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Hinze C, Lovric S, Halloran PF, Barasch J, Schmidt-Ott KM. Epithelial cell states associated with kidney and allograft injury. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:447-459. [PMID: 38632381 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-024-00834-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The kidney epithelium, with its intricate arrangement of highly specialized cell types, constitutes the functional core of the organ. Loss of kidney epithelium is linked to the loss of functional nephrons and a subsequent decline in kidney function. In kidney transplantation, epithelial injury signatures observed during post-transplantation surveillance are strong predictors of adverse kidney allograft outcomes. However, epithelial injury is currently neither monitored clinically nor addressed therapeutically after kidney transplantation. Several factors can contribute to allograft epithelial injury, including allograft rejection, drug toxicity, recurrent infections and postrenal obstruction. The injury mechanisms that underlie allograft injury overlap partially with those associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the native kidney. Studies using advanced transcriptomic analyses of single cells from kidney or urine have identified a role for kidney injury-induced epithelial cell states in exacerbating and sustaining damage in AKI and CKD. These epithelial cell states and their associated expression signatures are also observed in transplanted kidney allografts, suggesting that the identification and characterization of transcriptomic epithelial cell states in kidney allografts may have potential clinical implications for diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hinze
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Svjetlana Lovric
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan Barasch
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Kai M Schmidt-Ott
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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2
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Madill-Thomsen K, Halloran P. Precision diagnostics in transplanted organs using microarray-assessed gene expression: concepts and technical methods of the Molecular Microscope® Diagnostic System (MMDx). Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:663-685. [PMID: 38819301 PMCID: PMC11147747 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
There is a major unmet need for improved accuracy and precision in the assessment of transplant rejection and tissue injury. Diagnoses relying on histologic and visual assessments demonstrate significant variation between expert observers (as represented by low kappa values) and have limited ability to assess many biological processes that produce little histologic changes, for example, acute injury. Consensus rules and guidelines for histologic diagnosis are useful but may have errors. Risks of over- or under-treatment can be serious: many therapies for transplant rejection or primary diseases are expensive and carry risk for significant adverse effects. Improved diagnostic methods could alleviate healthcare costs by reducing treatment errors, increase treatment efficacy, and serve as useful endpoints for clinical trials of new agents that can improve outcomes. Molecular diagnostic assessments using microarrays combined with machine learning algorithms for interpretation have shown promise for increasing diagnostic precision via probabilistic assessments, recalibrating standard of care diagnostic methods, clarifying ambiguous cases, and identifying potentially missed cases of rejection. This review describes the development and application of the Molecular Microscope® Diagnostic System (MMDx), and discusses the history and reasoning behind many common methods, statistical practices, and computational decisions employed to ensure that MMDx scores are as accurate and precise as possible. MMDx provides insights on disease processes and highly reproducible results from a comparatively small amount of tissue and constitutes a general approach that is useful in many areas of medicine, including kidney, heart, lung, and liver transplants, with the possibility of extrapolating lessons for understanding native organ disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelynn S. Madill-Thomsen
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Philip F. Halloran
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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3
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Berger M, Baliker M, Van Gelder T, Böhmig GA, Mannon RB, Kumar D, Chadban S, Nickerson P, Lee LA, Djamali A. Chronic Active Antibody-mediated Rejection: Opportunity to Determine the Role of Interleukin-6 Blockade. Transplantation 2024; 108:1109-1114. [PMID: 37941113 PMCID: PMC11042519 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (caAMR) is arguably the most important cause of late kidney allograft failure. However, there are no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments for acute or chronic AMR and there is no consensus on effective treatment. Many trials in transplantation have failed because of slow and/or inadequate enrollment, and no new agent has been approved by the FDA for transplantation in over a decade. Several lines of evidence suggest that interleukin-6 is an important driver of AMR, and clazakizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that neutralizes interleukin-6, has shown promising results in phase 2 studies. The IMAGINE trial (Interleukin-6 Blockade Modifying Antibody-mediated Graft Injury and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Decline) (NCT03744910) is the first to be considered by the FDA using a reasonably likely surrogate endpoint (slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline >1 y) for accelerated approval and is the only ongoing clinical trial for the treatment of chronic rejection. This trial offers us the opportunity to advance the care for our patients in need, and this article is a call to action for all transplant providers caring for patients with caAMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mel Berger
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Teun Van Gelder
- Department Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Georg A. Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roslyn B. Mannon
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Deepali Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Transplant Infectious Disease, Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Steve Chadban
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Nickerson
- Department of Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Laurie A. Lee
- Research and Development, Transplant Therapeutic Area, CSL Behring, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, PA
| | - Arjang Djamali
- Department of Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME
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4
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Halloran PF, Madill-Thomsen K, Mackova M, Aliabadi-Zuckermann AZ, Cadeiras M, Crespo-Leiro MG, Depasquale EC, Deng M, Gökler J, Hall SA, Kim DH, Kobashigawa J, Macdonald P, Potena L, Shah K, Stehlik J, Zuckermann A, Reeve J. Molecular states associated with dysfunction and graft loss in heart transplants. J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:508-518. [PMID: 38042442 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored the changes in gene expression correlating with dysfunction and graft failure in endomyocardial biopsies. METHODS Genome-wide microarrays (19,462 genes) were used to define mRNA changes correlating with dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 55) and risk of graft loss within 3 years postbiopsy. LVEF data was available for 1,013 biopsies and survival data for 779 patients (74 losses). Molecular classifiers were built for predicting dysfunction (LVEF ≤ 55) and postbiopsy 3-year survival. RESULTS Dysfunction is correlated with dedifferentiation-decreased expression of normal heart transcripts, for example, solute carriers, along with increased expression of inflammation genes. Many genes with reduced expression in dysfunction were matrix genes such as fibulin 1 and decorin. Gene ontology (GO) categories suggested matrix remodeling and inflammation, not rejection. Genes associated with the risk of failure postbiopsy overlapped dysfunction genes but also included genes affecting microcirculation, for example, arginase 2, which reduces NO production, and endothelin 1. GO terms also reflected increased glycolysis and response to hypoxia, but decreased VEGF and angiogenesis pathways. T cell-mediated rejection was associated with reduced survival and antibody-mediated rejection with relatively good survival, but the main determinants of survival were features of parenchymal injury. Both dysfunction and graft loss were correlated with increased biopsy expression of BNP (gene NPPB). Survival probability classifiers divided hearts into risk quintiles, with actuarial 3-year postbiopsy survival >95% for the highest versus 50% for the lowest. CONCLUSIONS Dysfunction in transplanted hearts reflects dedifferentiation, decreased matrix genes, injury, and inflammation. The risk of short-term loss includes these changes but is also associated with microcirculation abnormalities, glycolysis, and response to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | - Martina Mackova
