Crosstalk Between T and B Cells in the Germinal Center After Transplantation

A new era in the treatment of kidney diseases: NLRP3 inflammasome and cytokine-targeted therapies

The kidneys are crucial for filtering blood, managing overall body water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, and regulating blood pressure. They remove metabolic waste products, toxins, and drugs. In addition, they limit inflammation by clearing cytokines and reduce immune cell activation by removing bacterial components. Dendritic cells (DCs) in the kidney maintain peripheral tolerance. About 85% of filtered water is reabsorbed by the proximal tubule, exposing distal nephron cells to high concentrations of low molecular weight antigens. These antigens are captured by DCs, helping to inactivate potentially autoreactive T cells and maintain tolerance to circulating antigens. In kidney failure, immune function is severely compromised due to the retention of toxins and cytokines, which activate immune cells and increase systemic inflammation. The kidneys are also vulnerable to immune-mediated diseases. Loss of immune homeostasis, characterized by over- or under-activity of the immune response, can adversely affect kidney function. With advances in immunology and cellular biology, biologic therapies targeting various pathways involved in the pathophysiology of kidney diseases are being developed. In this review, the immunologic aspects of kidney diseases and focus on cytokine-based therapies that may hold promise for the treatment of kidney diseases in the future will be presented.

Local intragraft humoral immune responses in chronic lung allograft dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Donor human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-specific antibodies (DSA) and non-HLA antibodies can cause allograft injury, possibly leading to chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) after lung transplantation. It remains unclear whether these antibodies are produced locally in the graft or derived solely from circulation. We hypothesized that DSA and non-HLA antibodies are produced in CLAD lungs.

METHODS

Lung tissue was prospectively collected from 15 CLAD patients undergoing retransplantation or autopsy. 0.3 g of fresh lung tissue was cultured for 4 days without or with lipopolysaccharide or CD40L: lung culture supernatant (LCS) was sampled. Protein eluate was obtained from 0.3 g of frozen lung tissue. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of DSA and non-HLA antibodies was measured by Luminex and antigen microarray, respectively.

RESULTS

LCS from all 4 patients who had serum DSA at lung isolation were positive for DSA, with higher levels measured after CD40L stimulation (CD40L+LCS). Of these, only 2 had detectable DSA in lung eluate. MFI of non-HLA antibodies from CD40L+LCS correlated with those from lung eluate but not with those from sera. Flow cytometry showed higher frequencies of activated lung B cells in patients whose CD40L+LCS was positive for DSA (n = 4) or high non-HLA antibodies (n = 6) compared to those with low local antibodies (n = 5). Immunofluorescence staining showed CLAD lung lymphoid aggregates with local antibodies contained larger numbers of IgG+ plasma cells and greater IL-21 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that DSA and non-HLA antibodies can be produced within activated B cell-rich lung allografts.

Case report: Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor as therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia infiltrating a kidney allograft

The burden of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the prognosis of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients seems non-negligible. Whether transplanting a patient with previous CLL is safe or what is the optimal monitoring and treatment management after transplantation is still unclear and only based on few case series and reports. Therefore, we aimed to contribute to this understanding by reporting the first documented case of a clinically significant CLL with biopsy-proven infiltration of the kidney allograft and its successful management with a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi). We then reviewed the related literature, with a focus on CLL and kidney transplantation. Our main message is that BTKi may represent a safe and effective intervention to prevent the hazardous patient and graft outcomes of CLL in SOT patients.

Single-shot dendritic cell targeting SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate induces broad, durable and protective systemic and mucosal immunity in mice

Current coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines face limitations including waning immunity, immune escape by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, limited cellular response, and poor mucosal immunity. We engineered a Clec9A-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody construct that delivers the SARS-CoV-2 RBD to conventional type 1 dendritic cells. Compared with non-targeting approaches, single dose immunization in mice with Clec9A-RBD induced far higher RBD-specific antibody titers that were sustained for up to 21 months after vaccination. Uniquely, increasing neutralizing and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity activities across the sarbecovirus family was observed, suggesting antibody affinity maturation over time. Consistently and remarkably, RBD-specific follicular T helper cells and germinal center B cells persisted up to 12 months after immunization. Furthermore, Clec9A-RBD immunization induced a durable mono- and poly-functional T-helper 1-biased cellular response that was strongly cross-reactive against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including Omicron subvariants, and with a robust CD8+ T cell signature. Uniquely, Clec9A-RBD single-shot systemic immunization effectively primed RBD-specific cellular and humoral immunity in lung and resulted in significant protection against homologous SARS-CoV-2 challenge as evidenced by limited body weight loss and approximately 2 log10 decrease in lung viral loads compared with non-immunized controls. Therefore, Clec9A-RBD immunization has the potential to trigger robust and sustained, systemic and mucosal protective immunity against rapidly evolving SARS-CoV2 variants.

T-B Collaboration in Autoimmunity, Infection, and Transplantation

We have attempted here to provide an up-to-date review of the collaboration between helper T cells and B cells in response to protein and glycoprotein antigens. This collaboration is essential as it not only protects from many pathogens but also contributes to a litany of autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases.

