1
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Lee H, Myoung H, Kim SM. Review of two immunosuppressants: tacrolimus and cyclosporine. J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg 2023; 49:311-323. [PMID: 38155084 PMCID: PMC10761313 DOI: 10.5125/jkaoms.2023.49.6.311] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressants are vital in organ transplantation including facial transplantation (FT) but are associated with persistent side effects. This review article was prepared to compare the two most used immunosuppressants, cyclosporine and tacrolimus, in terms of mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety and to assess recent trials to mitigate their side effects. PubMed and Google Scholar queries were conducted using combinations of the following search terms: "transplantation immunosuppressant," "cyclosporine," "tacrolimus," "calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)," "efficacy," "safety," "induction therapy," "maintenance therapy," and "conversion therapy." Both immunosuppressants inhibit calcineurin and effectively down-regulate cytokines. Tacrolimus may be more advantageous since it lowers the likelihood of acute rejection, has the ability to reverse allograft rejection following cyclosporine treatment, and has the potential to reinnervate nerves. Meanwhile, graft survival rates seem to be comparable for the CNIs. To avoid nephrotoxicity, various immunosuppressants other than CNIs have been studied. Despite averting nephrotoxicity, these medications show increases in acute rejection or other types of adverse effects compared to CNIs. FT has been a topic of interest for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and the postoperative usage of immunosuppressants is crucial for the long-term prognosis of FT. As contemporary transplantation regimens incorporate novel medications along with CNIs, further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- HyunJong Lee
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoon Myoung
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soung Min Kim
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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2
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Kitchens WH, Larsen CP, Badell IR. Costimulatory Blockade and Solid Organ Transplantation: The Past, Present, and Future. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2529-2545. [PMID: 38106575 PMCID: PMC10719580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.08.037] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Belatacept is the first costimulatory blockade agent clinically approved for transplant immunosuppression. Although more than 10 years of study have demonstrated that belatacept offers superior long-term renal allograft and patient survival compared to conventional calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based immunosuppression regimens, the clinical adoption of belatacept has continued to lag because of concerns of an early risk of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and various logistical barriers to its administration. In this review, the history of the clinical development of belatacept is examined, along with the findings of the seminal BENEFIT and BENEFIT-EXT trials culminating in the clinical approval of belatacept. Recent efforts to incorporate belatacept into novel CNI-free immunosuppression regimens are reviewed, as well as the experience of the Emory Transplant Center in using a tapered course of low-dose tacrolimus in belatacept-treated renal allograft patients to garner the long-term outcome benefits of belatacept without the short-term increased risks of ACR. Potential avenues to increase the clinical adoption of belatacept in the future are explored, including surmounting the logistical barriers of belatacept administration through subcutaneous administration or more infrequent belatacept dosing. In addition, belatacept conversion strategies and potential expanded clinical indications of belatacept are discussed for pediatric transplant recipients, extrarenal transplant recipients, treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), and in patients with failed renal allografts. Finally, we discuss the novel immunosuppressive drugs currently in the development pipeline that may aid in the expansion of costimulation blockade utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H. Kitchens
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christian P. Larsen
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - I. Raul Badell
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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3
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Qayyum S, Shahid K. Comparative Safety and Efficacy of Immunosuppressive Regimens Post-kidney Transplant: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e43903. [PMID: 37746361 PMCID: PMC10512192 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43903] [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] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressive agents are used post-organ transplant to prevent acute rejection and graft losses. Tacrolimus, the most widely used immunosuppressive agent for kidney transplant recipients, has unfavorable side effects such as new-onset diabetes after transplant, nephrotoxicity, and electrolyte imbalances. Other drug groups such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, belatacept, and bleselumab have been used to either substitute calcineurin inhibitors or reduce their exposure. This systematic analysis reviews evidence from randomized controlled trials to compare the safety and efficacy of various immunosuppressive regimens for kidney transplant recipients. An in-depth methodical search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Mendeley. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed for this study. Randomized controlled trials comparing varying regimens were included in this study. While there was no difference in safety and efficacy between once-daily and twice-daily tacrolimus, mTOR inhibitors showed to be a viable option for a reduced tacrolimus exposure regimen. Calcineurin inhibitor avoidance and early steroid withdrawal regimens both showed increased rates of rejection. Based on these findings, a regimen containing once-daily tacrolimus and an mTOR inhibitor with or without corticosteroid is a viable immunosuppressive regimen post-kidney transplant. Further trials, especially ones with longer follow-up periods, are needed to explore these regimens' long-term safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Qayyum
