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Bogyó LZ, Török K, Illés Z, Szilvási A, Székely B, Bohács A, Pipek O, Madurka I, Megyesfalvi Z, Rényi-Vámos F, Döme B, Bogos K, Gieszer B, Bakos E. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection correlates with high MFI donor-specific antibody development following lung transplantation with consequential graft loss and shortened CLAD-free survival. Respir Res 2024; 25:262. [PMID: 38951782 PMCID: PMC11218249 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02868-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) are common following lung transplantation (LuTx), yet their role in graft damage is inconclusive. Mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) is the main read-out of DSA diagnostics; however its value is often disregarded when analyzing unwanted post-transplant outcomes such as graft loss or chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Here we aim to evaluate an MFI stratification method in these outcomes. METHODS A cohort of 87 LuTx recipients has been analyzed, in which a cutoff of 8000 MFI has been determined for high MFI based on clinically relevant data. Accordingly, recipients were divided into DSA-negative, DSA-low and DSA-high subgroups. Both graft survival and CLAD-free survival were evaluated. Among factors that may contribute to DSA development we analyzed Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infection in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens. RESULTS High MFI DSAs contributed to clinical antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and were associated with significantly worse graft (HR: 5.77, p < 0.0001) and CLAD-free survival (HR: 6.47, p = 0.019) compared to low or negative MFI DSA levels. Analysis of BAL specimens revealed a strong correlation between DSA status, P. aeruginosa infection and BAL neutrophilia. DSA-high status and clinical AMR were both independent prognosticators for decreased graft and CLAD-free survival in our multivariate Cox-regression models, whereas BAL neutrophilia was associated with worse graft survival. CONCLUSIONS P. aeruginosa infection rates are elevated in recipients with a strong DSA response. Our results indicate that the simultaneous interpretation of MFI values and BAL neutrophilia is a feasible approach for risk evaluation and may help clinicians when to initiate DSA desensitization therapy, as early intervention could improve prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levente Zoltán Bogyó
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Koranyi Frigyes ut 1, Budapest, 1121, Hungary
| | - Klára Török
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Koranyi Frigyes ut 1, Budapest, 1121, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Illés
- Hungarian National Blood Transfusion Service, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anikó Szilvási
- Hungarian National Blood Transfusion Service, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Székely
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
| | - Anikó Bohács
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Pipek
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Eotvos Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Madurka
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Koranyi Frigyes ut 1, Budapest, 1121, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Megyesfalvi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Koranyi Frigyes ut 1, Budapest, 1121, Hungary
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ferenc Rényi-Vámos
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Koranyi Frigyes ut 1, Budapest, 1121, Hungary
- National Institute of Oncology and National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Döme
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Koranyi Frigyes ut 1, Budapest, 1121, Hungary
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- National Institute of Oncology and National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Krisztina Bogos
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Koranyi Frigyes ut 1, Budapest, 1121, Hungary.
| | - Balázs Gieszer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary.
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Koranyi Frigyes ut 1, Budapest, 1121, Hungary.
| | - Eszter Bakos
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
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Hanks J, Girard C, Sehgal S. Acute rejection post lung transplant. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2024; 30:391-397. [PMID: 38656281 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000001078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review what is currently known about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute rejection (AR) in lung transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Epigenomic and transcriptomic methods are gaining traction as tools for earlier detection of AR, which still remains primarily a histopathologic diagnosis. SUMMARY Acute rejection is a common cause of early posttransplant lung graft dysfunction and increases the risk of chronic rejection. Detection and diagnosis of AR is primarily based on histopathology, but noninvasive molecular methods are undergoing investigation. Two subtypes of AR exist: acute cellular rejection (ACR) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Both can have varied clinical presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to fulminant ARDS, and can present simultaneously. Diagnosis of ACR requires transbronchial biopsy; AMR requires the additional measuring of circulating donor-specific antibody (DSA) levels. First-line treatment in ACR is increased immunosuppression (pulse-dose or tapered dose glucocorticoids); refractory cases may need antibody-based lymphodepletion therapy. First line treatment in AMR focuses on circulating DSA removal with B and plasma cell depletion; plasmapheresis, intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG), bortezomib, and rituximab are often employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Hanks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Integrated Hospital Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Issitt R, Shetty P, Crook R, Cross N, Henwood S, Broadhead M, Spencer H, Aurora P, Gupta A, Kallon D, Fenton M, Muthialu N. Lung transplantation in an 18-month-old with donor specific antibodies - The use of intraoperative, targeted plasma exchange. Perfusion 2023; 38:1530-1533. [PMID: 35840547 DOI: 10.1177/02676591221114958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensitised patients undergoing Human Leukocyte Antigen-incompatible transplantation are at increased risk of hyperacute rejection and may be predisposed to antibody-mediated rejection, chronic lung allograft dysfunction and higher mortality. CASE We present a case of primary lung transplantation in the setting of late identification of donor specific antibodies treated with intraoperative target plasma exchange. The patient was treated with fresh human plasma to a final volume of 1.5 times the patient's systemic circulation. From a pre-transplant mean fluorescence intensity of 5002, donor-specific antibodies were undetectable following plasma exchange on single antigen bead assay. CONCLUSIONS This method represents a potential desensitisation technique for use in the intraoperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Issitt