A narrow T cell receptor repertoire instructs thymic differentiation of MHC class Ib-restricted CD8+ regulatory T cells

Although most CD8+ T cells are equipped to kill infected or transformed cells, a subset may regulate immune responses and preserve self-tolerance. Here, we describe a CD8 lineage that is instructed to differentiate into CD8 T regulatory cells (Tregs) by a surprisingly restricted set of T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize MHC-E (mouse Qa-1) and several dominant self-peptides. Recognition and elimination of pathogenic target cells that express these Qa-1-self-peptide complexes selectively inhibits pathogenic antibody responses without generalized immune suppression. Immunization with synthetic agonist peptides that mobilize CD8 Tregs in vivo efficiently inhibit antigraft antibody responses and markedly prolong heart and kidney organ graft survival. Definition of TCR-dependent differentiation and target recognition by this lineage of CD8 Tregs may open the way to new therapeutic approaches to inhibit pathogenic antibody responses.

The dynamic TRβ/IGH CDR3 repertoire features in patients with liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE

At present, little is known about the immune mechanism of liver transplantation caused by decompensated cirrhosis. Lymphocytes play an essential important role in the immune rejection of liver transplantation. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively analyze changes in complementary determinant 3 (CDR3) repertoire of T cell receptor β chain (TRβ) and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) in liver transplantation patients and healthy controls (HC).

METHODS

High-throughput sequencing technology was used to study the characteristics of TRβ/IGH CDR3 repertoire, and identify the amino acid sequences of TRβ and IGH associated with liver transplantation patients and HC.

RESULTS

We found that some TRβ and IGH CDR3 repertoire characteristics differed between liver transplant patients and HC. The diversity of TRβ CDR3 increased in the liver transplantation group. First and seven days after live transplantation patients showed a lower degree of T cell clone amplification compared to the HC group. The CDR3 repertoire of the TRβ/IGH chain was certainly biased in the use of some V, D, and J gene segments, TRβ/IGH V-J combined frequency was also skewed and TRβ CDR3 clonotypes were shared at a higher degree in the liver transplantation patients. Importantly, one amino acid sequence in the decompensated cirrhosis group was significantly higher than that in the healthy group. It should be noted that the frequency of some CDR3 sequences is closely correlated with the different stages of liver transplantation, and these sequences may play a key role in liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Based on the above results, we can better understand the dynamic changes of TCβ/IGH CDR3 repertoire in patients during liver transplantation.

Activation of immune signals during organ transplantation

The activation of host's innate and adaptive immune systems can lead to acute and chronic graft rejection, which seriously impacts graft survival. Thus, it is particularly significant to clarify the immune signals, which are critical to the initiation and maintenance of rejection generated after transplantation. The initiation of response to graft is dependent on sensing of danger and stranger molecules. The ischemia and reperfusion of grafts lead to cell stress or death, followed by releasing a variety of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of host immune cells to activate intracellular immune signals and induce sterile inflammation. In addition to DAMPs, the graft exposed to 'non-self' antigens (stranger molecules) are recognized by the host immune system, stimulating a more intense immune response and further aggravating the graft damage. The polymorphism of MHC genes between different individuals is the key for host or donor immune cells to identify heterologous 'non-self' components in allogeneic and xenogeneic organ transplantation. The recognition of 'non-self' antigen by immune cells mediates the activation of immune signals between donor and host, resulting in adaptive memory immunity and innate trained immunity to the graft, which poses a challenge to the long-term survival of the graft. This review focuses on innate and adaptive immune cells receptor recognition of damage-associated molecular patterns, alloantigens and xenoantigens, which is described as danger model and stranger model. In this review, we also discuss the innate trained immunity in organ transplantation.

A novel method for in vitro culture and expansion of nonhuman primate B cells

BACKGROUND

Given the role of B cells in sensitization and antibody-mediated rejection pathogenesis, the ability to identify, isolate, and study B cells in vitro is critical for understanding these processes and developing novel therapeutics. While in vivo nonhuman primate models have been used to this end, an in vitro nonhuman primate model of B cell activation and proliferation has not been developed.

METHODS

CD20+ B cells and CD3+ T cells were isolated using magnetic bead separation from the peripheral blood of naive and skin allograft sensitized nonhuman primates. Allogeneic B and T cells were co-cultured in plates pre-coated with murine stromal cells engineered to express human CD40L and stimulated with cytokines. Cells and supernatants were harvested every 2 days for immune phenotyping and donor specific antibody quantification by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The optimized culture system consisted of MS40L cells co-cultured with B and allogenic T cells and stimulated with cytokines. This culture system resulted in increased memory cells and plasmablasts over time compared to other culture systems. Comparison of culture of naïve and sensitized nonhuman primate samples revealed faster B cell exhaustion and marginally increased plasmablast differentiation in sensitized culture. Donor-specific antibody production was not observed in either culture group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the first in vitro nonhuman primate model of B cell activation and proliferation using both naïve and allosensitized samples. This model provides an opportunity for exploration of B cell mechanisms and novel therapeutics and is a preliminary step in the development of an in vitro germinal center model.

Diagnostic Biomarkers and Immune Infiltration in Patients With T Cell-Mediated Rejection After Kidney Transplantation

T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) is an important rejection type in kidney transplantation, characterized by T cells and macrophages infiltration. The application of bioinformatic analysis in genomic research has been widely used. In the present study, Microarray data was analyzed to identify the potential diagnostic markers of TCMR in kidney transplantation. Cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcript (CIBERSORT) was performed to determine the distribution of immune cell infiltration in the pathology. Totally 129 upregulated differently expressed genes (DEGs) and 378 downregulated DEGs were identified. The GO and KEGG results demonstrated that DEGs were mainly associated with pathways and diseases involved in immune response. The intersection of the two algorithms (PPI network and LASSO) contains three overlapping genes (CXCR6, CXCL13 and FCGR1A). After verification in GSE69677, only CXCR6 and CXCL13 were selected. Immune cells Infiltration analysis demonstrated that CXCR6 and CXCL13 were positively correlated with gamma delta T cells (p < 0.001), CD4⁺ memory activated T cells (p < 0.001), CD8⁺ T cells (p < 0.001) and M1 macrophages (p = 0.006), and negatively correlated with M2 macrophages (p < 0.001) and regulatory T cells (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining and image analysis confirmed the overexpression of CXCR6 and CXCL13 in human allograft TCMR samples. CXCR6 and CXCL13 could be diagnostic biomarkers of TCMR and potential targets for immunotherapy in patients with TCMR.

