Angiotensin II type I receptor antibodies in pediatric solid organ transplant.

ABSTRACT

Minimizing immunologic complications is critical for long-term patient survival in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. Multiple factors distinguish pediatric from adult organ transplant recipients which may influence the risk and manifestations of immunologic responses. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibody (AT1R-Ab) is a non-HLA antibody that has been has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in adult kidney transplant recipients. There is now limited evidence available to suggest that AT1R-Ab may be an important part of the immunologic milieu impacting pediatric organ transplant outcomes and that differences in this phenomenon may exist between pediatric and adult patients. The mechanisms by which autoimmunity is provoked and mediates organ dysfunction in childhood and effective treatment options require further research.