1
|
Cohen GS, Gareau AJ, Kallarakal MA, Farooq T, Bettinotti MP, Sullivan HC, Madbouly A, Krummey SM. HLA Genotype Imputation Results in Largely Accurate Epitope Mismatch Risk Categorization Across Racial Groups. Transplant Direct 2024; 10:e1639. [PMID: 38911277 PMCID: PMC11191912 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Biomarkers that predict posttransplant alloimmunity could lead to improved long-term graft survival. Evaluation of the number of mismatched epitopes between donor and recipient HLA proteins, termed molecular mismatch analysis, has emerged as an approach to classify transplant recipients as having high, intermediate, or low risk of graft rejection. When high-resolution genotypes are unavailable, molecular mismatch analysis requires algorithmic assignment, or imputation, of a high-resolution genotyping. Although imputation introduces inaccuracies in molecular mismatch analyses, it is unclear whether these inaccuracies would impact the clinical risk assessment for graft rejection. Methods Using renal transplant patients and donors from our center, we constructed cohorts of surrogate donor-recipient pairs with high-resolution and low-resolution HLA genotyping that were racially concordant or discordant. We systemically assessed the impact of imputation on molecular mismatch analysis for cohorts of 180-200 donor-recipient pairs for each of 4 major racial groups. We also evaluated the effect of imputation for a racially diverse validation cohort of 35 real-world renal transplant pairs. Results In the surrogate donor-recipient cohorts, imputation preserved the molecular mismatch risk category for 90.5%-99.6% of racially concordant donor-recipient pairs and 92.5%-100% of racially discordant pairs. In the validation cohort, which comprised 72% racially discordant pairs, we found that imputation preserved the molecular mismatch risk category for 97.1% of pairs. Conclusions Overall, these data demonstrate that imputation preserves the molecular mismatch risk assessment in the vast majority of cases and provides evidence supporting imputation in the performance of molecular mismatch analysis for clinical assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S. Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alison J. Gareau
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Johns Hopkins Immunogenetics Laboratory, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Tayyiaba Farooq
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Maria P. Bettinotti
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Johns Hopkins Immunogenetics Laboratory, Baltimore, MD
| | - H. Cliff Sullivan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Abeer Madbouly
- National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match, Minneapolis, MN
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Scott M. Krummey
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Johns Hopkins Immunogenetics Laboratory, Baltimore, MD
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Park BH, Kim YN, Shin HS. New treatment for antibody-mediated rejection: interleukin-6 inhibitors. CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION AND RESEARCH 2024; 38:1-6. [PMID: 38725179 PMCID: PMC11075910 DOI: 10.4285/ctr.23.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Following kidney transplantation, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) occurs when the antibodies of the immune system attack the transplanted organ, leading to damage of the kidney tissue. De novo human leukocyte antigen donor-specific antibodies (HLA-DSAs) play a key role in AMR. Current therapeutic approaches include intravenous immunoglobulin, anti-CD20 antibodies, and plasmapheresis. In cases resistant to treatment, proteasome inhibitors and C5 inhibitors may be employed. Nevertheless, a pressing need exists for new medications to improve transplant survival and reduce complications. In the context of AMR, interleukin (IL)-6 is instrumental in the development and maturation of B cells into plasma cells, which then produce HLA-DSAs targeting the allograft. IL-6 inhibitors are currently under investigation and show promise due to the essential role of IL-6 in the immune response; however, additional research is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byung Hwa Park
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Ye Na Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Ho Sik Shin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Graver AS, Lee D, Power DA, Whitlam JB. Understanding Donor-derived Cell-free DNA in Kidney Transplantation: An Overview and Case-based Guide for Clinicians. Transplantation 2023; 107:1675-1686. [PMID: 36579675 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Kidney transplant recipients undergo lifelong monitoring of allograft function and evaluation for transplant complications. The current monitoring paradigm utilizes blood, urine, and tissue markers that are insensitive, nonspecific, or invasive to obtain. As a result, problems are detected late, after significant damage has accrued, and often beyond the time at which complete resolution is possible. Indeed, most kidney transplants eventually fail, usually because of chronic rejection and other undetected injury. There is a clear need for a transplant-specific biomarker that enables a proactive approach to monitoring via early detection of reversible pathology. A biomarker that supports timely and personalized treatment would assist in achieving the ultimate goal of improving allograft survival and limiting therapeutic toxicity to the recipient. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (ddcfDNA) has been proposed as one such transplant biomarker. Although the test is presently utilized most in the United States, it is conceivable that its use will become more widespread. This review covers aspects of ddcfDNA that support informed use of the test by general nephrologists, including the basic biology of ddcfDNA, methodological nuances of testing, and general recommendations for use in the kidney transplant population. Clinical contexts are used to illustrate evidence-supported interpretation of ddcfDNA results and subsequent management. Finally, knowledge gaps and areas for further study are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Graver
- Kidney Transplant Service, Department of Nephrology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Darren Lee
- Kidney Transplant Service, Department of Nephrology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - David A Power
- Kidney Transplant Service, Department of Nephrology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John B Whitlam
- Kidney Transplant Service, Department of Nephrology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Franco-Acevedo A, Comes J, Mack JJ, Valenzuela NM. New insights into maladaptive vascular responses to donor specific HLA antibodies in organ transplantation. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1146040. [PMID: 38993843 PMCID: PMC11235244 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1146040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Transplant vasculopathy (TV) causes thickening of donor blood vessels in transplanted organs, and is a significant cause of graft loss and mortality in allograft recipients. It is known that patients with repeated acute rejection and/or donor specific antibodies are predisposed to TV. Nevertheless, the exact molecular mechanisms by which alloimmune injury culminates in this disease have not been fully delineated. As a result of this incomplete knowledge, there is currently a lack of effective therapies for this disease. The immediate intracellular signaling and the acute effects elicited by anti-donor HLA antibodies are well-described and continuing to be revealed in deeper detail. Further, advances in rejection diagnostics, including intragraft gene expression, provide clues to the inflammatory changes within allografts. However, mechanisms linking these events with long-term outcomes, particularly the maladaptive vascular remodeling seen in transplant vasculopathy, are still being delineated. New evidence demonstrates alterations in non-coding RNA profiles and the occurrence of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) during acute antibody-mediated graft injury. EndMT is also readily apparent in numerous settings of non-transplant intimal hyperplasia, and lessons can be learned from advances in those fields. This review will provide an update on these recent developments and remaining questions in our understanding of HLA antibody-induced vascular damage, framed within a broader consideration of manifestations and implications across transplanted organ types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Franco-Acevedo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Johanna Comes
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julia J Mack
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicole M Valenzuela
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vietzen H, Jaksch P, Puchhammer-Stöckl E. The human cytomegalovirus-specific and UL40-mediated imprint in the natural killer cell repertoire is associated with antibody-mediated rejection in lung transplant recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023; 42:305-314. [PMID: 36376218 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD16+ natural killer (NK-) cells play, together with donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), an important role in the pathogenesis of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in lung-transplant recipients (LTRs). Cytotoxic CD16+NKG2C+ NK cells proliferate in response to human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections via the presentation of HCMV-encoded and highly polymorphic UL40 peptides. In our study, we aimed to clarify whether infections with HCMV-strains carrying different UL40 peptide variants are associated with the shift of the NK cell repertoire and the development of ABMR in LTRs. METHODS We included 30 DSA+ABMR+, 30 DSA+ABMR- and 90 DSA-ABMR- LTRs. In all patients, 1 episode of high-level HCMV-replication occurred. In all DSA+ABMR+ LTRs, HCMV-replication occurred prior to ABMR diagnosis. The association of HCMV UL40 variants with the expansion of CD16+ NK cell subsets and ABMR was assessed in NK cell proliferation and ADCC assays. RESULTS Our study revealed that the VMAPRTLIL and VMTPRTLVL UL40 variants were significantly overrepresented in DSA+ABMR+ LTRs. Both peptides were associated with a pronounced proliferation of cytotoxic and proinflammatory CD16+NKG2C+ NK cells. The stimulation with both peptides led to a shift of the NK cell repertoire towards CD16+NKG2C+ NK cells, which was associated with strong ADCC responses after stimulation with endothelial cells and plasma from DSA+ABMR+ LTRs. CONCLUSIONS Distinct UL40 peptide variants of the infecting HCMV-strain are associated with the development of ABMR after lung transplantation, due to a shift towards a highly cytotoxic CD16+NKG2C+ NK cell population. These peptides are thus potential prognostic markers for ABMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Vietzen