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Mario Deng
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Johannes Gökler
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Daniel H Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Peter Macdonald
- The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luciano Potena
- Heart Failure and Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Keyur Shah
- Department of Cardiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Josef Stehlik
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Andreas Zuckermann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeff Reeve
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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5
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Roufosse C, Naesens M, Haas M, Lefaucheur C, Mannon RB, Afrouzian M, Alachkar N, Aubert O, Bagnasco SM, Batal I, Bellamy COC, Broecker V, Budde K, Clahsen-Van Groningen M, Coley SM, Cornell LD, Dadhania D, Demetris AJ, Einecke G, Farris AB, Fogo AB, Friedewald J, Gibson IW, Horsfield C, Huang E, Husain SA, Jackson AM, Kers J, Kikić Ž, Klein A, Kozakowski N, Liapis H, Mangiola M, Montgomery RA, Nankinvell B, Neil DAH, Nickerson P, Rabant M, Randhawa P, Riella LV, Rosales I, Royal V, Sapir-Pichhadze R, Sarder P, Sarwal M, Schinstock C, Stegall M, Solez K, van der Laak J, Wiebe C, Colvin RB, Loupy A, Mengel M. The Banff 2022 Kidney Meeting Work Plan: Data-driven refinement of the Banff Classification for renal allografts. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:350-361. [PMID: 37931753 PMCID: PMC11135910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The XVIth Banff Meeting for Allograft Pathology was held in Banff, Alberta, Canada, from September 19 to 23, 2022, as a joint meeting with the Canadian Society of Transplantation. In addition to a key focus on the impact of microvascular inflammation and biopsy-based transcript analysis on the Banff Classification, further sessions were devoted to other aspects of kidney transplant pathology, in particular T cell-mediated rejection, activity and chronicity indices, digital pathology, xenotransplantation, clinical trials, and surrogate endpoints. Although the output of these sessions has not led to any changes in the classification, the key role of Banff Working Groups in phrasing unanswered questions, and coordinating and disseminating results of investigations addressing these unanswered questions was emphasized. This paper summarizes the key Banff Meeting 2022 sessions not covered in the Banff Kidney Meeting 2022 Report paper and also provides an update on other Banff Working Group activities relevant to kidney allografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Roufosse
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Maarten Naesens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Mark Haas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, PARCC, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, France & Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Roslyn B Mannon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Marjan Afrouzian
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nada Alachkar
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Olivier Aubert
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, PARCC, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, France & Department of Transplantation, Necker Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Serena M Bagnasco
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ibrahim Batal
- Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | | | - Verena Broecker
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marian Clahsen-Van Groningen
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus University Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Shana M Coley
- Transplant Translational Research, Arkana Laboratories, Arkansas, USA
| | - Lynn D Cornell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Darshana Dadhania
- Department Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anthony J Demetris
- UPMC Hepatic and Transplantation Pathology, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, USA
| | - Agnes B Fogo
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - John Friedewald
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Ian W Gibson
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Edmund Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Syed A Husain
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Jesper Kers
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Željko Kikić
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Helen Liapis
- Ludwig Maximillian University Munich, Nephrology Center, Germany
| | | | | | - Brian Nankinvell
- Department of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Desley A H Neil
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Peter Nickerson
- Department of Medicine and Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Marion Rabant
- Pathology department, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Pathology, Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leonardo V Riella
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ivy Rosales
- Immunopathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virginie Royal
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ruth Sapir-Pichhadze
- Division of Nephrology & Multiorgan Transplant Program, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pinaki Sarder
- Department of Medicine-Quantitative Health, University of Florida College of Medicine, Florida, USA
| | - Minnie Sarwal
- Division of MultiOrgan Transplantation, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carrie Schinstock
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mark Stegall
- Department Transplantation Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kim Solez
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Chris Wiebe
- Department of Medicine and Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Robert B Colvin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexandre Loupy
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, PARCC, Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration, France & Department of Transplantation, Necker Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Michael Mengel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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6