CXCL13 Is an Indicator of Germinal Center Activity and Alloantibody Formation Following Transplantation

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) are a recognized cause of allograft injury, yet biomarkers that indicate their development posttransplant or guide management are not available. CXCL13 (chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 1) is a chemoattractant produced within secondary lymphoid organs necessary for germinal center (GC) and alloantibody formation. Perturbations in serum CXCL13 levels have been associated with humoral immune activity. Therefore, CXCL13 may correlate with the formation of HLA antibodies following transplantation.

Emerging New Approaches in Desensitization: Targeted Therapies for HLA Sensitization

There is an urgent need for therapeutic interventions for desensitization and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in sensitized patients with preformed or de novo donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA). The risk of AMR and allograft loss in sensitized patients is increased due to preformed DSA detected at time of transplant or the reactivation of HLA memory after transplantation, causing acute and chronic AMR. Alternatively, de novo DSA that develops post-transplant due to inadequate immunosuppression and again may lead to acute and chronic AMR or even allograft loss. Circulating antibody, the final product of the humoral immune response, has been the primary target of desensitization and AMR treatment. However, in many cases these protocols fail to achieve efficient removal of all DSA and long-term outcomes of patients with persistent DSA are far worse when compared to non-sensitized patients. We believe that targeting multiple components of humoral immunity will lead to improved outcomes for such patients. In this review, we will briefly discuss conventional desensitization methods targeting antibody or B cell removal and then present a mechanistically designed desensitization regimen targeting plasma cells and the humoral response.

Alcohol Consumption in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Path through the Immune System

Benefits and harms of different components of human diet have been known for hundreds of years. Alcohol is one the highest consumed, abused, and addictive substances worldwide. Consequences of alcohol abuse are increased risks for diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, and nervous system, as well as reduced immune system function. Paradoxically, alcohol has also been a consistent protective factor against the development of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we focused on summarizing current findings on the effects of alcohol, as well as of its metabolites, acetaldehyde and acetate, on the immune system and RA. Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption can affect intestinal barrier integrity, as well as the microbiome, possibly contributing to RA. Additionally, systemic increase in acetate negatively affects humoral immune response, diminishing TFH cell as well as professional antigen-presenting cell (APC) function. Hence, alcohol consumption has profound effects on the efficacy of vaccinations, but also elicits protection against autoimmune diseases. The mechanism of alcohol's negative effects on the immune system is multivariate. Future studies addressing alcohol and its metabolite acetate's effect on individual components of the immune system remains crucial for our understanding and development of novel therapeutic pathways.

The Implications of B-lineage Cells in Kidney Allografts

The majority of cells comprising the inflammatory infiltrates in kidney allografts undergoing acute and/or chronic rejection are typically T cells and monocyte/macrophages with B cells, plasma cells, and eosinophils accounting for <5%. In a significant minority of biopsies, B lineage cells (B cells and/or plasma cells) may be found more abundantly. Although plasma cell infiltrates tend to be more diffuse, B cells tend to aggregate into nodules that may mature into tertiary lymphoid organs. Given the ability to target B cells with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and plasma cells with proteasome inhibitors and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, it is increasingly important to determine the significance of such infiltrates. Both cell types are potential effectors of rejection, but both also have a tolerizing potential. B cell infiltrates have been associated with steroid resistance and reduced graft survival in some studies but not in others, and their presence should not prompt automatic depletional therapy. Plasma cell-rich infiltrates tend to occur later, may be associated with cell-mediated and/or antibody-mediated rejection, and portend an adverse outcome. Viral infection and malignancy must be ruled out. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the appropriateness of specific therapy when B cells and/or plasma cells are found. No strong therapeutic recommendations can be made at this time.

Memory T Cells in Transplantation: Old Challenges Define New Directions

Immunologic memory is the ability of adaptive immune system to quickly and specifically recognize previously encountered antigens and initiate an effector response. Alloreactive memory cells can mount rapid and robust responses to the transplanted organ resulting in allograft injury. Thus preexisting humoral or cellular memory alloresponses are typically associated with poor graft outcomes in experimental and clinical transplantation. While both B and T lymphocytes exhibit memory responses, this review discusses recent updates on the biology of memory T cells and their relevance to the field of transplantation. Three major areas of focus are the emergence and characterization of tissue resident memory T cells, manipulation of T cell metabolic pathways, and the latest promising approaches to targeting detrimental T cell memory in the settings of organ transplantation.