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter Jaksch
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yeh H. Applications of Transcriptomics in the Research of Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplantation: Progress and Perspectives. Organogenesis 2022; 18:2131357. [PMID: 36259540 PMCID: PMC9586696 DOI: 10.1080/15476278.2022.2131357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is the major cause of chronic allograft dysfunction and loss in kidney transplantation. The immunological mechanisms of ABMR that have been featured in the latest studies indicate a highly complex interplay between various immune and nonimmune cell types. Clinical diagnostic standards have long been criticized for being arbitrary and the lack of accuracy. Transcriptomic approaches, including microarray and RNA sequencing of allograft biopsies, enable the identification of differential gene expression and the continuous improvement of diagnostics. Given that conventional bulk transcriptomic approaches only reflect the average gene expression but not the status at the single-cell level, thereby ignoring the heterogeneity of the transcriptome across individual cells, single-cell RNA sequencing is rising as a powerful tool to provide a high-resolution transcriptome map of immune cells, which allows the elucidation of the pathogenesis and may facilitate the development of novel strategies for clinical treatment of ABMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan Yeh
- Division of Renal-Electrolyte, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,CONTACT Hsuan Yeh S976 Scaife Hall 3550 Terrace Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
van Vugt LK, Schagen MR, de Weerd A, Reinders ME, de Winter BC, Hesselink DA. Investigational drugs for the treatment of kidney transplant rejection. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1087-1100. [PMID: 36175360 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2130751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kidney transplant rejection remains an important clinical problem despite the development of effective immunosuppressive drug combination therapy. Two major types of rejection are recognized, namely T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), which have a different pathophysiology and are treated differently. Unfortunately, long-term outcomes of both TCMR and ABMR remain unsatisfactory despite current therapy. Hence, alternative therapeutic drugs are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED This review covers novel and investigational drugs for the pharmacological treatment of kidney transplant rejection. Potential therapeutic strategies and future directions are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The development of alternative pharmacologic treatment of rejection has focused mostly on ABMR, since this is the leading cause of kidney allograft loss and currently lacks an effective, evidence-based therapy. At present, there is insufficient high-quality evidence for any of the covered investigational drugs to support their use in ABMR. However, with the emergence of targeted therapies, this potential arises for individualized treatment strategies. In order to generate more high-quality evidence for such strategies and overcome the obstacles of classic, randomized, controlled trials, we advocate the implementation of adaptive trial designs and surrogate clinical endpoints. We believe such adaptive trial designs could help to understand the risks and benefits of promising drugs such as tocilizumab, clazakizumab, belimumab, and imlifidase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas K van Vugt
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike R Schagen
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies de Weerd
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marlies Ej Reinders
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Brenda Cm de Winter
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis A Hesselink
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Farina FM, Santovito D, Weber C. Two-Faced Janus: CCR2-Expressing Macrophages and Their Dual Role in Allograft Rejection of the Transplanted Heart. Circulation 2022; 146:639-642. [PMID: 35994560 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.061088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Floriana M Farina
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich, Germany (F.M.F., D.S., C.W.)
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (F.M.F., D.S., C.W.)
| | - Donato Santovito
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich, Germany (F.M.F., D.S., C.W.)
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (F.M.F., D.S., C.W.)
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council, Unit of Milan, Italy (D.S.)
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich, Germany (F.M.F., D.S., C.W.)
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (F.M.F., D.S., C.W.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands (C.W.)
