, late SCR after LT has a good clinical prognosis, and it seems safe to leave it untreated. This benign clinical course compared to ACR is associated with intrahepatic T cell infiltration patterns showing less cytotoxic T cells and more CD4(+) FOXP3(+) Tregs. Liver Transplantation 22 943-955 2016 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Baumann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jerome Schlue
- Department of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fatih Noyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank Lehner
- Department of General, Abdominal, and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hannelore Barg-Hock
- Department of General, Abdominal, and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Juergen Klempnauer
- Department of General, Abdominal, and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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