Potential Application of T-Follicular Regulatory Cell Therapy in Transplantation

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute a small proportion of circulating CD4⁺ T cells that function to maintain homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity. In light of their powerful immunosuppressive and tolerance-promoting properties, Tregs have become an interesting potential candidate for therapeutic use in conditions such as solid organ transplant or to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Clinical studies have demonstrated the safety of polyclonally expanded Tregs in graft-versus-host disease, type 1 diabetes, and more recently in renal and liver transplantation. However, Tregs are heterogenous. Recent insights indicate that only a small proportion of Tregs, called T follicular regulatory cells (Tfr) regulate interactions between B cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells within the germinal center. Tfr have been mainly described in mouse models due to the challenges of sampling secondary lymphoid organs in humans. However, emerging human studies, characterize Tfr as being CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺CXCR5⁺ cells with different levels of PD-1 and ICOS expression depending on their localization, in the blood or the germinal center. The exact role they play in transplantation remains to be elucidated. However, given the potential ability of these cells to modulate antibody responses to allo-antigens, there is great interest in exploring translational applications in situations where B cell responses need to be regulated. Here, we review the current knowledge of Tfr and the role they play focusing on human diseases and transplantation. We also discuss the potential future applications of Tfr therapy in transplantation and examine the evidence for a role of Tfr in antibody production, acute and chronic rejection and tertiary lymphoid organs. Furthermore, the potential impact of immunosuppression on Tfr will be explored. Based on preclinical research, we will analyse the rationale of Tfr therapy in solid organ transplantation and summarize the different challenges to be overcome before Tfr therapy can be implemented into clinical practice.

Activated mesangial cells acquire the function of antigen presentation

Mesangial cells (MCs), as resident cells of the kidneys, play an important role in maintaining glomerular function. MCs are located between the capillary loops of the glomeruli and mainly support the capillary plexus, constrict blood vessels, extracellular matrix components, produce cytokines, and perform phagocytosis and clearance of macromolecular substances. When the glomerular environment changes, MCs are often affected, which can lead to functional transformation. The immune response is involved in the occurrence and development of various kidney diseases, in these diseases, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) play an important role. APCs can present antigens to T lymphocytes, causing them to become activated and proliferate. Studies have shown that MCs have phagocytic function and express APC markers on the cell surface. Additionally, MCs are stimulated by or produce various inflammatory factors to participate in the renal inflammatory response. Therefore, MCs have potential antigen presentation function and participate in the pathological changes of various kidney diseases as APCs upon activation. In this paper, by reviewing MC phagocytic function, activated MC expression of APC surface markers, and MC participation in the inflammatory response and local renal immune response, we confirm that activated MCs can act as APCs in renal disease.

Potential anti-EBV effects associated with elevated interleukin-21 levels: a case report

BACKGROUND

Germinal center derived memory B cells and plasma cells constitute, in health and during EBV reactivation, the largest functional EBV reservoir. Hence, by reducing germinal center derived formation of memory B cells and plasma cells, EBV loads may be reduced. Animal and in-vitro models have shown that IL-21 can support memory B and plasma cell formation and thereby potentially contribute to EBV persistence. However, IL-21 also displays anti-viral effects, as mice models have shown that CD4⁺ T cell produced IL-21 is critical for the differentiation, function and survival of anti-viral CD8⁺ T cells able to contain chronic virus infections.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present immunological work-up (flow-cytometry, ELISA and genetics) related to a patient suffering from a condition resembling B cell chronic active EBV infection, albeit with moderately elevated EBV copy numbers. No mutations in genes associated with EBV disease, common variable immunodeficiency or pertaining to the IL-21 signaling pathway (including hypermorphic IL-21 mutations) were found. Increased (> 5-fold increase 7 days post-vaccination) CD4⁺ T cell produced (p < 0.01) and extracellular IL-21 levels characterized our patient and coexisted with: CD8⁺ lymphopenia, B lymphopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, compromised memory B cell differentiation, absent induction of B-cell lymphoma 6 protein (Bcl-6) dependent peripheral follicular helper T cells (pT_FH, p = 0.01), reduced frequencies of peripheral CD4⁺ Bcl-6⁺ T cells (p = 0.05), compromised plasmablast differentiation (reduced protein vaccine responses (p < 0.001) as well as reduced Treg frequencies. Supporting IL-21 mediated suppression of pT_FH formation, pT_FH and CD4⁺ IL-21⁺ frequencies were strongly inversely correlated, prior to and after vaccination, in the patient and in controls, Spearman's rho: - 0.86, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of elevated CD4⁺ IL-21⁺ T cell frequencies in human EBV disease. IL-21 overproduction may, apart from driving T cell mediated anti-EBV responses, disrupt germinal center derived memory B cell and plasma cell formation, and thereby contribute to EBV disease control.

B Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) Is Required for the Development of Intra-Renal Tertiary Lymphoid Organs in Experimental Kidney Transplantation in Rats

Intra-renal tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) are associated with worsened outcome in kidney transplantation (Ktx). We used an anti-BAFF (B cell activating factor) intervention to investigate whether BAFF is required for TLO formation in a full MHC-mismatch Ktx model in rats. Rats received either therapeutic immunosuppression (no rejection, NR) or subtherapeutic immunosuppression (chronic rejection, CR) and were sacrificed on d56. One group additionally received an anti-BAFF antibody (CR + AB). Intra-renal T (CD3⁺) and B (CD20⁺) cells, their proliferation (Ki67⁺), and IgG⁺ plasma cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Formation of T and B cell zones and TLOs was assessed. Intra-renal expression of TLO-promoting factors, molecules of T:B crosstalk, and B cell differentiation was analyzed by qPCR. Intra-renal B and T cell zones and TLOs were detected in CR and were associated with elevated intra-renal mRNA expression of TLO-promoting factors, including CXCL13, CCL19, lymphotoxin-β, and BAFF. Intra-renal plasma cells were also elevated in CR. Anti-BAFF treatment significantly decreased intra-renal B cell zones and TLO, as well as intra-renal B cell-derived TLO-promoting factors and B cell differentiation markers. We conclude that BAFF-dependent intra-renal B cells promote TLO formation and advance local adaptive alloimmune responses in chronic rejection.