- Nephrology, Diaverum Dialysis Center, Wadi Al Dawasir, SAU
| | - Kamran Shahid
- Internal Medicine/Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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Herr F, Dekeyser M, Le Pavec J, Desterke C, Chiron AS, Bargiel K, Mercier O, Vernochet A, Fadel E, Durrbach A. mTOR Inhibition Impairs the Activation and Function of Belatacept-Resistant CD4 +CD57 + T Cells In Vivo and In Vitro. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041299. [PMID: 37111784 PMCID: PMC10142381 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041299] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitors have improved graft survival in solid-organ transplantation but their use is limited by toxicity, requiring a switch to another immunosuppressor in some cases. Belatacept is one option that has been shown to improve graft and patient survival despite being associated with a higher risk of acute cellular rejection. This risk of acute cellular rejection is correlated with the presence of belatacept-resistant T cells. We performed a transcriptomic analysis of in vitro-activated cells to identify pathways affected by belatacept in belatacept-sensitive cells (CD4+CD57-) but not in belatacept-resistant CD4+CD57+ T cells. mTOR was significantly downregulated in belatacept-sensitive but not belatacept-resistant T cells. The inhibition of mTOR strongly decreases the activation and cytotoxicity of CD4+CD57+ cells. In humans, the use of a combination of mTOR inhibitor and belatacept prevents graft rejection and decreases the expression of activation markers on CD4 and CD8 T cells. mTOR inhibition decreases the functioning of belatacept-resistant CD4+CD57+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. It could potentially be used in association with belatacept to prevent acute cellular rejection in cases of calcineurin intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Herr
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm, Immunologie Intégrative des Tumeurs et Immunothérapie des Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Manon Dekeyser
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm, Immunologie Intégrative des Tumeurs et Immunothérapie des Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
- Hôpital Henri Mondor, Service de Néphrologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94010 Creteil, France
| | - Jerome Le Pavec
- Inserm, Hypertension Pulmonaire: Physiopathologie et Innovation Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Saclay, 92350 Le Plessis Robinson, France
- Centre Hospitalier Marie Lannelongue, 92350 Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Christophe Desterke
- Inserm, Modèles de Cellules Souches Malignes et Thérapeutiques, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Andrada-Silvana Chiron
- Unité des Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France
| | - Karen Bargiel
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm, Immunologie Intégrative des Tumeurs et Immunothérapie des Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Olaf Mercier
- Inserm, Hypertension Pulmonaire: Physiopathologie et Innovation Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Saclay, 92350 Le Plessis Robinson, France
- Centre Hospitalier Marie Lannelongue, 92350 Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Amelia Vernochet
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm, Immunologie Intégrative des Tumeurs et Immunothérapie des Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Elie Fadel
- Inserm, Hypertension Pulmonaire: Physiopathologie et Innovation Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Saclay, 92350 Le Plessis Robinson, France
- Centre Hospitalier Marie Lannelongue, 92350 Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Antoine Durrbach
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Inserm, Immunologie Intégrative des Tumeurs et Immunothérapie des Cancers, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
- Hôpital Henri Mondor, Service de Néphrologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94010 Creteil, France
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5
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Three-year Outcomes After Conversion From Monthly to Every 2-month Belatacept Maintenance Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial. Transplant Direct 2023; 9:e1449. [PMID: 36875938 PMCID: PMC9977481 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance immunosuppression with belatacept following kidney transplantation results in improved long-term graft function as compared with calcineurin inhibitors. However, broad application of belatacept has been limited, in part related to logistical barriers surrounding a monthly (q1m) infusion requirement. Methods To determine whether every 2-mo (q2m) belatacept is noninferior to standard q1m maintenance, we conducted a prospective, single-center randomized trial in low-immunologic-risk, stable renal transplant recipients. Here, post hoc analysis of 3-y outcomes, including renal function and adverse events, are reported. Results One hundred sixty-three patients received treatment in the q1m control group (n = 82) or q2m study group (n = 81). Renal allograft function as measured by baseline-adjusted estimated glomerular filtration rate was not significantly different between groups (time-averaged mean difference of 0.2 mL/min/1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval: -2.5, 2.9). There were no statistically significant differences in time to death or graft loss, freedom from rejection, or freedom from donor-specific antibodies (DSAs). During the extended 12- to 36-mo follow-up, 3 deaths, 1 graft loss occurred in the q1m group, compared with 2 deaths, and 2 graft losses in the q2m group. In the q1m group, 1 patient developed DSAs and acute rejection. In the q2m group, 3 patients developed DSAs and 2 associated with acute rejection. Conclusions Based on the similar renal function and survival at 36 mo compared with q1m, q2m belatacept is a potentially viable maintenance immunosuppressive strategy in low immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients that may facilitate increased clinical utilization of costimulation blockade-based immunosuppression.