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Zhang H, Haun RS, Collin F, Cassol C, Napier JOH, Wilson J, Hassen S, Ararat K, Boils C, Messias N, Caza TN, Cossey LN, Sharma S, Ambruzs JM, Agrawal N, Shekhtman G, Tian W, Srinivas T, Qu K, Woodward RN, Larsen CP, Stone S, Coley SM. Development and Validation of a Multiclass Model Defining Molecular Archetypes of Kidney Transplant Rejection: A Large Cohort Study of the Banff Human Organ Transplant Gene Expression Panel. J Transl Med 2024; 104:100304. [PMID: 38092179 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene expression profiling from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) renal allograft biopsies is a promising approach for feasibly providing a molecular diagnosis of rejection. However, large-scale studies evaluating the performance of models using NanoString platform data to define molecular archetypes of rejection are lacking. We tested a diverse retrospective cohort of over 1400 FFPE biopsy specimens, rescored according to Banff 2019 criteria and representing 10 of 11 United Network of Organ Sharing regions, using the Banff Human Organ Transplant panel from NanoString and developed a multiclass model from the gene expression data to assign relative probabilities of 4 molecular archetypes: No Rejection, Antibody-Mediated Rejection, T Cell-Mediated Rejection, and Mixed Rejection. Using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regularized regression with 10-fold cross-validation fitted to 1050 biopsies in the discovery cohort and technically validated on an additional 345 biopsies, our model achieved overall accuracy of 85% in the discovery cohort and 80% in the validation cohort, with ≥75% positive predictive value for each class, except for the Mixed Rejection class in the validation cohort (positive predictive value, 53%). This study represents the technical validation of the first model built from a large and diverse sample of diagnostic FFPE biopsy specimens to define and classify molecular archetypes of histologically defined diagnoses as derived from Banff Human Organ Transplant panel gene expression profiling data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jon Wilson
- Arkana Laboratories, Little Rock, Arkansas
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7
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Herz CT, Diebold M, Kainz A, Mayer KA, Doberer K, Kozakowski N, Halloran PF, Böhmig GA. Morphologic and Molecular Features of Antibody-Mediated Transplant Rejection: Pivotal Role of Molecular Injury as an Independent Predictor of Renal Allograft Functional Decline. Transpl Int 2023; 36:12135. [PMID: 38169771 PMCID: PMC10758445 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Current knowledge about the factors correlating with functional decline and subsequent failure of kidney allografts in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is limited. We conducted a cohort study involving 75 renal allograft recipients diagnosed with late ABMR occurring at least 6 months after transplantation. The study aimed to examine the correlation of molecular and histologic features with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) trajectories and death-censored graft survival. We focused on sum scores reflecting histologic ABMR activity versus chronicity and molecular scores of ABMR probability (ABMRProb), injury-repair response (IRRAT) and fibrosis (ciprob). In multivariable Cox analysis, a Banff lesion-based chronicity index (ci+ct+cg[x2]; hazard ratio per interquartile range [IQR]: 1.97 [95% confidence interval: 0.97 to 3.99]) and IRRAT (1.93 [0.96 to 3.89]) showed the strongest associations with graft failure. Among biopsy variables, IRRAT exhibited the highest relative variable importance and emerged as the sole independent predictor of eGFR slope (change per IQR: -4.2 [-7.8 to -0.6] mL/min/1.73 m2/year). In contrast, morphologic chronicity associated with baseline eGFR only. We conclude that the extent of molecular injury is a robust predictor of renal function decline. Transcriptome analysis has the potential to improve outcome prediction and possibly identify modifiable injury, guiding targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten T. Herz
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Diebold
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Clinic for Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Kainz
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina A. Mayer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konstantin Doberer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, ATAGC, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Georg A. Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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8
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Wiśnicki K, Donizy P, Hałoń A, Wawrzonkowski P, Janczak D, Krajewska M, Banasik M. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in Kidney Transplantation: A Guardian against Rejection. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7531. [PMID: 38137602 PMCID: PMC10743959 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney transplantation is a crucial treatment for end-stage kidney disease, with immunosuppressive drugs helping to reduce acute rejection rates. However, kidney graft longevity remains a concern. This study explores the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in kidney transplant immunology. IDO1 breaks down tryptophan, affecting immune cell behavior, primarily T-cells. The research focuses on both cellular and antibody-mediated immune responses, often causing graft damage. The study assessed IDO1 expression in renal transplant biopsies from patients with graft function decline, examining its connection to clinical parameters. A total of 121 biopsy samples were evaluated for IDO1 expression using immunohistochemistry. Patients were categorized as IDO1(+) positive or IDO1(-) negative based on immunoreactivity in tubular epithelium. Results showed a significant link between IDO1 expression and rejection incidence. IDO1(+) positive patients had lower rejection rates (32.9%) compared to IDO1(-) negative ones (62.2%) [p = 0.0017], with substantial differences in antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) (5.2% vs. 20%) [p = 0.0085] and T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) (31.6% vs. 57.8%). These associations suggest that IDO1 may play a protective role in kidney transplant rejection. IDO1 modulation could offer novel therapeutic avenues to enhance graft survival. The study underscores IDO1 as a potential marker for rejection risk assessment, with its potential applications in personalized interventions and improved patient outcomes. Further research is needed to fully comprehend the mechanisms behind IDO1's immunomodulatory functions and its potential clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Wiśnicki
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Piotr Donizy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.D.); (A.H.)
| | - Agnieszka Hałoń
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.D.); (A.H.)
| | - Patryk Wawrzonkowski
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Dariusz Janczak
- Department of Vascular, General and Transplantation Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Mirosław Banasik
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.W.); (M.K.)
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9
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The Molecular Diagnosis Might Be Clinically Useful in Discrepant Kidney Allograft Biopsy Findings: An Analysis of Clinical Outcomes. Transplantation 2023; 107:485-494. [PMID: 36117252 PMCID: PMC9875837 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) may overcome histology shortcomings. Previous studies have simply examined discrepant findings but have not attempted to determine clinical endpoints. To measure performance, clinical outcomes are strongly required. METHODS This single-center cohort study described discrepancies between MMDx and histology from 51 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and analyzed 72 indication biopsies, including 21 follow-up biopsies. Clinical performance was assessed by a combined endpoint of graft failure, rejection on follow-up biopsy, de novo donor-specific antibody, and improvement of kidney allograft function upon antirejection treatment. RESULTS MMDx agreed in 33 (65%) and differed in 18 (35%) of 51 KTRs. Most discrepancies occurred in biopsies called no rejection by MMDx and rejection by histology (15/24, 63%). In contrast, in biopsies called rejection by MMDx, 3 were classified as no rejection by histology (3/27, 11%). Discrepant findings between MMDx and histology occurred following delayed graft function and MMDx from biopsies with a low percentage of cortex. Among 15 biopsies classified as no rejection by MMDx but rejection by histology, the clinical course suggested no rejection in 9 cases. Six KTRs reached the endpoint, showing predominant t ≥ 2 lesions. CONCLUSIONS The most often occurring discrepancy is rejection by histology but no rejection by MMDx. As more KTRs do not meet the combined endpoint for rejection, MMDx might be clinically useful in these discrepant cases. Although strong histological findings have priority in indicating the treatment, clinical implementation of MMDx could strengthen treatment strategies.