Donor apoptotic cell-based therapy for effective inhibition of donor-specific memory T and B cells to promote long-term allograft survival in allosensitized recipients

Allosensitization constitutes a major barrier in transplantation. Preexisting donor-reactive memory T and B cells and preformed donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) have all been implicated in accelerated allograft rejection in sensitized recipients. Here, we employ a sensitized murine model of islet transplantation to test strategies that promote long-term immunosuppression-free allograft survival. We demonstrate that donor-specific memory T and B cells can be effectively inhibited by peritransplant infusions of donor apoptotic cells in combination with anti-CD40L and rapamycin, and this treatment leads to significant prolongation of islet allograft survival in allosensitized recipients. We further demonstrate that late graft rejection in recipients treated with this regimen is associated with a breakthrough of B cells and their aggressive graft infiltration. Consequently, additional posttransplant B cell depletion effectively prevents late rejection and promotes permanent acceptance of islet allografts. In contrast, persistent low levels of DSAs do not seem to impair graft outcome in these recipients. We propose that B cells contribute to late rejection as antigen-presenting cells for intragraft memory T cell expansion but not to alloantibody production and that a therapeutic strategy combining donor apoptotic cells, anti-CD40L, and rapamycin effectively inhibits proinflammatory B cells and promotes long-term islet allograft survival in such recipients.

Anti-BAFF Treatment Interferes With Humoral Responses in a Model of Renal Transplantation in Rats

BACKGROUND

B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) is associated with donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and poorer outcomes after renal transplantation (RTx). We examined the effects of anti-BAFF treatment on B cells, expression of costimulatory molecules and cytokines, germinal centers (GCs), and DSA formation in an RTx model in rats.

METHODS

Anti-BAFF antibody was injected on days 3, 17, 31, and 45 after allogeneic RTx. Rats received reduced dose cyclosporine A for 28 or 56 days to allow chronic rejection and DSA formation. Leukocytes, B-cell subsets, and DSA were measured using flow cytometry; expression of cytokines and costimulatory molecules was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and GCs and T follicular helper were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Rejection was evaluated by a nephropathologist.

RESULTS

Anti-BAFF treatment reduced the frequency of B cells in allografts and spleen. Naive B cells were strongly reduced by anti-BAFF treatment in all compartments. Messenger RNA expression of interleukin-6 and the costimulatory molecules CD40 and inducible T cell costimulator ligand was significantly reduced in anti-BAFF-treated rats. GC area was smaller and plasmablasts/plasma cell numbers lower in anti-BAFF-treated rats, which was reflected by less DSA in certain IgG subclasses.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-BAFF treatment interferes with humoral responses at multiple levels in this model of allogeneic RTx.

Elevated serum IL-21 levels are associated with stable immune status in kidney transplant recipients and a mouse model of kidney transplantation

Allograft rejection after renal transplantation remains a challenge to overcome. Interleukin (IL)-21, a cytokine with pleiotropic effects, maintains immune homeostasis post-transplantation. Here, we report higher levels of IL-21 in kidney transplant recipients with non-rejection (NR) than in recipients with T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR, P < 0.001) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR, P = 0.005). We observed a negative correlation between IL-21 and creatinine (Cr) levels (P = 0.016). The receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed a promising diagnostic value of IL-21 to identify acute rejection with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.822 (P < 0.001). In contrast, exogenous administration of IL-21 accelerated acute rejection in a comparative translational kidney transplant (KT) mouse model. Reduced IL-21 levels in the peripheral blood were observed in KT mice after IL-21 injection. Further analysis revealed that increased IL-21 levels in the spleen induced proliferation of CD4+ T cells and CD19+ B cells after IL-21 treatment. Our findings suggest a critical function of IL-21 in kidney transplantation and the potential involvement of the IL-21/IL-21R pathway in acute rejection management.

Immunosuppression in the Management of Presumed Non-infective Uveitis; Are We Sure What We are Treating? Notes on the Antimicrobial Properties of the Systemic Immunosuppressants

PURPOSE

To describe the antimicrobial effects of immunosuppressants used for presumed autoimmune uveitis, and to discuss the potential importance of these effects in the context of increasing knowledge of the human microbiomes and their influence on inflammation.

METHODS

Literature review.

REVIEW OF EVIDENCE

All immunosuppressants have intrinsic antimicrobial effects; these vary considerably between drugs, and include antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal action. Immunosuppression is known to affect the composition of the gut microbiome, and alterations in microbiome composition are known to affect inflammations including uveitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral immunosuppressants are assumed to act on presumed autoimmune uveitis by downregulation of, or other interference with, an aberrant immune response. However, their antimicrobial properties are usually forgotten, and in the context of increasing knowledge of the involvement of microbes in the initiation of, and also potentially the perpetuation of, tissue inflammation, these effects may prove to be a fundamental part of their action.

Experimental modeling of desensitization: What have we learned about preventing AMR?

During the past 5 decades, short-term outcomes in kidney transplant have significantly improved, in large part due to reduced rates and severity of acute rejection. Development of better immunosuppressive maintenance agents, as well as new induction therapies, helped make these advances. Nonhuman primate models provided a rigorous testing platform to evaluate candidate biologics during this process. However, antibody-mediated rejection remains a major cause of late failure of kidney allografts despite advances made in pharmacologic immunosuppression and strategies developed to facilitate improved donor-recipient matching. Our laboratory has been actively working to develop strategies to prevent and treat antibody-mediated rejection and immunologic sensitization in organ transplant, relying largely on a nonhuman primate model of kidney transplant. In this review, we will cover outcomes achieved by managing antibody-mediated rejection or sensitization in nonhuman primate models and discuss promises, limitations, and future directions for this model.

