Characterization of ectopic lymphoid structures in different types of acute renal allograft rejection.

We hypothesize that T cells such as interleukin (IL)-21+ B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6)+ T follicular helper cells can regulate B cell-mediated immunity within the allograft during acute T cell-mediated rejection; this process may feed chronic allograft rejection in the long term. To investigate this mechanism, we determined the presence and activation status of organized T and B cells in so-called ectopic lymphoid structures (ELSs) in different types of acute renal allograft rejection. Biopsies showing the following primary diagnosis were included: acute/active antibody-mediated rejection, C4d+ (a/aABMR), acute T cell-mediated rejection grade I (aTCMRI) and acute T cell-mediated rejection grade II (aTCMRII). Paraffin sections were stained for T cells (CD3 and CD4), B cells (CD20), follicular dendritic cells (FDCs, CD23), activated B cells (CD79A), immunoglobulin (Ig)D, cell proliferation (Ki67) and double immunofluorescent stainings for IL-21 and BCL6 were performed. Infiltrates of T cells were detected in all biopsies. In aTCMRI, B cells formed aggregates surrounded by T cells. In these aggregates, FDCs, IgD and Ki67 were detected, suggesting the presence of ELSs. In contrast, a/aABMR and aTCMRII showed diffuse infiltrates of T and B cells but no FDCs and IgD. IL-21 was present in all biopsies. However, co-localization with BCL6 was observed mainly in aTCMRI biopsies. In conclusion, ELSs with an activated phenotype are found predominantly in aTCMRI where T cells co-localize with B cells. These findings suggest a direct pathway of B cell alloactivation at the graft site during T cell mediated rejection.

Pretransplant Numbers of CD16+ Monocytes as a Novel Biomarker to Predict Acute Rejection After Kidney Transplantation: A Pilot Study.

Acute rejection is one of the major immunological determinants of kidney graft function and survival. Early biomarkers to predict rejection are lacking. Emerging evidence reveals a crucial role for the monocyte/macrophage lineage cells in the pathogenesis of rejection. We hypothesized that higher pretransplant numbers of proinflammatory CD16+ monocytes can predict rejection. The study cohort consisted of 104 kidney transplant recipients (58 with no rejection and 46 with biopsy-proven rejection) and 33 healthy persons. Posttransplant median follow-up time was 14.7 mo (interquartile range 0.3-34 mo). Pretransplantation blood samples were analyzed by flow cytometry for monocyte immunophenotypes. Groups were compared by Cox regression models for the occurrence of acute rejection. We documented a significantly increased absolute number of pretransplant CD16+ monocytes in patients who developed biopsy-proven rejection after transplantation compared with those with no rejection (hazard ratio [HR] 1.60, 95% CI 1.28-2.00, p < 0.001) and healthy persons (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.18-1.82, p < 0.001). In parallel, significantly fewer absolute numbers of CD16- monocytes were observed at pretransplant time points in rejectors versus nonrejectors (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.94, p < 0,014). A higher pretransplant number of CD16+ monocytes is significantly associated with a higher risk of acute rejection after kidney transplantation.

Characteristics of different mesh types for abdominal wall repair in an experimental model of peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: The use of synthetic mesh to repair a potentially contaminated incisional hernia may lead to higher failure rates. A biological mesh might be considered, but little is known about long-term results. Both biological and synthetic meshes were investigated in an experimental model of peritonitis to assess their characteristics in vivo. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups and peritonitis was induced. A mesh was implanted after 24 h. Five meshes were investigated: Permacol™ (cross-linked collagen), Strattice™ (non-cross-linked collagen), XCM Biologic® (non-cross-linked collagen), Omyra® Mesh (condensed polytetrafluoroethylene) and Parietene™ (polypropylene). The rats were killed after either 30, 90 or 180 days. Incorporation and shrinkage of the mesh, adhesion coverage, strength of adhesions and histology were analysed. RESULTS: Of 135 rats randomized, 18 died from peritonitis. Some 180 days after implantation, both XCM Biologic® and Permacol™ had significantly better incorporation than Strattice™ (P = 0·003 and P = 0·009 respectively). Strattice™ had significantly fewer adhesions than XCM Biologic® (P = 0·001) and Permacol™ (P = 0·020). Thirty days after implantation, Permacol™ had significantly stronger adhesions than Strattice™ (P < 0·001). Shrinkage was most prominent in XCM Biologic® , but no significant difference was found compared with the other meshes. Histological analysis revealed marked differences in foreign body response among all meshes. CONCLUSION: This experimental study suggested that XCM Biologic® was superior in terms of incorporation, macroscopic mesh infection, and histological parameters such as collagen deposition and neovascularization. There must be sufficient overlap of mesh during placement, as XCM Biologic® showed a high rate of shrinkage. Surgical relevance The use of synthetic mesh to repair a potentially contaminated incisional hernia is not supported unequivocally, and may lead to a higher failure rate. A biological mesh might be considered as an alternative. There are few long-term studies, as these meshes are expensive and rarely used. This study evaluated the use of biological mesh in a contaminated environment, and investigated whether there is an ideal mesh. A new non-cross-linked biological mesh (XCM Biologic® ) was evaluated in this experiment. The new non-cross-linked biological mesh XCM Biologic® performed best and may be useful in patients with a potentially contaminated incisional hernia.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Cyp3a5 Genotype-Based With Body-Weight-Based Tacrolimus Dosing After Living Donor Kidney Transplantation.

