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Masset C, Danger R, Degauque N, Dantal J, Giral M, Brouard S. Blood Gene Signature as a Biomarker for Subclinical Kidney Allograft Rejection: Where Are We? Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00787. [PMID: 38867352 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The observation decades ago that inflammatory injuries because of an alloimmune response might be present even in the absence of concomitant clinical impairment in allograft function conduced to the later definition of subclinical rejection. Many studies have investigated the different subclinical rejections defined according to the Banff classification (subclinical T cell-mediated rejection and antibody-mediated rejection), overall concluding that these episodes worsened long-term allograft function and survival. These observations led several transplant teams to perform systematic protocolar biopsies to anticipate treatment of rejection episodes and possibly prevent allograft loss. Paradoxically, the invasive characteristics and associated logistics of such procedures paved the way to investigate noninvasive biomarkers (urine and blood) of subclinical rejection. Among them, several research teams proposed a blood gene signature developed from cohort studies, most of which achieved excellent predictive values for the occurrence of subclinical rejection, mainly antibody-mediated rejection. Interestingly, although all identified genes relate to immune subsets and pathways involved in rejection pathophysiology, very few transcripts are shared among these sets of genes, highlighting the heterogenicity of such episodes and the difficult but mandatory need for external validation of such tools. Beyond this, their application and value in clinical practice remain to be definitively demonstrated in both biopsy avoidance and prevention of clinical rejection episodes. Their combination with other biomarkers, either epidemiological or biological, could contribute to a more accurate picture of a patient's risk of rejection and guide clinicians in the follow-up of kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Masset
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Richard Danger
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Degauque
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Jacques Dantal
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Giral
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Brouard
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
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2
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Park S, Sellares J, Tinel C, Anglicheau D, Bestard O, Friedewald JJ. European Society of Organ Transplantation Consensus Statement on Testing for Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Kidney Allograft Rejection. Transpl Int 2024; 36:12115. [PMID: 38239762 PMCID: PMC10794444 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.12115] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
To address the need for improved biomarkers for kidney transplant rejection, European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) convened a dedicated working group comprised of experts in kidney transplant biomarkers to review literature pertaining to clinical and subclinical acute rejection to develop guidelines in the screening and diagnosis of acute rejection that were subsequently discussed and voted on during the Consensus Conference that took place in person in Prague. The findings and recommendations of the Working Group on Molecular Biomarkers of Kidney Transplant Rejection are presented in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sookhyeon Park
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Claire Tinel
- Dijon University Hospital, INSERM UMR 1098 Right, UBFC, Dijon, France
| | - Dany Anglicheau
- Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, INSERM U1151, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - John J. Friedewald
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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3
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Han HS, Lubetzky ML. Immune monitoring of allograft status in kidney transplant recipients. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2023; 3:1293907. [PMID: 38022723 PMCID: PMC10663942 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2023.1293907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Kidney transplant patients require careful management of immunosuppression to avoid rejection while minimizing the risk of infection and malignancy for the best long-term outcome. The gold standard for monitoring allograft status and immunosuppression adequacy is a kidney biopsy, but this is invasive and costly. Conventional methods of allograft monitoring, such as serum creatinine level, are non-specific. Although they alert physicians to the need to evaluate graft dysfunction, by the time there is a clinical abnormality, allograft damage may have already occurred. The development of novel and non-invasive methods of evaluating allograft status are important to improving graft outcomes. This review summarizes the available conventional and novel methods for monitoring allograft status after kidney transplant. Novel and less invasive methods include gene expression, cell-free DNA, urinary biomarkers, and the use of artificial intelligence. The optimal method to manage patients after kidney transplant is still being investigated. The development of less invasive methods to assess allograft function has the potential to improve patient outcomes and allow for a more personalized approach to immunosuppression management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwarang S. Han
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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4