PDL1 blockage increases fetal resorption and Tfr cells but does not affect Tfh/Tfr ratio and B-cell maturation during allogeneic pregnancy

A successful pregnancy requires sophisticated regulation of uterine microenvironment to guarantee the existence of semi-allogeneic conceptus without immune rejection. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells exert a suppressive effect on Tfh-cell expansion, B-cell response, and antibody production. Although accumulating evidence has demonstrated that dysregulations of Tfr cells can bring on various immunological diseases, their immunomodulatory roles during pregnancy still remain unheeded. Herein, we introduced an allogeneic normal-pregnant mouse model and found that CD4⁺CXCR5^hiPD-1^hiFoxp3⁺ Tfr cells were preferentially accumulated in the uterus at mid-gestation and displayed a distinct phenotype. In addition, the absence of PDL1 resulted in increased fetal resorption by favoring Tfr cells accumulation and upregulating PD-1 expression on these cells. However, PDL1 blockade affected neither the ratio of Tfh/Tfr cells nor the maturation and differentiation of B cells. Overall, our results are the first to present a correlation of Tfr cells accumulation with healthy allogeneic pregnancy and PDL1 blockade-induced miscarriage, and to indicate that appropriate assembly of Tfr cells is important for pregnancy maintenance. Since blockade of PD-1-PDL1 pathway leads to more Tfr cells and fetal losses, the reproductive safety must be taken into consideration when PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy is used in pregnancy.

B Cell and CD4 T Cell Interactions Promote Development of Atherosclerosis

Interaction between B and CD4 T cells is crucial for their optimal responses in adaptive immunity. Immune responses augmented by their partnership promote chronic inflammation. Here we report that interaction between B and CD4 T cells augments their atherogenicity to promote lipid-induced atherosclerosis. Genetic deletion of the gene encoding immunoglobulin mu (μ) heavy chain (μMT) in ApoE^−/− mice resulted in global loss of B cells including those in atherosclerotic plaques, undetectable immunoglobulins and impaired germinal center formation. Despite unaffected numbers in the circulation and peripheral lymph nodes, CD4 T cells were also reduced in spleens as were activated and memory CD4 T cells. In hyperlipidemic μMT^−/− ApoE^−/− mice, B cell deficiency decreased atherosclerotic lesions, accompanied by absence of immunoglobulins and reduced CD4 T cell accumulation in lesions. Adoptive transfer of B cells deficient in either MHCII or co-stimulatory molecule CD40, molecules required for B and CD4 T cell interaction, into B cell-deficient μMT^−/− ApoE^−/− mice failed to increase atherosclerosis. In contrast, wildtype B cells transferred into μMT^−/− ApoE^−/− mice increased atherosclerosis and increased CD4 T cells in lesions including activated and memory CD4 T cells. Transferred B cells also increased their expression of atherogenic cytokines IL-1β, TGF-β, MCP-1, M-CSF, and MIF, with partial restoration of germinal centers and plasma immunoglobulins. Our study demonstrates that interaction between B and CD4 T cells utilizing MHCII and CD40 is essential to augment their function to increase atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice. These findings suggest that targeting B cell and CD4 T cell interaction may be a therapeutic strategy to limit atherosclerosis progression.

The past, present, and future of costimulation blockade in organ transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Manipulating costimulatory signals has been shown to alter T cell responses and prolong graft survival in solid organ transplantation. Our understanding of and ability to target various costimulation pathways continues to evolve.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since the approval of belatacept in kidney transplantation, many additional biologics have been developed targeting clinically relevant costimulation signaling axes including CD40-CD40L, inducible costimulator-inducible costimulator ligand (ICOS-ICOSL), and OX40-OX40L. Currently, the effects of costimulation blockade on posttransplant humoral responses, tolerance induction, and xenotransplantation are under active investigation. Here, we will discuss these pathways as well as preclinical and clinical outcomes of biologics targeting these pathways in organ transplantation.

SUMMARY

Targeting costimultion is a promising approach for not only controlling T cell but also B cell responses. Consequently, costimulation blockade shows considerable potential for improving outcomes in antibody-mediated rejection and xenotransplantation.

Chemokine CXCL13 as a New Systemic Biomarker for B-Cell Involvement in Acute T Cell-Mediated Kidney Allograft Rejection

The presence of B-cell clusters in allogenic T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) of kidney allografts is linked to more severe disease entities. In this study we characterized B-cell infiltrates in patients with TCMR and examined the role of serum CXCL-13 in these patients and experimentally. CXCL-13 serum levels were analyzed in 73 kidney allograft recipients at the time of allograft biopsy. In addition, four patients were evaluated for CXCL13 levels during the first week after transplantation. ELISA was done to measure CXCL-13 serum levels. For further mechanistic understanding, a translational allogenic kidney transplant (ktx) mouse model for TCMR was studied in BalbC recipients of fully mismatched transplants with C57BL/6 donor kidneys. CXCL-13 serum levels were measured longitudinally, CD20 and CD3 composition and CXCL13 mRNA in tissue were examined by flow cytometry and kidneys were examined by histology and immunohistochemistry. We found significantly higher serum levels of the B-cell chemoattractant CXCL13 in patients with TCMR compared to controls and patients with borderline TCMR. Moreover, in patients with acute rejection within the first week after ktx, a >5-fold CXCL13 increase was measured and correlated with B-cell infiltrates in the biopsies. In line with the clinical findings, TCMR in mice correlated with increased systemic serum-CXCL13 levels. Moreover, renal allografts had significantly higher CXCL13 mRNA expression than isogenic controls and showed interstitial CD20+ B-cell clusters and CD3+ cell infiltrates accumulating in the vicinity of renal vessels. CXCL13 blood levels correlate with B-cell involvement in TCMR and might help to identify patients at risk of a more severe clinical course of rejection.