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Yakubu I, Moinuddin I, Gupta G. Use of belatacept in kidney transplantation: what's new? Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2023; 28:36-45. [PMID: 36326538 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001033] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The advent of calcineurin inhibitors have led to a significant improvement in short term outcomes after kidney transplantation. However, long term outcomes are hindered by the cardiovascular, metabolic and chronic renal toxicity associated with these agents. Belatacept is a selective T cell costimulation blocker that is approved for prevention of rejection in kidney transplantation, and has been associated with favorable cardiovascular, metabolic and renal outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. This review provides an overview of recent updates in the use of belatacept in kidney transplant recipients. RECENT FINDINGS Belatacept may be a safe alternative to calcineurin inhibitors for select kidney transplant populations. Patients converted to belatacept from a calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression generally experience improvement in renal function, and may be less likely to develop de novo donor specific antibodies or new onset diabetes after transplantation. Although, belatacept based immunosuppression may increase the risk of early acute cellular rejection, it may however be beneficial in stabilization of long-term renal function and improvement in inflammation in patients with chronic active antibody mediated rejection. These benefits need to be counterweighed with risks of lack of response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination and other adverse infectious outcomes. SUMMARY Belatacept may be an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors and may contribute to improved long term metabolic and allograft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. Careful selection of patients for belatacept-based immunosuppression is needed, to obviate the risk of acute rejection shown in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irfan Moinuddin
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Schaenman J, Rossetti M, Pickering H, Sunga G, Wilhalme H, Elashoff D, Zhang Q, Hickey M, Reddy U, Danovitch G, Reed EF, Bunnapradist S. Preservation of Antiviral Immunologic Efficacy Without Alloimmunity After Switch to Belatacept in Calcineurin Inhibitor-Intolerant Patients. Kidney Int Rep 2022; 8:126-140. [PMID: 36644348 PMCID: PMC9832066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Belatacept has shown potential for prevention of rejection after kidney transplantation, given its demonstration of reduced nephrotoxicity in combination with absence of significant incidence of rejection. However, concerns have been raised regarding increased risk of viral infection. Methods We set out to explore the impact of the switch to belatacept on alloimmune and antiviral immunity through the study of patients switched from calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) to belatacept within 3 months of kidney transplantation compared with a matched cohort of control patients on a CNI-based regimen. Results After the switch to belatacept, immune phenotyping demonstrated a decrease in naive and an increase in terminally differentiated effector memory (TMRA) T cells, with no significant difference compared with control patients. Donor-specific immune response, measured by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), did not change significantly either by single or double cytokine secretion, but it was associated with the appearance of donor-specific antibody (DSA) in the control but not the belatacept cohort (P = 0.039 for naive and P = 0.002 for TMRA subtypes). Increased incidence of de novo DSA development was observed in the control group (P = 0.035). Virus-specific immune response, as measured by ICS in response to cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), was similar in both groups and stable over time. Conclusion We found that belatacept use was associated with an absence of alloreactivity without impact on immune phenotype, while preserving the antiviral immune response, for patients switched from a CNI-based regimen. In parallel, the antiviral immune response against CMV and EBV was preserved after the belatacept switch (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01953120).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Schaenman
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maura Rossetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Harry Pickering
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gemalene Sunga
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Holly Wilhalme
- Department of Medicine Biostatistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Elashoff
- Department of Medicine Biostatistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Qiuheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michelle Hickey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Uttam Reddy
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gabriel Danovitch
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elaine F. Reed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Suphamai Bunnapradist
- Division of Kidney Transplantation, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA,Correspondence: Suuphamai Bunnapradist, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 565, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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8