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10
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Haas M, Mirocha J, Huang E, Najjar R, Peng A, Sethi S, Vo A, Anglicheau D, Jordan SC, Rabant M. A Banff-based histologic chronicity index is associated with graft loss in patients with a kidney transplant and antibody-mediated rejection. Kidney Int 2023; 103:187-195. [PMID: 36332728 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is the major cause of graft loss in kidney transplant recipients. The Banff classification defines two classes of AMR, active and chronic active but over time this classification has become increasingly complex. To simplify the approach to AMR, we developed activity and chronicity indices based on kidney transplant biopsy findings and examined their association with graft survival in 147 patients with active or chronic active AMR, all of whom had donor-specific antibodies and were treated for AMR. The activity index was determined as the sum of Banff glomerulitis (g), peritubular capillaritis (ptc), arteritis (v) and C4d scores, with a maximum score of 12. The chronicity index was the sum of interstitial fibrosis (ci), tubular atrophy (ct), chronic vasculopathy (cv), and chronic glomerulopathy (cg) scores, the latter doubled, with a maximum score of 15. While the activity index was generally not associated with graft loss, the chronicity index was significantly associated with graft loss with an optimal threshold value of 4 or greater for predicting graft loss. The association of the chronicity index of 4 or greater with graft loss was independent of other parameters associated with graft loss, including the estimated glomerular filtration rate at the time of biopsy, chronic active (versus active) AMR, AMR with de novo (versus persistent/rebound) donor-specific antibodies, Banff (g+ptc) scores, concurrent T cell-mediated rejection and donor-specific antibody reduction post-biopsy. The association of the chronicity index of 4 or greater with graft loss was confirmed in an independent cohort of 61 patients from Necker Hospital, Paris. Thus, our findings suggest that the chronicity index may be valuable as a simplified approach to decision-making in patients with AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Haas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - James Mirocha
- General Clinical Research Center, Clinical & Translational Science Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Edmund Huang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Reiad Najjar
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alice Peng
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Supreet Sethi
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ashley Vo
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dany Anglicheau
- Deparment of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, INSERM U1151, Université Paris Cite, Paris, France
| | - Stanley C Jordan
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marion Rabant
- Department of Pathology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Université Paris Cite, Paris, France
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11
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The Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System: Assessment of Rejection and Injury in Heart Transplant Biopsies. Transplantation 2023; 107:27-44. [PMID: 36508644 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the development of the Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) for heart transplant endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs). MMDx-Heart uses microarrays to measure biopsy-based gene expression and ensembles of machine learning algorithms to interpret the results and compare each new biopsy to a large reference set of earlier biopsies. MMDx assesses T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), recent parenchymal injury, and atrophy-fibrosis, continually "learning" from new biopsies. Rejection-associated transcripts mapped in kidney transplants and experimental systems were used to identify TCMR, AMR, and recent injury-induced inflammation. Rejection and injury emerged as gradients of intensity, rather than binary classes. AMR was one-third donor-specific antibody (DSA)-negative, and many EMBs first considered to have no rejection displayed minor AMR-like changes, with increased probability of DSA positivity and subtle inflammation. Rejection-associated transcript-based algorithms now classify EMBs as "Normal," "Minor AMR changes," "AMR," "possible AMR," "TCMR," "possible TCMR," and "recent injury." Additionally, MMDx uses injury-associated transcript sets to assess the degree of parenchymal injury and atrophy-fibrosis in every biopsy and study the effect of rejection on the parenchyma. TCMR directly injures the parenchyma whereas AMR usually induces microcirculation stress but relatively little initial parenchymal damage, although slowly inducing parenchymal atrophy-fibrosis. Function (left ventricular ejection fraction) and short-term risk of failure are strongly determined by parenchymal injury. These discoveries can guide molecular diagnostic applications, either as a central MMDx system or adapted to other platforms. MMDx can also help calibrate noninvasive blood-based biomarkers to avoid unnecessary biopsies and monitor response to therapy.
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12
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Clazakizumab for the treatment of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant recipients: Phase 3 IMAGINE study rationale and design. Trials 2022; 23:1042. [PMID: 36550562 PMCID: PMC9772593 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06897-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major cause of graft loss with no approved drugs for its treatment. Currently, off-label regimens are used, reflecting the high unmet need for effective therapies based on well-controlled trials. Clazakizumab is a high-affinity, humanized monoclonal antibody that binds interleukin-6 and decreases donor-specific antibody (DSA) production and inflammation. Phase 2 pilot studies of clazakizumab in kidney transplant recipients with chronic active AMR suggest modulation of DSA, stabilization of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and a manageable safety profile. We report the design of the Phase 3 IMAGINE study (NCT03744910) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of clazakizumab for the treatment of chronic active AMR. METHODS IMAGINE is a multicenter, double-blind trial of approximately 350 kidney transplant recipients with chronic active AMR (Banff chronic glomerulopathy [cg] >0 with concurrent positive human leukocyte antigen DSA) randomized 1:1 to receive clazakizumab or placebo (12.5 mg subcutaneous once every 4 weeks). The event-driven trial design will follow patients until 221 occurrences of all-cause graft loss are observed, defined as return to dialysis, graft nephrectomy, re-transplantation, estimated GFR (eGFR) <15 mL/min/1.73m2, or death from any cause. A surrogate for graft loss (eGFR slope) will be assessed at 1 year based on prior modeling validation. Secondary endpoints will include measures of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics. Recruitment is ongoing across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. DISCUSSION IMAGINE represents the first Phase 3 clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of clazakizumab in kidney transplant recipients with chronic active AMR, and the largest placebo-controlled trial in this patient population. This trial includes prognostic biomarker enrichment and uniquely utilizes the eGFR slope at 1 year as a surrogate endpoint for graft loss, which may accelerate the approval of a novel therapy for patients at risk of graft loss. The findings of this study will be fundamental in helping to address the unmet need for novel therapies for chronic active AMR. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03744910 . Registered on November 19, 2018.
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13
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Rosales IA, Mahowald GK, Tomaszewski K, Hotta K, Iwahara N, Otsuka T, Tsuji T, Takada Y, Acheampong E, Araujo-Medina M, Bruce A, Rios A, Cosimi AB, Elias N, Kawai T, Gilligan H, Safa K, Riella LV, Tolkoff-Rubin NE, Williams WW, Smith RN, Colvin RB. Banff Human Organ Transplant Transcripts Correlate with Renal Allograft Pathology and Outcome: Importance of Capillaritis and Subpathologic Rejection. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:2306-2319. [PMID: 36450597 PMCID: PMC9731628 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2022040444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To seek insights into the pathogenesis of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (CAMR), we performed mRNA analysis and correlated transcripts with pathologic component scores and graft outcomes. METHODS We utilized the NanoString nCounter platform and the Banff Human Organ Transplant gene panel to quantify transcripts on 326 archived renal allograft biopsy samples. This system allowed correlation of transcripts with Banff pathology scores from the same tissue block and correlation with long-term outcomes. RESULTS The only pathology score that correlated with AMR pathways in CAMR was peritubular capillaritis (ptc). C4d, cg, g, v, i, t, or ci scores did not correlate. DSA-negative CAMR had lower AMR pathway scores than DSA-positive CAMR. Transcript analysis in non-CAMR biopsies yielded evidence of increased risk of later CAMR. Among 108 patients without histologic CAMR, 23 developed overt biopsy-documented CAMR within 5 years and as a group had higher AMR pathway scores (P=3.4 × 10-5). Random forest analysis correlated 3-year graft loss with elevated damage, innate immunity, and macrophage pathway scores in CAMR and TCMR. Graft failure in CAMR was associated with TCMR transcripts but not with AMR transcripts, and graft failure in TCMR was associated with AMR transcripts but not with TCMR transcripts. CONCLUSIONS Peritubular capillary inflammation and DSA are the primary drivers of AMR transcript elevation. Transcripts revealed subpathological evidence of AMR, which often preceded histologic CAMR and subpathological evidence of TCMR that predicted graft loss in CAMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy A. Rosales
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Grace K. Mahowald
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kristen Tomaszewski
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kiyohiko Hotta
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naoya Iwahara
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takuya Otsuka
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuji
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo City General Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yusuke Takada
- Department of Kidney Transplant Surgery, Sapporo City General Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ellen Acheampong
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Milagros Araujo-Medina
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amy Bruce
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea Rios
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anthony Benedict Cosimi
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nahel Elias
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tatsuo Kawai
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hannah Gilligan
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kassem Safa
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leonardo V. Riella
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nina E. Tolkoff-Rubin
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Winfred W. Williams
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rex Neal Smith
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert B. Colvin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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14
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Non-Immunologic Causes of Late Death-Censored Kidney Graft Failure: A Personalized Approach. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081271. [PMID: 36013220 PMCID: PMC9410103 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite continuous advances in surgical and immunosuppressive protocols, the long-term survival of transplanted kidneys is still far from being satisfactory. Antibody-mediated rejection, recurrent autoimmune diseases, and death with functioning graft are the most frequent causes of late-kidney allograft failure. However, in addition to these complications, a number of other non-immunologic events may impair the function of transplanted kidneys and directly or indirectly lead to their failure. In this narrative review, we will list and discuss the most important nonimmune causes of late death-censored kidney graft failure, including quality of the donated kidney, adherence to prescriptions, drug toxicities, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, new onset diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and lifestyle of the renal transplant recipient. For each of these risk factors, we will report the etiopathogenesis and the potential consequences on graft function, keeping in mind that in many cases, two or more risk factors may negatively interact together.