- Department of Perfusion, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pooja Shetty
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Richard Crook
- Department of Perfusion, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nigel Cross
- Department of Perfusion, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sophie Henwood
- Department of Cardiothoracic Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michael Broadhead
- Department of Anaesthetics, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Helen Spencer
- Department of Cardiothoracic Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Paediatric Cardiology, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Aurora
- Department of Cardiothoracic Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Paediatric Cardiology, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Arun Gupta
- Clinical Transplantation Laboratory, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Delordson Kallon
- Clinical Transplantation Laboratory, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthew Fenton
- Department of Cardiothoracic Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Paediatric Cardiology, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nagarajan Muthialu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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Andrist E. Fairly Distributing the Distributive Justice Argument Permits Stopping ECMO. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2023; 23:65-67. [PMID: 37220363 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2023.2201226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Andrist
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School
- University of Michigan
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Pison C, Tissot A, Bernasconi E, Royer PJ, Roux A, Koutsokera A, Coiffard B, Renaud-Picard B, Le Pavec J, Mordant P, Demant X, Villeneuve T, Mornex JF, Nemska S, Frossard N, Brugière O, Siroux V, Marsland BJ, Foureau A, Botturi K, Durand E, Pellet J, Danger R, Auffray C, Brouard S, Nicod L, Magnan A. Systems prediction of chronic lung allograft dysfunction: Results and perspectives from the Cohort of Lung Transplantation and Systems prediction of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction cohorts. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1126697. [PMID: 36968829 PMCID: PMC10033762 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1126697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundChronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is the leading cause of poor long-term survival after lung transplantation (LT). Systems prediction of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction (SysCLAD) aimed to predict CLAD.MethodsTo predict CLAD, we investigated the clinicome of patients with LT; the exposome through assessment of airway microbiota in bronchoalveolar lavage cells and air pollution studies; the immunome with works on activation of dendritic cells, the role of T cells to promote the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9, and subpopulations of T and B cells; genome polymorphisms; blood transcriptome; plasma proteome studies and assessment of MSK1 expression.ResultsClinicome: the best multivariate logistic regression analysis model for early-onset CLAD in 422 LT eligible patients generated a ROC curve with an area under the curve of 0.77. Exposome: chronic exposure to air pollutants appears deleterious on lung function levels in LT recipients (LTRs), might be modified by macrolides, and increases mortality. Our findings established a link between the lung microbial ecosystem, human lung function, and clinical stability post-transplant. Immunome: a decreased expression of CLEC1A in human lung transplants is predictive of the development of chronic rejection and associated with a higher level of interleukin 17A; Immune cells support airway remodeling through the production of plasma MMP-9 levels, a potential predictive biomarker of CLAD. Blood CD9-expressing B cells appear to favor the maintenance of long-term stable graft function and are a potential new predictive biomarker of BOS-free survival. An early increase of blood CD4 + CD57 + ILT2+ T cells after LT may be associated with CLAD onset. Genome: Donor Club cell secretory protein G38A polymorphism is associated with a decreased risk of severe primary graft dysfunction after LT. Transcriptome: blood POU class 2 associating factor 1, T-cell leukemia/lymphoma domain, and B cell lymphocytes, were validated as predictive biomarkers of CLAD phenotypes more than 6 months before diagnosis. Proteome: blood A2MG is an independent predictor of CLAD, and MSK1 kinase overexpression is either a marker or a potential therapeutic target in CLAD.ConclusionSystems prediction of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction generated multiple fingerprints that enabled the development of predictors of CLAD. These results open the way to the integration of these fingerprints into a predictive handprint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Pison
- Service Hospitalier Universitaire de Pneumologie Physiologie, Pôle Thorax et Vaisseaux, Fédération Grenoble Transplantation, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1055, Grenoble, France
- *Correspondence: Christophe Pison,
| | - Adrien Tissot
- Service de Pneumologie, Institut du Thorax, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Eric Bernasconi
- Unité de Transplantation Pulmonaire, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois et Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Suisse
| | - Pierre-Joseph Royer
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Antoine Roux
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, INRAE, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Angela Koutsokera
- Unité de Transplantation Pulmonaire, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois et Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Suisse
| | - Benjamin Coiffard
- Service de Pneumologie et de Transplantation Pulmonaire, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Renaud-Picard
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Inserm UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérôme Le Pavec