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Lombardi Y, François H. Belatacept in Kidney Transplantation: What Are the True Benefits? A Systematic Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:942665. [PMID: 35911396 PMCID: PMC9329606 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.942665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The current gold standard to prevent allograft rejection for maintenance immunosuppression in kidney transplantation currently consists in glucocorticoids, an antiproliferative agent and a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), with better outcome for tacrolimus than cyclosporin. Although, CNI drastically improved early graft survival, so far, CNI have failed to significantly improve long-term survival mainly because of nephrotoxicity. In addition, CNI carry several other side effects such as an increased risk for cardiovascular events and for diabetes mellitus. Therefore, seeking alternatives to CNI remains of paramount importance in kidney transplantation. Belatacept is a fusion protein composed of the human IgG1 Fc fragment linked to the modified extracellular domain of cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4. In kidney transplant recipients, pivotal phase III randomized studies suggested clinical benefits of belatacept as an initial maintenance regimen, as compared with cyclosporine, mainly on kidney function. Recently, a randomized study also suggested a clinical benefit on renal function of a conversion from a CNI-based to a belatacept-based maintenance regimen in patients. However, conversion from CNIs to belatacept is probably associated with an increased risk of biopsy-proven acute rejection and should prompt close clinical surveillance. On the other hand, other studies suggest a decrease in de novo humoral transplant immunization. Belatacept is probably associated with an increase in both risk and severity of some infectious diseases, including EBV-linked post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders, and with a decreased response to vaccines. Most studies on belatacept are observational, retrospective, and non-comparative. Consequently, high-quality data about the safety and efficacy profile of belatacept, as compared with the current gold standard for maintenance regimens (tacrolimus-based), is uncertain. Our review will therefore focus on the most recent published data aiming at evaluating the evidence-based or the “true” benefits and risks of belatacept-based regimens in kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannis Lombardi
- Soins Intensifs Néphrologiques et Rein Aigu, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 4 rue de la Chine, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Hélène François
- Soins Intensifs Néphrologiques et Rein Aigu, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 4 rue de la Chine, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR_S 1155, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Hélène François
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Huang HJ, Schechtman K, Askar M, Bernadt C, Mittler B, Dore P, Witt C, Byers D, Vazquez-Guillamet R, Halverson L, Nava R, Puri V, Gelman A, Kreisel D, Hachem RR. A pilot randomized controlled trial of de novo belatacept-based immunosuppression following anti-thymocyte globulin induction in lung transplantation. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:1884-1892. [PMID: 35286760 PMCID: PMC9262777 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The development of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) after lung transplantation is common and results in adverse outcomes. In kidney transplantation, Belatacept has been associated with a lower incidence of DSA, but experience with Belatacept in lung transplantation is limited. We conducted a two-center pilot randomized controlled trial of de novo immunosuppression with Belatacept after lung transplantation to assess the feasibility of conducting a pivotal trial. Twenty-seven participants were randomized to Control (Tacrolimus, Mycophenolate Mofetil, and prednisone, n = 14) or Belatacept-based immunosuppression (Tacrolimus, Belatacept, and prednisone until day 89 followed by Belatacept, Mycophenolate Mofetil, and prednisone, n = 13). All participants were treated with rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin for induction immunosuppression. We permanently stopped randomization and treatment with Belatacept after three participants in the Belatacept arm died compared to none in the Control arm. Subsequently, two additional participants in the Belatacept arm died for a total of five deaths compared to none in the Control arm (log rank p = .016). We did not detect a significant difference in DSA development, acute cellular rejection, or infection between the two groups. We conclude that the investigational regimen used in this study is associated with increased mortality after lung transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Medhat Askar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Texas A & M College of Medicine
| | - Cory Bernadt
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Brigitte Mittler
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Peter Dore
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Chad Witt
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Derek Byers
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Washington University in St. Louis
| | | | - Laura Halverson
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Ruben Nava
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Varun Puri
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Andrew Gelman
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Daniel Kreisel
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Ramsey R. Hachem
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Washington University in St. Louis
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10