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Lee J, Barbachan e Silva M, Bao Y, Whitmarsh R, Banerjee S, O’Connor J, Holbert J, Bratton TK, Broin PÓ, Akalin E. Performance and Advancement of the Kidney Solid Organ Response Test. Transplantation 2023; 107:2271-2278. [PMID: 37322587 PMCID: PMC10519294 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The kidney solid organ response test (kSORT) has been investigated for the prediction of acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients with conflicting results. We aimed to investigate if the kSORT assay score is associated with rejection or immune quiescence. METHODS The blinded association between rejection and kSORT > 9 were investigated. Optimization of kSORT prediction was evaluated after unblinding to determine the optimal prediction cutoff value of kSORT score. Additionally, the predictive capability of the kSORT gene set was assessed using blinded normalized gene expression data from microarray (Affymetrix) and qPCR assays. RESULTS Of the 95 blood samples analyzed, 18 patients had blood samples before transplant, 77 patients after transplant and 71 had clinically indicated biopsies of which 15 biopsies showed acute rejection and 16 showed chronic active antibody-mediated rejection. When 31 patients with rejection were compared to the remaining 64 patients, positive predictive value (PPV) was 54.29% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 75% when stratified using a kSORT score > 9, and PPV was 57.89% and NPV was 78.95% when stratified using a kSORT score > 5. Using the kSORT assay for detection of rejection showed an area under the curve value of 0.71. Microarray data improved prediction accuracy with PPV of 53% and NPV of 84% compared to qPCR results (PPV and NPV were 36% and 66%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The kSORT assay has the potential to be used as a predictive tool for active rejection and/or immune quiescence, but additional studies will be useful in improving and refining the kSORT assay, in particular the prediction algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yi Bao
- Kidney Transplant Program, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Enver Akalin
- Kidney Transplant Program, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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5
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Madhvapathy SR, Wang JJ, Wang H, Patel M, Chang A, Zheng X, Huang Y, Zhang ZJ, Gallon L, Rogers JA. Implantable bioelectronic systems for early detection of kidney transplant rejection. Science 2023; 381:1105-1112. [PMID: 37676965 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh7726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Early-stage organ transplant rejection can be difficult to detect. Percutaneous biopsies occur infrequently and are risky, and measuring biomarker levels in blood can lead to false-negative and -positive outcomes. We developed an implantable bioelectronic system capable of continuous, real-time, long-term monitoring of the local temperature and thermal conductivity of a kidney for detecting inflammatory processes associated with graft rejection, as demonstrated in rat models. The system detects ultradian rhythms, disruption of the circadian cycle, and/or a rise in kidney temperature. These provide warning signs of acute kidney transplant rejection that precede changes in blood serum creatinine/urea nitrogen by 2 to 3 weeks and approximately 3 days for cases of discontinued and absent administration of immunosuppressive therapy, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi R Madhvapathy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
| | - Jiao-Jing Wang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Heling Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100085 China
| | - Manish Patel
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Intervention Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA 60612
| | - Anthony Chang
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA 60637
| | - Xin Zheng
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Yonggang Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
| | - Zheng J Zhang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Lorenzo Gallon
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
- Department of Nephrology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - John A Rogers
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA 60208
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
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6
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Peruzzi L, Deaglio S. Rejection markers in kidney transplantation: do new technologies help children? Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:2939-2955. [PMID: 36648536 PMCID: PMC10432336 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05872-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent insights in allorecognition and graft rejection mechanisms revealed a more complex picture than originally considered, involving multiple pathways of both adaptive and innate immune response, supplied by efficient inflammatory synergies. Current pillars of transplant monitoring are serum creatinine, proteinuria, and drug blood levels, which are considered as traditional markers, due to consolidated experience, low cost, and widespread availability. The most diffuse immunological biomarkers are donor-specific antibodies, which are included in routine post-transplant monitoring in many centers, although with some reproducibility issues and interpretation difficulties. Confirmed abnormalities in these traditional biomarkers raise the suspicion for rejection and guide the indication for graft biopsy, which is still considered the gold standard for rejection monitoring. Rapidly evolving new "omic" technologies have led to the identification of several novel biomarkers, which may change the landscape of transplant monitoring should their potential be confirmed. Among them, urinary chemokines and measurement of cell-free DNA of donor origin are perhaps the most promising. However, at the moment, these approaches remain highly expensive and cost-prohibitive in most settings, with limited clinical applicability; approachable costs upon technology investments would speed their integration. In addition, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and the study of blood and urinary extracellular vesicles have the potential for early identification of subclinical rejection with high sensitivity and specificity, good reproducibility, and for gaining predictive value in an affordable cost setting. In the near future, information derived from these new biomarkers is expected to integrate traditional tools in routine use, allowing identification of rejection prior to clinical manifestations and timely therapeutic intervention. This review will discuss traditional, novel, and invasive and non-invasive biomarkers, underlining their strengths, limitations, and present or future applications in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licia Peruzzi