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Vasculaire et Transplantation Cardiopulmonaire, Centre Chirurgical Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Pierre Mordant
- Service de Chirurgie Vasculaire, Thoracique et Transplantation Pulmonaire, Hôpital Bichat, AP-HP, INSERM U1152, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Demant
- Service de Pneumologie et Transplantation Pulmonaire, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas Villeneuve
- Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Toulouse, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Francois Mornex
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, PSL, EPHE, INRAE, IVPC, Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, GHE, Service de Pneumologie, RESPIFIL, Orphalung, Inserm CIC, Lyon, France
| | - Simona Nemska
- UMR 7200 - Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Nelly Frossard
- UMR 7200 - Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Olivier Brugière
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie de la Transplantation, Hôpital Saint-Louis, CEA/DRF/Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Unité INSERM 1152, Université Paris Diderot, USPC, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Siroux
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to the Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Benjamin J. Marsland
- Unité de Transplantation Pulmonaire, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois et Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Suisse
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aurore Foureau
- Service de Pneumologie, Institut du Thorax, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Karine Botturi
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Eugenie Durand
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Johann Pellet
- European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine, Vourles, France
| | - Richard Danger
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Charles Auffray
- European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine, Vourles, France
| | - Sophie Brouard
- CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | - Laurent Nicod
- Unité de Transplantation Pulmonaire, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois et Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Suisse
| | - Antoine Magnan
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, INRAE, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Courtwright A, Atkinson C, Pelaez A. The Highly Sensitized Recipient: Pretransplant and Posttransplant Considerations. Clin Chest Med 2023; 44:85-93. [PMID: 36774171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Highly sensitized patients, who are often black and Hispanic women, are less likely to be listed for lung transplant and are at higher risk for prolonged waitlist time and waitlist death. In this review, the authors discuss strategies for improving access to transplant in this population, including risk stratification of crossing pretransplant donor-specific antibodies, based on antibody characteristics. The authors also review institutional protocols, such as perioperative desensitization, for tailoring transplant immunosuppression in the highly sensitized population. The authors conclude with suggestions for future research, including development of novel donor-specific antibody-directed therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Courtwright
- Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carl Atkinson
- University of Florida, 1600 Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Andres Pelaez
- Jackson Health System, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami Transplant Institute, 1801 Northwest 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Assessment of Anti-Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-Antibody-Dependent Humoral Response in Patients before and after Lung Transplantation. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58121771. [PMID: 36556973 PMCID: PMC9781897 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Testing for anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies both before and after transplantation is of fundamental significance for the success of lung transplantation. The aim of this study was the evaluation of anti-HLA immunization of patients before and after lung transplant who were subjected to qualification and transplantation. Materials and Methods: Prior to the transplantation, patients were examined for the presence of IgG class anti-HLA antibodies (anti-human leukocyte antigen), the so-called panel-reactive antibodies (PRA), using the flow cytometry method. After the transplantation, the class and specificity of anti-HLA antibodies (also IgG) were determined using Luminex. Results: In the group examined, the PRA results ranged from 0.1% to 66.4%. Low (30%) and average (30-80%) immunization was found in only 9.7% of the group examined. Presence of class I anti-HLA antibodies with MFI (mean fluorescence intensity) greater than 1000 was found in 42.7% of the patients examined, while class II anti-HLA antibodies were found in 38.4%. Immunization levels before and after the transplantation were compared. In 10.87% of patients, DSA antibodies (donor-specific antibodies) with MFI of over 1000 were found. Conclusions: It seems that it is possible to confirm the correlation between pre- and post-transplantation immunization with the use of the two presented methods of determining IgG class anti-HLA antibodies by increasing the size of the group studied and conducting a long-term observation thereof.
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Ohm B, Jungraithmayr W. B Cell Immunity in Lung Transplant Rejection - Effector Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845867. [PMID: 35320934 PMCID: PMC8934882 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allograft rejection remains the major hurdle in lung transplantation despite modern immunosuppressive treatment. As part of the alloreactive process, B cells are increasingly recognized as modulators of alloimmunity and initiators of a donor-specific humoral response. In chronically rejected lung allografts, B cells contribute to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures and promote local alloimmune responses. However, B cells are functionally heterogeneous and some B cell subsets may promote alloimmune tolerance. In this review, we describe the current understanding of B-cell-dependent mechanisms in pulmonary allograft rejection and highlight promising future strategies that employ B cell-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Ohm
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Jungraithmayr
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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