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Kizilbash SJ, Jensen CJ, Kouri AM, Balani SS, Chavers B. Steroid avoidance/withdrawal and maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14189. [PMID: 34786800 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticosteroids have been an integral part of maintenance immunosuppression for pediatric kidney transplantation. However, prolonged steroid therapy is associated with significant toxicities resulting in several SW/avoidance strategies in recent years. METHOD/OBJECTIVE This comprehensive review aims to discuss steroid-related toxicities and the safety, efficacy, and benefit of steroid avoidance/withdrawal immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. RESULTS Initial studies of SW/avoidance conducted in the setting of CSA and AZA showed an increased incidence of AR but no increase in graft loss or mortality with SW/avoidance maintenance immunosuppression. Studies performed under modern immunosuppression (induction therapy, Tac, and MMF) show no significant increase in AR or graft loss with SW/avoidance immunosuppression. Furthermore, SW/avoidance immunosuppression is associated with significant improvement in growth, BMI, BP control, and lipid profile in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Despite these data, SW/avoidance remains controversial, and only 40% of pediatric kidney transplant recipients in the United States are currently on SW/avoidance maintenance immunosuppression. CONCLUSION SW/avoidance maintenance immunosuppression is safe and associated with fewer side effects compared with steroid-inclusive maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Kizilbash
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chelsey J Jensen
- Solid Organ Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anne M Kouri
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shanthi S Balani
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Blanche Chavers
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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11
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Herr F, Desterke C, Bargiel K, Vernochet A, Vanhove B, Vadanici R, Ye F, Dekeyser M, Durrbach A. The proliferation of belatacept-resistant T cells requires early IFNα pathway activation. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:489-503. [PMID: 34431219 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Belatacept was developed to replace calcineurin inhibitors in kidney transplantation. Its use is associated with better kidney transplant function, a lower incidence of anti-donor antibodies and higher graft survival. However, it is also associated with a higher risk of cellular rejection. We studied the activation and proliferation mechanisms of belatacept-resistant T lymphocytes (TLs), to identify new pathways for control. We performed a transcriptomic analysis on CD4+ CD57+ PD1- memory TLs, which are responsible for a higher incidence of graft rejection, after allogeneic stimulation with activated dendritic cells (aDCs) in the presence or absence of belatacept. After six hours of contact with aDCs, the (CD4+ CD57+ PD1- ) (CD4+ CD57+ PD1+ ) and (CD4+ CD57- ) lymphocytes had different transcriptional profiles with or without belatacept. In the CD4+ CD57+ PD1- population, the IFNα-dependent activation pathway was positively overrepresented, and IRF7 transcript levels were high. IRF7 was associated with IFNα/β and IL-6 regulation. The inhibition of both these cytokines in a context of belatacept treatment inhibited the proliferation of CD4+ CD57+ PD1- T cells. Our results show that IRF7 is rapidly upregulated in belatacept-resistant CD4+ CD57+ PD1- TLs. The inhibition of type I IFN or IL-6 in association with belatacept treatment reduces the proliferation of belatacept-resistant TLs, paving the way for new treatments for use in organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Herr
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | | | - Karen Bargiel
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Amelia Vernochet
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | | | | | - Fan Ye
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Manon Dekeyser
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.,Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, Creteil, France
| | - Antoine Durrbach
- INSERM UMR1186, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.,Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, Creteil, France
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12
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Karadkhele G, Duneton C, Garro R, Badell IR, Pearson TC, Larsen CP, Hogan J. Temporal trends and current use of de novo belatacept in kidney transplant recipients in the United States. Clin Transplant 2021; 36:e14531. [PMID: 34757651 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The adoption of de novo belatacept in kidney transplant (kTx) recipients was hampered by an increased risk of acute cellular rejection (ACR) with variation in adopted belatacept based immunosuppressive therapies across centers. We used data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) to evaluate the temporal trends in belatacept use and describe the associated induction and maintenance regimens in US adult kTx recipients transplanted between June 2011 and December 2018. The number of patients receiving de novo-belatacept based immunosuppressive therapy increased from .74% in 2011 to 3.11% in 2016. In 2016, 66/207 centers used de novo belatacept-based regimen with 3.03% using it in over 50% of their patients. The use of T-cell depleting agents increased with time. Since 2012, the rate of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) use in combination with belatacept remained stable around 50% and ∼30% remained under belatacept/CNI combination at 1-year post-transplantation. The adoption of belatacept as de novo immunosuppressive regimen has been slow and its use remains low in the United States. Various regimens have been used to modulate the risk of ACR. Further studies evaluating the long-term outcomes of these regimens and assessing their safety especially with regard to the risk of infection are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geeta Karadkhele