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (C.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Anwar IJ, DeLaura IF, Gao Q, Ladowski J, Jackson AM, Kwun J, Knechtle SJ. Harnessing the B Cell Response in Kidney Transplantation - Current State and Future Directions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:903068. [PMID: 35757745 PMCID: PMC9223638 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.903068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite dramatic improvement in kidney transplantation outcomes over the last decades due to advent of modern immunosuppressive agents, long-term outcomes remain poor. Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), a B cell driven process, accounts for the majority of chronic graft failures. There are currently no FDA-approved regimens for ABMR; however, several clinical trials are currently on-going. In this review, we present current mechanisms of B cell response in kidney transplantation, the clinical impact of sensitization and ABMR, the B cell response under current immunosuppressive regimens, and ongoing clinical trials for ABMR and desensitization treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stuart J. Knechtle
- Duke Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pearl M, Weng PL, Chen L, Dokras A, Pizzo H, Garrison J, Butler C, Zhang J, Reed EF, Kim IK, Choi J, Haas M, Zhang X, Vo A, Chambers ET, Ettenger R, Jordan S, Puliyanda D. Long term tolerability and clinical outcomes associated with tocilizumab in the treatment of refractory antibody mediated rejection (AMR) in pediatric renal transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14734. [PMID: 35657013 PMCID: PMC9378624 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment options for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) are limited. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6)/interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) signaling can reduce inflammation and slow AMR progression. METHODS We report our experience using monthly tocilizumab (anti-IL6R) in 25 pediatric renal transplant recipients with AMR, refractory to IVIg/Rituximab. From January 2013 to June 2019, a median (IQR) of 12 (6.019.0) doses of tocilizumab were given per patient. Serial assessments of renal function, biopsy findings, and HLA DSA (by immunodominant HLA DSA [iDSA] and relative intensity score [RIS]) were performed. RESULTS Median (IQR) time from transplant to AMR was 41.4 (24.367.7) months, and time from AMR to first tocilizumab was 10.6 (8.317.6) months. At median (IQR) follow up of 15.8 (8.435.7) months post-tocilizumab initiation, renal function was stable except for 1 allograft loss. There was no significant decrease in iDSA or RIS. Follow up biopsies showed reduction in peritubular capillaritis (p = .015) and C4d scoring (p = .009). The most frequent adverse events were cytopenias. CONCLUSIONS Tocilizumab in pediatric patients with refractory AMR was well tolerated and appeared to stabilize renal function. The utility of tocilizumab in the treatment of AMR in this population should be further explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Pearl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Patricia L Weng
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lucia Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aditi Dokras
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Helen Pizzo
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Garrison
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carrie Butler
- Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elaine F Reed
- Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Irene K Kim
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jua Choi
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mark Haas
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xiaohai Zhang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ashley Vo
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Eileen Tsai Chambers
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert Ettenger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stanley Jordan
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dechu Puliyanda
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tiller G, Lammerts RGM, Karijosemito JJ, Alkaff FF, Diepstra A, Pol RA, Meter-Arkema AH, Seelen MA, van den Heuvel MC, Hepkema BG, Daha MR, van den Born J, Berger SP. Weak Expression of Terminal Complement in Active Antibody-Mediated Rejection of the Kidney. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845301. [PMID: 35493506 PMCID: PMC9044906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe role of the complement system in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is insufficiently understood. We aimed to investigate the role of local and systemic complement activation in active (aABMR). We quantified complement activation markers, C3, C3d, and C5b-9 in plasma of aABMR, and acute T-cell mediated rejection (aTCMR), and non-rejection kidney transplant recipients. Intra-renal complement markers were analyzed as C4d, C3d, C5b-9, and CD59 deposition. We examined in vitro complement activation and CD59 expression on renal endothelial cells upon incubation with human leukocyte antigen antibodies.MethodsWe included 50 kidney transplant recipients, who we histopathologically classified as aABMR (n=17), aTCMR (n=18), and non-rejection patients (n=15).ResultsComplement activation in plasma did not differ across groups. C3d and C4d deposition were discriminative for aABMR diagnosis. Particularly, C3d deposition was stronger in glomerular (P<0,01), and peritubular capillaries (P<0,05) comparing aABMR to aTCMR rejection and non-rejection biopsies. In contrast to C3d, C5b-9 was only mildly expressed across all groups. For C5b-9, no significant difference between aABMR and non-rejection biopsies regarding peritubular and glomerular C5b-9 deposition was evident. We replicated these findings in vitro using renal endothelial cells and found complement pathway activation with C4d and C3d, but without terminal C5b-9 deposition. Complement regulator CD59 was variably present in biopsies and constitutively expressed on renal endothelial cells in vitro.ConclusionOur results indicate that terminal complement might only play a minor role in late aABMR, possibly indicating the need to re-evaluate the applicability of terminal complement inhibitors as treatment for aABMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gesa Tiller