T Follicular Regulatory Cells and Antibody Responses in Transplantation

De novo donor-specific antibody (DSA) formation is a major problem in transplantation, and associated with long-term graft decline and loss as well as sensitization, limiting future transplant options. Forming high-affinity, long-lived antibody responses involves a process called the germinal center (GC) reaction, and requires interaction between several cell types, including GC B cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells. T follicular regulatory cells are an essential component of the GC reaction, limiting its size and reducing nonspecific or self-reactive responses.An imbalance between helper function and regulatory function can lead to excessive antibody production. High proportions of Tfh cells have been associated with DSA formation in transplantation; therefore, Tfr cells are likely to play an important role in limiting DSA production. Understanding the signals that govern Tfr cell development and the balance between helper and regulatory function within the GC is key to understanding how these cells might be manipulated to reduce the risk of DSA development.This review discusses the development and function of Tfr cells and their relevance to transplantation. In particular how current and future immunosuppressive strategies might allow us to skew the ratio between Tfr and Tfh cells to increase or decrease the risk of de novo DSA formation.

Guiding regulatory T cells to the allograft

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The application of regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy in organ transplantation is actively being pursued using unmodified, typically polyclonal cells. As the results of these ongoing clinical trials emerge, it is time to plan the next wave of clinical trials of Tregs. Here we will review a key strategy to improve Treg effectiveness and reduce side effects, namely increasing Treg specificity - both in terms of antigen recognition and localization to the allograft.

RECENT FINDINGS

Study of chemokine signatures accompanying acute rejection has revealed several chemokines that could be targeted to increase Treg homing. For example, Tregs possessing a Th1-like phenotype and expressing CXCR3 are better able to migrate towards local inflammation. Allografts themselves can be modified to increase Treg-attracting chemokines and Tregs themselves can produce chemokines, facilitating local proximity to their targets of suppression. Finally, tailoring Treg antigen specificity by T-cell or chimeric antigen receptor engineering is another approach to increase the specificity of suppression and optimize localization.

SUMMARY

Treg localization to the graft is important, but the important role of lymph node and germinal center homing cannot be overlooked. There is an opportunity to learn from advances made in cancer immunotherapy to optimize Treg therapy for transplantation.

Costimulatory blockade molecules and B-cell-mediated immune response: current knowledge and perspectives

There is an urgent need for therapeutic agents that target humoral alloimmunity in solid organ transplantation. This includes sensitized patients with preformed donor-specific human leukocyte antigen antibodies and patients who develop de novo donor-specific antibodies, both of which are associated with acute and chronic antibody-mediated rejection and allograft loss. In the last decade, both experimental and clinical studies highlighted the major impact of costimulation molecules in the control of immune responses both in the field of transplantation and autoimmune disease. Although these molecules have been initially developed to control the early steps of T-cell activation, recent evidence also supports their influence at several steps of the humoral response. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the effects of costimulatory blockade agents on humoral responses in both autoimmune and allogeneic contexts. We first present the effects of costimulatory molecules on the different steps of alloantibody production. We then summarize mechanisms and clinical results observed using cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4)-Ig molecules both in transplantation and autoimmunity. Finally, we present the potential interest and implications of other costimulatory family members as therapeutic targets, with emphasis on combinatorial approaches, for the optimal control of the alloantigen-specific humoral response.

Summary of 2017 FDA Public Workshop: Antibody-mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplantation

Despite major advances in understanding the pathophysiology of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR); prevention, diagnosis and treatment remain unmet medical needs. It appears that early T cell-mediated rejection, de novo donor-specific antibody (dnDSA) formation and AMR result from patient or physician initiated suboptimal immunosuppression, and represent landmarks in an ongoing process rather than separate events. On April 12 and 13, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration sponsored a public workshop on AMR in kidney transplantation to discuss new advances, importance of immunosuppressive medication nonadherence in dnDSA formation, associations between AMR, cellular rejection, changes in glomerular filtration rate, and challenges of clinical trial design for the prevention and treatment of AMR. Key messages from the workshop are included in this summary. Distinction between type 1 (due to preexisting DSA) and type 2 (due to dnDSA) phenotypes of AMR needs to be considered in patient management and clinical trial design. Standardization and more widespread adoption of routine posttransplant DSA monitoring may permit timely diagnosis and understanding of the natural course of type 2 and chronic AMR. Clinical trial design, especially as related to type 2 and chronic AMR, has specific challenges, including the high prevalence of nonadherence in the population at risk, indolent nature of the process until the appearance of graft dysfunction, and the absence of accepted surrogate endpoints. Other challenges include sample size and study duration, which could be mitigated by enrichment strategies.

Complete B Cell Deficiency Reduces Allograft Inflammation and Intragraft Macrophages in a Rat Kidney Transplant Model

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, it is being appreciated that B cells have broad roles beyond the humoral response and are able to contribute to and regulate inflammation. The specific role of B cells in the pathogenesis of early allograft inflammation remains unclear.

METHODS

To address this question, we generated B cell-deficient (B) Lewis rats via clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology. In a full mismatch transplant model, kidneys from Brown Norway donors were transplanted into B Lewis recipients or wild type Lewis recipients. T cell-mediated rejection was attenuated with cyclosporine.