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Charlotte Duneton
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Rouba Garro
- Pediatric Nephrology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Idelberto Raul Badell
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thomas C Pearson
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christian P Larsen
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julien Hogan
- Emory Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, Emory School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
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13
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Nickerson PW, Balshaw R, Wiebe C, Ho J, Gibson IW, Bridges ND, Rush DN, Heeger PS. A noninferiority design for a delayed calcineurin inhibitor substitution trial in kidney transplantation. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:1503-1512. [PMID: 32956576 PMCID: PMC8048676 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Improving long-term kidney transplant outcomes requires novel treatment strategies, including delayed calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) substitution, tested using informative trial designs. An alternative approach to the usual superiority-based trial is a noninferiority trial design that tests whether an investigational agent is not unacceptably worse than standard of care. An informative noninferiority design, with biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) as the endpoint, requires determination of a prespecified, evidence-based noninferiority margin for BPAR. No such information is available for delayed CNI substitution in kidney transplantation. Herein we analyzed data from recent kidney transplant trials of CNI withdrawal and "real world" CNI- based standard of care, containing subjects with well-documented evidence of immune quiescence at 6 months posttransplant-ideal candidates for delayed CNI substitution. Our analysis indicates an evidence-based noninferiority margin of 13.8% for the United States Food and Drug Administration's composite definition of BPAR between 6 and 24 months posttransplant. Sample size estimation determined that ~225 randomized subjects would be required to evaluate noninferiority for this primary clinical efficacy endpoint, and superiority for a renal function safety endpoint. Our findings provide the basis for future delayed CNI substitution noninferiority trials, thereby increasing the likelihood they will provide clinically implementable results and achieve regulatory approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W. Nickerson
- Department of Internal MedicineMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Department of ImmunologyMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Robert Balshaw
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare InnovationUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Chris Wiebe
- Department of Internal MedicineMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Department of ImmunologyMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Julie Ho
- Department of Internal MedicineMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Department of ImmunologyMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Ian W. Gibson
- Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Department of PathologyMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Nancy D. Bridges
- Division of AllergyImmunology and TransplantationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseaseBethesdaMaryland
| | - David N. Rush
- Department of Internal MedicineMax Rady College of MedicineUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada,Health Sciences CentreShared Health Services ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Peter S. Heeger
- Translational Transplant Research CenterDepartment of MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew York
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14
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Prevention of acute rejection after rescue with Belatacept by association of low-dose Tacrolimus maintenance in medically complex kidney transplant recipients with early or late graft dysfunction. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240335. [PMID: 33057374 PMCID: PMC7561183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increased acute rejection risk in rescue protocols with Belatacept may limit its use particularly in medically complex patients where preexisting increased risk of rejection couples with CNI toxicity. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed in 19 KTs shifted to a Belatacept-based immunosuppression with low-dose Tacrolimus (2–3 ng/mL) after evidence of allograft disfunction, including patients with primary non-function (PNF), chronic-active antibody-mediated rejection (cAMR), history of previous KTs and/or other concomitant transplants (liver, pancreas). Evaluation of CD28+ CD4+ effector memory T cell (TEM) before conversion was performed in 10/19. Results Kidney function significantly improved (median eGFR 16.5 ml/min/1.73m2 before vs 25 ml/min after; p = 0.001) at a median time after conversion of 12.5 months (9.1–17.8). Overall graft and patient survival were 89.5% and 100% respectively. Definitive weaning from dialysis in 5/5 KTs with PNF was observed, whereas 7/8 patients lost their graft within first year in a control group. eGFR significantly ameliorated in re-trasplants (p = 0.001) and stabilized in KTs with other organ transplants or cAMR. No acute rejection episodes occurred, despite the significant risk suggested by high frequency of CD28+ CD4+ TEM in most patients. Opportunistic infections were limited and most common in early vs late-converted. Conclusions Rescue association of Belatacept with low-dose Tacrolimus in medically complex KTs is a feasible option that allows prevention of acute rejection and amelioration of graft function.
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