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rosa G. M. Lammerts
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jessy J. Karijosemito
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Firas F. Alkaff
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapy, Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Arjan Diepstra
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Robert A. Pol
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anita H. Meter-Arkema
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Marc. A. Seelen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Marius C. van den Heuvel
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Bouke G. Hepkema
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mohamed R. Daha
- Department of Nephrology, University of Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jacob van den Born
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Stefan P. Berger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Stefan P. Berger,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Salvadori M, Tsalouchos A. Innovative immunosuppression in kidney transplantation: A challenge for unmet needs. World J Transplant 2022; 12:27-41. [PMID: 35433332 PMCID: PMC8968476 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i3.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the optimal results obtained in kidney transplantation and to the lack of interest of the industries, new innovative drugs in kidney transplantation are difficult to be encountered. The best strategy to find the new drugs recently developed or under development is to search in the sections of kidney transplantation still not completely covered by the drugs on the market. These unmet needs are the prevention of delayed graft function (DGF), the protection of the graft over the long time and the desensitization of preformed anti human leukocyte antigen antibodies and the treatment of the acute antibody-mediated rejection. These needs are particularly relevant due to the expansion of some kind of kidney transplantation as transplantation from non-heart beating donor and in the case of antibody-incompatible grafts. The first are particularly exposed to DGF, the latter need a safe desensitization and a safe treatments of the antibody mediated rejections that often occur. Particular caution is needed in treating these drugs. First, they are described in very recent studies and the follow-up of their effect is of course rather short. Second, some of these drugs are still in an early phase of study, even if in well-conducted randomized controlled trials. Particular caution and a careful check need to be used in trials launched 2 or 3 years ago. Indeed, is always necessary to verify whether the study is still going on or whether and why the study itself was abandoned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Salvadori
- Department of Renal Transplantation, Careggi University Hospital, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Aris Tsalouchos
- Division of Nephrology, Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence 50012, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bertacchi M, Parvex P, Villard J. Antibody-mediated rejection after kidney transplantation in children; therapy challenges and future potential treatments. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14608. [PMID: 35137982 PMCID: PMC9286805 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) remains one of the most critical problems in renal transplantation, with a significant impact on patient and graft survival. In the United States, no treatment has received FDA approval jet. Studies about treatments of AMR remain controversial, limited by the absence of a gold standard and the difficulty in creating large, multi‐center studies. These limitations emerge even more in pediatric transplantation because of the limited number of pediatric studies and the occasional use of some therapies with unknown and poorly documented side effects. The lack of recommendations and the unsharp definition of different forms of AMR contribute to the challenging management of the therapy by pediatric nephrologists. In an attempt to help clinicians involved in the care of renal transplanted children affected by an AMR, we rely on the latest recommendations of the Transplantation Society (TTS) for the classification and treatment of AMR to describe treatments available today and potential new treatments with a particular focus on the pediatric population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paloma Parvex
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean Villard
- Division of Nephrology, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Transplantation Immunology, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Park WY, Kim Y, Paek JH, Jin K, Han S. Clinical Significance of De Novo Donor Specific Antibody Based on the Type of Kidney Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:335-340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|