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15
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Halloran PF, Böhmig GA, Bromberg J, Einecke G, Eskandary FA, Gupta G, Myslak M, Viklicky O, Perkowska-Ptasinska A, Madill-Thomsen KS. Archetypal Analysis of Injury in Kidney Transplant Biopsies Identifies Two Classes of Early AKI. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:817324. [PMID: 35463013 PMCID: PMC9021747 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.817324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All transplanted kidneys are subjected to some degree of injury as a result of the donation-implantation process and various post-transplant stresses such as rejection. Because transplants are frequently biopsied, they present an opportunity to explore the full spectrum of kidney response-to-wounding from all causes. Defining parenchymal damage in transplanted organs is important for clinical management because it determines function and survival. In this study, we classified the scenarios associated with parenchymal injury in genome-wide microarray results from 1,526 kidney transplant indication biopsies collected during the INTERCOMEX study. We defined injury groups by using archetypal analysis (AA) of scores for gene sets and classifiers previously identified in various injury states. Six groups and their characteristics were defined in this population: No injury, minor injury, two classes of acute kidney injury ("AKI," AKI1, and AKI2), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and CKD combined with AKI. We compared the two classes of AKI, namely, AKI1 and AKI2. AKI1 had a poor function and increased parenchymal dedifferentiation but minimal response-to-injury and inflammation, instead having increased expression of PARD3, a gene previously characterized as being related to epithelial polarity and adherens junctions. In contrast, AKI2 had a poor function and increased response-to-injury, significant inflammation, and increased macrophage activity. In random forest analysis, the most important predictors of function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and graft loss were injury-based molecular scores, not rejection scores. AKI1 and AKI2 differed in 3-year graft survival, with better survival in the AKI2 group. Thus, injury archetype analysis of injury-induced gene expression shows new heterogeneity in kidney response-to-wounding, revealing AKI1, a class of early transplants with a poor function but minimal inflammation or response to injury, a deviant response characterized as PC3, and an increased risk of failure. Given the relationship between parenchymal injury and kidney survival, further characterization of the injury phenotypes in kidney transplants will be important for an improved understanding that could have implications for understanding native kidney diseases (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01299168).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Georg A Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonathan Bromberg
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Farsad A Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Marek Myslak
- Department of Clinical Interventions, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Samodzielny Publiczny Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony (SPWSZ) Hospital, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ondrej Viklicky
- Department of Nephrology and Transplant Center, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Agnieszka Perkowska-Ptasinska
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Vietzen H, Döhler B, Tran TH, Süsal C, Halloran PF, Eskandary F, Herz CT, Mayer KA, Kozakowski N, Wahrmann M, Ely S, Haindl S, Puchhammer-Stöckl E, Böhmig GA. Deletion of the Natural Killer Cell Receptor NKG2C Encoding KLR2C Gene and Kidney Transplant Outcome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:829228. [PMID: 35401541 PMCID: PMC8987017 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.829228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells may contribute to antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) of renal allografts. The role of distinct NK cell subsets in this specific context, such as NK cells expressing the activating receptor NKG2C, is unknown. Our aim was to investigate whether KLRC2 gene deletion variants which determine NKG2C expression affect the pathogenicity of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and, if so, influence long-term graft survival. We genotyped the KLRC2wt/del variants for two distinct kidney transplant cohorts, (i) a cross-sectional cohort of 86 recipients who, on the basis of a positive post-transplant DSA result, all underwent allograft biopsies, and (ii) 1,860 recipients of a deceased donor renal allograft randomly selected from the Collaborative Transplant Study (CTS) database. In the DSA+ patient cohort, KLRC2wt/wt (80%) was associated with antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR; 65% versus 29% among KLRC2wt/del subjects; P=0.012), microvascular inflammation [MVI; median g+ptc score: 2 (interquartile range: 0-4) versus 0 (0-1), P=0.002], a molecular classifier of ABMR [0.41 (0.14-0.72) versus 0.10 (0.07-0.27), P=0.001], and elevated NK cell-related transcripts (P=0.017). In combined analyses of KLRC2 variants and a functional polymorphism in the Fc gamma receptor IIIA gene (FCGR3A-V/F158), ABMR rates and activity gradually increased with the number of risk genotypes. In DSA+ and CTS cohorts, however, the KLRC2wt/wt variant did not impact long-term death-censored graft survival, also when combined with the FCGR3A-V158 risk variant. KLRC2wt/wt may be associated with DSA-triggered MVI and ABMR-associated gene expression patterns, but the findings observed in a highly selected cohort of DSA+ patients did not translate into meaningful graft survival differences in a large multicenter kidney transplant cohort not selected for HLA sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Vietzen
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernd Döhler
- Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thuong Hien Tran
- Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caner Süsal
- Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Transplant Immunology Research Center of Excellence, Koç Üniversitesi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre (ATAGC), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carsten T. Herz
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina A. Mayer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Markus Wahrmann
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Ely
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Haindl
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Georg A. Böhmig, ; Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl,
| | - Georg A. Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Georg A. Böhmig, ; Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl,
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17