Patients expressing the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 gene require a higher tacrolimus dose to achieve therapeutic exposure compared with nonexpressers. This randomized-controlled study investigated whether adaptation of the tacrolimus starting dose according to CYP3A5 genotype increases the proportion of kidney transplant recipients being within the target tacrolimus predose concentration range (10-15 ng/mL) at first steady-state. Two hundred forty living-donor, renal transplant recipients were assigned to either receive a standard, body-weight-based or a CYP3A5 genotype-based tacrolimus starting dose. At day 3, no difference in the proportion of patients having a tacrolimus exposure within the target range was observed between the standard-dose and genotype-based groups: 37.4% versus 35.6%, respectively; p = 0.79. The proportion of patients with a subtherapeutic (i.e. <10 ng/mL) or a supratherapeutic (i.e. >15 ng/mL) Tac predose concentration in the two groups was also not significantly different. The incidence of acute rejection was comparable between both groups (p = 0.82). Pharmacogenetic adaptation of the tacrolimus starting dose does not increase the number of patients having therapeutic tacrolimus exposure early after transplantation and does not lead to improved clinical outcome in a low immunological risk population.

Follicular T helper cells and humoral reactivity in kidney transplant patients.

Memory B cells play a pivotal role in alloreactivity in kidney transplantation. Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells play an important role in the differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin-producing plasmablasts [through interleukin (IL)-21]. It is unclear to what extent this T cell subset regulates humoral alloreactivity in kidney transplant patients, therefore we investigated the absolute numbers and function of peripheral Tfh cells (CD4(POS) CXCR5(POS) T cells) in patients before and after transplantation. In addition, we studied their relationship with the presence of donor-specific anti-human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA), and the presence of Tfh cells in rejection biopsies. After transplantation peripheral Tfh cell numbers remained stable, while their IL-21-producing capacity decreased under immunosuppression. When isolated after transplantation, peripheral Tfh cells still had the capacity to induce B cell differentiation and immunoglobulin production, which could be inhibited by an IL-21-receptor-antagonist. After transplantation the quantity of Tfh cells was the highest in patients with pre-existent DSA. In kidney biopsies taken during rejection, Tfh cells co-localized with B cells and immunoglobulins in follicular-like structures. Our data on Tfh cells in kidney transplantation demonstrate that Tfh cells may mediate humoral alloreactivity, which is also seen in the immunosuppressed milieu.

The mast cell: A Janus in kidney transplants.

Mast cells (MCs) are innate immune cells with a versatile set of functionalities, enabling them to orchestrate immune responses in various ways. Aside from their known role in allergy, they also partake in both allograft tolerance and rejection through interaction with regulatory T cells, effector T cells, B cells and degranulation of cytokines and other mediators. MC mediators have both pro- and anti-inflammatory actions, but overall lean towards pro-fibrotic pathways. Paradoxically, they are also seen as having potential protective effects in tissue remodeling post-injury. This manuscript elaborates on current knowledge of the functional diversity of mast cells in kidney transplants, combining theory and practice into a MC model stipulating both protective and harmful capabilities in the kidney transplant setting.

Corrigendum: The mast cell: A Janus in kidney transplants.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122409.].

Conversion from tacrolimus to everolimus with complete and early glucocorticoid withdrawal after kidney transplantation: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: While conversion from cyclosporine to everolimus is well documented, conversion from tacrolimus has been poorly studied. In this randomised, controlled trial the safety and tolerability of switching from tacrolimus to everolimus with glucocorticoid withdrawal after living-donor kidney transplantation was studied. METHODS: A total of 194 patients were planned to be randomised 1:1 to either continue tacrolimus or to convert to everolimus at month 3 after transplantation. At randomisation, all patients received tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone. Everolimus was started in a dose of 1.5 mg twice daily, aiming for predose concentrations of 4-7 ng/ml. Prednisolone was gradually withdrawn in both groups. RESULTS: The trial was stopped prematurely after the inclusion of 60 patients. The interim analysis showed an unacceptably high rejection rate in the everolimus group as compared with the control group: 30.0% vs. 6.7% (95% CI: 0.047-0.420; p = 0.045). An additional 8 patients stopped everolimus because of toxicity. At the end of follow-up (month 12) only 12 (40%) patients assigned to everolimus were still on the study drug. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion from tacrolimus to everolimusbased immunosuppression with withdrawal of prednisolone three months after kidney transplantation results in an unacceptably high risk of acute rejection and causes considerable toxicity. Based on our findings, such a switch strategy cannot be recommended.