RESULTS

Renal inflammation was reduced at 1 week after transplant (Banff scores for interstitial inflammation, microvascular inflammation, glomerulitis, and C4d) in allografts from B recipients. The reduction in interstitial inflammation was predominantly due to a decline in graft infiltrating macrophages. Intragraft T-cell numbers remained unchanged. In addition, B-cell deficiency was associated with increased T regulatory cells and reduced splenic T follicular helper cells at baseline; and significantly increased intragraft and splenic IL-10 mRNA levels after transplant. In vitro, B and wild type splenic T cells produced similar levels of IFN-γ in response to T cell-specific activation.

CONCLUSIONS

B-cell deficiency in this model produced an anti-inflammatory phenotype with a shift toward regulatory T-cell populations, production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), and a reduction in allograft inflammation. These findings define a role for B cells to influence the cell populations and mediators involved in the pathogenesis of early allograft inflammation.

IL-21 Biased Alemtuzumab Induced Chronic Antibody-Mediated Rejection Is Reversed by LFA-1 Costimulation Blockade

Despite its excellent efficacy in controlling T cell mediated acute rejection, lymphocyte depletion may promote a humoral response. While T cell repopulation after depletion has been evaluated in many aspects, the B cell response has not been fully elucidated. We tested the hypothesis that the mechanisms also involve skewed T helper phenotype after lymphocytic depletion. Post-transplant immune response was measured from alemtuzumab treated hCD52Tg cardiac allograft recipients with or without anti-LFA-1 mAb. Alemtuzumab induction promoted serum DSA, allo-B cells, and CAV in humanized CD52 transgenic (hCD52Tg) mice after heterotopic heart transplantation. Additional anti-LFA-1 mAb treatment resulted in reduced DSA (Fold increase 4.75 ± 6.9 vs. 0.7 ± 0.5; p < 0.01), allo-specific B cells (0.07 ± 0.06 vs. 0.006 ± 0.002 %; p < 0.01), neo-intimal hyperplasia (56 ± 14% vs. 23 ± 13%; p < 0.05), arterial disease (77.8 ± 14.2 vs. 25.8 ± 20.1%; p < 0.05), and fibrosis (15 ± 23.3 vs. 4.3 ± 1.65%; p < 0.05) in this alemtuzumab-induced chronic antibody-mediated rejection (CAMR) model. Surprisingly, elevated serum IL-21 levels in alemtuzumab-treated mice was reduced with LFA-1 blockade. In accordance with the increased serum IL-21 level, alemtuzumab treated mice showed hyperplastic germinal center (GC) development, while the supplemental anti-LFA-1 mAb significantly reduced the GC frequency and size. We report that the incomplete T cell depletion inside of the GC leads to a systemic IL-21 dominant milieu with hyperplastic GC formation and CAMR. Conventional immunosuppression, such as tacrolimus and rapamycin, failed to reverse AMR, while co-stimulation blockade with LFA-1 corrected the GC hyperplastic response. The identification of IL-21 driven chronic AMR elucidates a novel mechanism that suggests a therapeutic approach with cytolytic induction.

Advances in T follicular helper and T follicular regulatory cells in transplantation immunity

B cells play a crucial role in alloreactivity of organ transplant rejection and graft versus host diseases (GVHD). Over the past decade, it has been well recognized that B-cell infiltration in allografts and de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) were strongly associated with severe graft rejection and loss, as well as glucocorticoid resistance. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells are key effectors to promote the proliferation and differentiation of B cells into antibody-producing plasmablasts and memory B cells. T-follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells are a recently recognized cell population that has a negative regulatory role on Tfh cells in the follicle, preventing incessant antibody production. It is still less clear how those humoral immunoreactive cells affect transplant rejection and allograft loss. This review focuses on the production and function of Tfr/Tfh cells in the transplant environment. Better understanding of the functions and mechanisms of Tfr/Tfh cells will help to design new strategies to prevent allograft rejection and prolong graft survival.

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.

T Follicular Helper Cells As a New Target for Immunosuppressive Therapies

Over the past decade, antibody-mediated (humoral) rejection has been recognized as a common cause of graft dysfunction after organ transplantation and an important determinant for graft loss. In humoral alloimmunity, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play a crucial role, because they help naïve B cells to differentiate into memory B cells and alloantibody-producing plasma cells within germinal centers. In this way, they contribute to the induction of donor-specific antibodies, which are responsible for the humoral immune response to the allograft. In this article, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the effects of immunosuppressive therapies on Tfh cell development and function, and discuss possible new approaches to influence the activity of Tfh cells. In addition, we discuss the potential use of Tfh cells as a pharmacodynamic biomarker to improve alloimmune-risk stratification and tailoring of immunosuppression to individualize therapy after transplantation.

The mechanisms of rejection in solid organ transplantation

Organ transplantation represents the preferred treatment option for many patients in terminal organ failure. The half-life of transplanted organs, however, is still far from being satisfactory with the vast majority of the organs failing within the first two decades following transplantation. At this stage, it has become apparent that rejection (prevalently mediated by humoral events) remains the primary cause of graft loss after the first year. In this light, studies are underway to better comprehend the immune events underlying graft rejection and novel immunosuppressive strategies are being explored. In this context, therapeutic apheresis techniques, that include therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), immunoadsorption (IA) and extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), represent an important adjunct in the current immunosuppressive armamentarium. This article briefly reviews our current understanding of the immune process underlying rejection of a solid organ transplant and describes the principal areas of application of therapeutic apheresis techniques in transplantation.