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Madill-Thomsen KS, Abouljoud M, Bhati C, Ciszek M, Durlik M, Feng S, Foroncewicz B, Francis I, Grąt M, Jurczyk K, Klintmalm G, Krasnodębski M, McCaughan G, Miquel R, Montano-Loza A, Moonka D, Mucha K, Myślak M, Pączek L, Perkowska-Ptasińska A, Piecha G, Reichman T, Sanchez-Fueyo A, Tronina O, Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska M, Więcek A, Zieniewicz K, Halloran PF. The molecular phenotypes of injury, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis in liver transplant biopsies in the INTERLIVER study. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:909-926. [PMID: 34780106 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16890] [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: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
To extend previous molecular analyses of rejection in liver transplant biopsies in the INTERLIVER study (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03193151), the present study aimed to define the gene expression selective for parenchymal injury, fibrosis, and steatohepatitis. We analyzed genome-wide microarray measurements from 337 liver transplant biopsies from 13 centers. We examined expression of genes previously annotated as increased in injury and fibrosis using principal component analysis (PCA). PC1 reflected parenchymal injury and related inflammation in the early posttransplant period, slowly regressing over many months. PC2 separated early injury from late fibrosis. Positive PC3 identified a distinct mildly inflamed state correlating with histologic steatohepatitis. Injury PCs correlated with liver function and histologic abnormalities. A classifier trained on histologic steatohepatitis predicted histologic steatohepatitis with cross-validated AUC = 0.83, and was associated with pathways reflecting metabolic abnormalities distinct from fibrosis. PC2 predicted histologic fibrosis (AUC = 0.80), as did a molecular fibrosis classifier (AUC = 0.74). The fibrosis classifier correlated with matrix remodeling pathways with minimal overlap with those selective for steatohepatitis, although some biopsies had both. Genome-wide assessment of liver transplant biopsies can not only detect molecular changes induced by rejection but also those correlating with parenchymal injury, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, offering potential insights into disease mechanisms for primary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chandra Bhati
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michał Ciszek
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Durlik
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sandy Feng
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bartosz Foroncewicz
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Michał Grąt
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Jurczyk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Maciej Krasnodębski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Geoff McCaughan
- Centenary Research Institute, Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Krzysztof Mucha
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Myślak
- Department of Clinical Interventions, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation SPWSZ Hospital, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Leszek Pączek
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Grzegorz Piecha
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | - Olga Tronina
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Nephrology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Więcek
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Zieniewicz
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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18
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Seiler LK, Phung NL, Nikolin C, Immenschuh S, Erck C, Kaufeld J, Haller H, Falk CS, Jonczyk R, Lindner P, Thoms S, Siegl J, Mayer G, Feederle R, Blume CA. An Antibody-Aptamer-Hybrid Lateral Flow Assay for Detection of CXCL9 in Antibody-Mediated Rejection after Kidney Transplantation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020308. [PMID: 35204399 PMCID: PMC8871475 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a key limiting factor for the clinical outcome of a kidney transplantation (Ktx), where early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention is needed. This study describes the identification of the biomarker CXC-motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9 as an indicator for AMR and presents a new aptamer-antibody-hybrid lateral flow assay (hybrid-LFA) for detection in urine. Biomarker evaluation included two independent cohorts of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) from a protocol biopsy program and used subgroup comparisons according to BANFF-classifications. Plasma, urine and biopsy lysate samples were analyzed with a Luminex-based multiplex assay. The CXCL9-specific hybrid-LFA was developed based upon a specific rat antibody immobilized on a nitrocellulose-membrane and the coupling of a CXCL9-binding aptamer to gold nanoparticles. LFA performance was assessed according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Among 15 high-scored biomarkers according to a neural network analysis, significantly higher levels of CXCL9 were found in plasma and urine and biopsy lysates of KTRs with biopsy-proven AMR. The newly developed hybrid-LFA reached a sensitivity and specificity of 71% and an AUC of 0.79 for CXCL9. This point-of-care-test (POCT) improves early diagnosis-making in AMR after Ktx, especially in KTRs with undetermined status of donor-specific HLA-antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Seiler
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany; (L.K.S.); (N.L.P.); (R.J.); (P.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Ngoc Linh Phung
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany; (L.K.S.); (N.L.P.); (R.J.); (P.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Christoph Nikolin
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (C.N.); (S.I.)
| | - Stephan Immenschuh
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (C.N.); (S.I.)
| | - Christian Erck
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Cellular Proteome Research Group, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Jessica Kaufeld
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.K.); (H.H.)
| | - Hermann Haller
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.K.); (H.H.)
| | - Christine S. Falk
- Institute for Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Rebecca Jonczyk
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany; (L.K.S.); (N.L.P.); (R.J.); (P.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Patrick Lindner
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany; (L.K.S.); (N.L.P.); (R.J.); (P.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Stefanie Thoms
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany; (L.K.S.); (N.L.P.); (R.J.); (P.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Julia Siegl
- Chemical Biology & Chemical Genetics, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (J.S.); (G.M.)
- Center of Aptamer Research & Development (CARD), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Günter Mayer
- Chemical Biology & Chemical Genetics, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (J.S.); (G.M.)
- Center of Aptamer Research & Development (CARD), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Regina Feederle
- Monoclonal Antibody Core Facility, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
| | - Cornelia A. Blume
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany; (L.K.S.); (N.L.P.); (R.J.); (P.L.); (S.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Fusfeld L, Menon S, Gupta G, Lawrence C, Masud SF, Goss TF. US payer budget impact of a microarray assay with machine learning to evaluate kidney transplant rejection in for-cause biopsies. J Med Econ 2022; 25:515-523. [PMID: 35345966 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2022.2059221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study evaluates the economic impact to US commercial payers of MMDx-Kidney used in conjunction with histologic evaluation of for-cause kidney transplant biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS An Excel-based model was developed to assess the cost impact of histology plus MMDx-Kidney versus histology alone for the evaluation of potential rejection in kidney transplant patients who receive a for-cause biopsy. Different model time periods were assessed, ranging from 1 to 5 years post-biopsy. A targeted literature review was used to identify parameter estimates, validated by two external clinicians with expertise in managing kidney transplant rejection. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the relative impact of key clinical and cost parameters. In particular, the model identified the magnitude of MMDx-Kidney's impact on graft failure from rejection that would be required for MMDx-Kidney to be cost-neutral. RESULTS By more accurately characterizing rejection, MMDx-Kidney is estimated to increase antirejection treatment costs by $1,126 per test. Nevertheless, a break-even analysis shows that the costs of MMDx-Kidney and anti-rejection medication, as well as the costs associated with an increase in the number of patients with functioning transplants, may be offset by reductions in costs associated with graft failure (i.e. costs of hospitalizations, dialysis, and repeat transplants) over 5 years, assuming MMDx-Kidney reduces annual graft failure from rejection by at least 5%. For the base case, with a 25% relative reduction in annual rate of graft failures from rejection, MMDx-Kidney increases overall costs incurred in the first year of the model but starts generating savings by the second year of the model. CONCLUSIONS Compared with histologic evaluation of for-cause kidney transplant biopsies alone, the use of MMDx-Kidney in conjunction with histologic evaluation improves the diagnoses of graft dysfunction and may have the potential to generate overall savings from reductions in rejection-related graft failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Fusfeld
- Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc. (now a Veranex company), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sreeranjani Menon
- Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc. (now a Veranex company), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Salwa F Masud
- Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc. (now a Veranex company), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas F Goss
- Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc. (now a Veranex company), Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Halloran PF, Einecke G, Sikosana MLN, Madill-Thomsen K. The Biology and Molecular Basis of Organ Transplant Rejection. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 272:1-26. [PMID: 35091823 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Allograft rejection is defined as tissue injury in a transplanted allogeneic organ produced by the effector mechanisms of the adaptive alloimmune response. Effector T lymphocytes and IgG alloantibodies cause two different types of rejection that can occur either individually or simultaneously: T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). In TCMR, cognate effector T cells infiltrate the graft and orchestrate an interstitial inflammatory response in the kidney interstitium in which effector T cells engage antigen-presenting myeloid cells, activating the T cells, antigen-presenting cells, and macrophages. The result is intense expression of IFNG and IFNG-induced molecules, expression of effector T cell molecules and macrophage molecules and checkpoints, and deterioration of parenchymal function. The diagnostic lesions of TCMR follow, i.e. interstitial inflammation, parenchymal deterioration, and intimal arteritis. In ABMR, HLA IgG alloantibodies produced by plasma cells bind to the donor antigens on graft microcirculation, leading to complement activation, margination, and activation of NK cells and neutrophils and monocytes, and endothelial injury, sometimes with intimal arteritis. TCMR becomes infrequent after 5-10 years post-transplant, probably reflecting adaptive mechanisms such as checkpoints, but ABMR can present even decades post-transplant. Some rejection is triggered by inadequate immunosuppression and non-adherence, challenging the clinician to target effective immunosuppression even decades post-transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip F Halloran
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Majid L N Sikosana
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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21
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Loupy A, Mengel M, Haas M. 30 years of the International Banff Classification for Allograft Pathology: The Past, Present and Future of Kidney Transplant Diagnostics. Kidney Int 2021; 101:678-691. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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22
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Madill-Thomsen KS, Böhmig GA, Bromberg J, Einecke G, Eskandary F, Gupta G, Hidalgo LG, Myslak M, Viklicky O, Perkowska-Ptasinska A, Halloran PF. Donor-Specific Antibody Is Associated with Increased Expression of Rejection Transcripts in Renal Transplant Biopsies Classified as No Rejection. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:2743-2758. [PMID: 34253587 PMCID: PMC8806080 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2021040433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Donor -specific HLA antibody (DSA) is present in many kidney transplant patients whose biopsies are classified as no rejection (NR). We explored whether in some NR kidneys DSA has subtle effects not currently being recognized. METHODS We used microarrays to examine the relationship between standard-of-care DSA and rejection-related transcript increases in 1679 kidney transplant indication biopsies in the INTERCOMEX study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01299168), focusing on biopsies classified as NR by automatically assigned archetypal clustering. DSA testing results were available for 835 NR biopsies and were positive in 271 (32%). RESULTS DSA positivity in NR biopsies was associated with mildly increased expression of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR)-related transcripts, particularly IFNG-inducible and NK cell transcripts. We developed a machine learning DSA probability (DSAProb) classifier based on transcript expression in biopsies from DSA-positive versus DSA-negative patients, assigning scores using 10-fold cross-validation. This DSAProb classifier was very similar to a previously described "ABMR probability" classifier trained on histologic ABMR in transcript associations and prediction of molecular or histologic ABMR. Plotting the biopsies using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection revealed a gradient of increasing molecular ABMR-like transcript expression in NR biopsies, associated with increased DSA (P<2 × 10-16). In biopsies with no molecular or histologic rejection, increased DSAProb or ABMR probability scores were associated with increased risk of kidney failure over 3 years. CONCLUSIONS Many biopsies currently considered to have no molecular or histologic rejection have mild increases in expression of ABMR-related transcripts, associated with increasing frequency of DSA. Thus, mild molecular ABMR-related pathology is more common than previously realized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georg A. Böhmig
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonathan Bromberg
- Departments of Surgery and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gunilla Einecke
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Luis G. Hidalgo
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Marek Myslak
- Pomeranian Medical University, Department of Clinical Interventions and Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Samodzielny Publiczny Wojewodzki Szpital Zespolony, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ondrej Viklicky
- Department of Nephrology and Transplant Center, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Philip F. Halloran
- Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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23
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Coemans M, Verbeke G, Naesens M. A joint transition model for evaluating eGFR as biomarker for rejection after kidney transplantation. STAT MODEL 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/1471082x211048695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) quantifies kidney graft function and is measured repeatedly after transplantation. Kidney graft rejection is diagnosed by performing biopsies on a regular basis (protocol biopsies at time of stable eGFR) or by performing biopsies due to clinical cause (indication biopsies at time of declining eGFR). The diagnostic value of the eGFR evolution as biomarker for rejection is not well established. To this end, we built a joint model which combines characteristics of transition models and shared parameter models to carry over information from one biopsy to the next, taking into account the longitudinal information of eGFR collected in between. From our model, applied to data of University Hospitals Leuven (870 transplantations, 2 635 biopsies), we conclude that a negative deviation from the mean eGFR slope increases the probability of rejection in indication biopsies, but that, on top of the biopsy history, there is little benefit in using the eGFR profile for diagnosing rejection. Methodologically, our model fills a gap in the biomarker literature by relating a frequently (repeatedly) measured continuous outcome with a less frequently (repeatedly) measured binary indicator. The developed joint transition model is flexible and applicable to multiple other research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Coemans
- L-Biostat, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Verbeke
- I-Biostat, Universiteit Hasselt & KU Leuven, Hasselt & Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Naesens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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24
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Halloran PF, Madill-Thomsen K, Aliabadi-Zuckermann AZ, Cadeiras M, Crespo-Leiro MG, Depasquale EC, Deng M, Gökler J, Kim DH, Kobashigawa J, Macdonald P, Potena L, Shah K, Stehlik J, Zuckermann A. Many heart transplant biopsies currently diagnosed as no rejection have mild molecular antibody-mediated rejection-related changes. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021; 41:334-344. [PMID: 34548198 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Molecular Microscope (MMDx) system classifies heart transplant endomyocardial biopsies as No-rejection (NR), Early-injury, T cell-mediated (TCMR), antibody-mediated (ABMR), mixed, and possible rejection (possible TCMR, possible ABMR). Rejection-like gene expression patterns in NR biopsies have not been described. We extended the MMDx methodology, using a larger data set, to define a new "Minor" category characterized by low-level inflammation in non-rejecting biopsies. METHODS Using MMDx criteria from a previous study, molecular rejection was assessed in 1,320 biopsies (645 patients) using microarray expression of rejection-associated transcripts (RATs). Of these biopsies, 819 were NR. A new archetypal analysis model in the 1,320 data set split the NRs into NR-Normal (N = 462) and NR-Minor (N = 359). RESULTS Compared to NR-Normal, NR-Minor were more often histologic TCMR1R, with a higher prevalence of donor-specific antibody (DSA). DSA positivity increased in a gradient: NR-Normal 24%; NR-Minor 34%; possible ABMR 42%; ABMR 66%. The top 20 transcripts distinguishing NR-Minor from NR-Normal were all ABMR-related and/or IFNG-inducible, and also exhibited a gradient of increasing expression from NR-Normal through ABMR. In random forest analysis, TCMR and Early-injury were associated with reduced LVEF and increased graft loss, but NR-Minor and ABMR scores were not. Surprisingly, hearts with MMDx ABMR showed comparatively little graft loss. CONCLUSIONS Many heart transplants currently diagnosed as NR by histologic or molecular assessment have minor increases in ABMR-related and IFNG-inducible transcripts, associated with DSA positivity and mild histologic inflammation. These results suggest that low-level ABMR-related molecular stress may be operating in many more hearts than previously estimated. (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02670408).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Deng
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Daniel H Kim
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Peter Macdonald
- The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Keyur Shah
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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25
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Toulza F, Dominy K, Willicombe M, Beadle J, Santos E, Cook HT, Szydlo RM, McLean A, Roufosse C. Diagnostic application of transcripts associated with antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant biopsies. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2021; 37:1576-1584. [PMID: 34320215 PMCID: PMC9317169 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfab231] [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: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is reached using the Banff Classification for Allograft Pathology, which now includes gene expression analysis. In this study, we investigate the application of ‘increased expression of thoroughly validated gene transcripts/classifiers strongly associated with AMR’ as diagnostic criteria. Method We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for 10 genes associated with AMR in a retrospective cohort of 297 transplant biopsies, including biopsies that met the full diagnostic criteria for AMR, even without molecular data (AMR, n = 27), biopsies that showed features of AMR, but that would only meet criteria for AMR with increased transcripts [suspicious for AMR (AMRsusp), n = 49] and biopsies that would never meet criteria for AMR (No-AMR, n = 221). Results A 10-gene AMR score trained by a receiver-operating characteristic to identify AMR found 16 cases with a high score among the AMRsusp cases (AMRsusp-high) that had significantly worse graft survival than those with a low score (AMRsusp-low; n = 33). In both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, the AMR 10-gene score was significantly associated with an increased hazard ratio (HR) for graft loss (GL) in the AMRsusp group (HR = 1.109, P = 0.004 and HR = 1.138, P = 0.012, respectively), but not in the whole cohort. Net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement analyses demonstrated improved risk classification and superior discrimination, respectively, for GL when considering the gene score in addition to histological and serological data, but only in the AMRsusp group, not the whole cohort. Conclusions This study provides evidence that a gene score strongly associated with AMR helps identify cases at higher risk of GL in biopsies that are suspicious for AMR but do not meet full criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Toulza
- Imperial College, Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Dept Immunology and Inflammation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathy Dominy
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, North West London Pathology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Willicombe
- Imperial College, Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Dept Immunology and Inflammation, London, United Kingdom.,Imperial College Renal and Transplant Centre, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Beadle
- Imperial College, Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Dept Immunology and Inflammation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Santos
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, North West London Pathology, London, United Kingdom
| | - H Terence Cook
- Imperial College, Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Dept Immunology and Inflammation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M Szydlo
- Imperial College, Medical Statistician, Dept Immunology and Inflammation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam McLean
- Imperial College Renal and Transplant Centre, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Candice Roufosse
- Imperial College, Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Dept Immunology and Inflammation, London, United Kingdom
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26
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Smith RN, Colvin RB. Prediction is hard, especially regarding the future a. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:1357-1358. [PMID: 32713099 PMCID: PMC7975989 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Neal Smith
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert B Colvin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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27
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Smith RN. In-silico performance, validation, and modeling of the Nanostring Banff Human Organ transplant gene panel using archival data from human kidney transplants. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:86. [PMID: 33740956 PMCID: PMC7977303 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-00891-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA gene expression of renal transplantation biopsies is commonly used to identify the immunological patterns of graft rejection. Mostly done with microarrays, seminal findings defined the patterns of gene sets associated with rejection and non-rejection kidney allograft diagnoses. To make gene expression more accessible, the Molecular Diagnostics Working Group of the Banff Foundation for Allograft Pathology and NanoString Technologies partnered to create the Banff Human Organ Transplant Panel (BHOT), a gene panel set of 770 genes as a surrogate for microarrays (~ 50,000 genes). The advantage of this platform is that gene expressions are quantifiable on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded archival tissue samples, making gene expression analyses more accessible. The purpose of this report is to test in silico the utility of the BHOT panel as a surrogate for microarrays on archival microarray data and test the performance of the modelled BHOT data. METHODS BHOT genes as a subset of genes from downloaded archival public microarray data on human renal allograft gene expression were analyzed and modelled by a variety of statistical methods. RESULTS Three methods of parsing genes verify that the BHOT panel readily identifies renal rejection and non-rejection diagnoses using in silico statistical analyses of seminal archival databases. Multiple modelling algorithms show a highly variable pattern of misclassifications per sample, either between differently constructed principal components or between modelling algorithms. The misclassifications are related to the gene expression heterogeneity within a given diagnosis because clustering the data into 9 groups modelled with fewer misclassifications. CONCLUSION This report supports using the Banff Human Organ Transplant Panel for gene expression of human renal allografts as a surrogate for microarrays on archival tissue. The data modelled satisfactorily with aggregate diagnoses although with limited per sample accuracy and, thereby, reflects and confirms the modelling complexity and the challenges of modelling gene expression as previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Smith
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 501 Warren Bldg, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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28
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Nierentransplantate: Prädiktoren für das Organüberleben. TRANSFUSIONSMEDIZIN 2020. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1238-6100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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