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Regina Margherita Department, City of Health and Science University Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, City of Health and Science University Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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7
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Nankivell BJ, Chapman JR. Histology versus molecular surveillance: claims and evidence. Kidney Int 2023; 104:428-432. [PMID: 37599017 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy R Chapman
- Department of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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8
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Llinàs-Mallol L, Raïch-Regué D, Pascual J, Crespo M. Alloimmune risk assessment for antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation: A practical proposal. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2023; 37:100745. [PMID: 36572001 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2022.100745] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. Although an improvement in graft survival has been observed in the last decades with the use of different immunosuppressive drugs, this is still limited in time with antibody-mediated rejection being a main cause of graft-loss. Immune monitoring and risk assessment of antibody-mediated rejection before and after kidney transplantation with useful biomarkers is key to tailoring treatments to achieve the best outcomes. Here, we provide a review of the rationale and several accessible tools for immune monitoring, from the most classic to the modern ones. Finally, we end up discussing a practical proposal for alloimmune risk assessment in kidney transplantation, including histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA antibodies, HLA molecular mismatch analysis and characterization of peripheral blood immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Llinàs-Mallol
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dàlia Raïch-Regué
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Pascual
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marta Crespo
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.
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9
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Huang E, Mengel M, Clahsen-van Groningen MC, Jackson AM. Diagnostic Potential of Minimally Invasive Biomarkers: A Biopsy-centered Viewpoint From the Banff Minimally Invasive Diagnostics Working Group. Transplantation 2023; 107:45-52. [PMID: 36508645 PMCID: PMC9746335 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With recent advances and commercial implementation of minimally invasive biomarkers in kidney transplantation, new strategies for the surveillance of allograft health are emerging. Blood and urine-based biomarkers can be used to detect the presence of rejection, but their applicability as diagnostic tests has not been studied. A Banff working group was recently formed to consider the potential of minimally invasive biomarkers for integration into the Banff classification for kidney allograft pathology. We review the existing data on donor-derived cell-free DNA, blood and urine transcriptomics, urinary protein chemokines, and next-generation diagnostics and conclude that the available data do not support their use as stand-alone diagnostic tests at this point. Future studies assessing their ability to distinguish complex phenotypes, differentiate T cell-mediated rejection from antibody-mediated rejection, and function as an adjunct to histology are needed to elevate these minimally invasive biomarkers from surveillance tests to diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Huang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michael Mengel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marian C. Clahsen-van Groningen
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute of Experimental and Systems Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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10
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Johnson AC, Silva JAF, Kim SC, Larsen CP. Progress in kidney transplantation: The role for systems immunology. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1070385. [PMID: 36590970 PMCID: PMC9800623 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1070385] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of systems biology represents an immense breakthrough in our ability to perform translational research and deliver personalized and precision medicine. A multidisciplinary approach in combination with use of novel techniques allows for the extraction and analysis of vast quantities of data even from the volume and source limited samples that can be obtained from human subjects. Continued advances in microfluidics, scalability and affordability of sequencing technologies, and development of data analysis tools have made the application of a multi-omics, or systems, approach more accessible for use outside of specialized centers. The study of alloimmune and protective immune responses after solid organ transplant offers innumerable opportunities for a multi-omics approach, however, transplant immunology labs are only just beginning to adopt the systems methodology. In this review, we focus on advances in biological techniques and how they are improving our understanding of the immune system and its interactions, highlighting potential applications in transplant immunology. First, we describe the techniques that are available, with emphasis on major advances that allow for increased scalability. Then, we review initial applications in the field of transplantation with a focus on topics that are nearing clinical integration. Finally, we examine major barriers to adapting these methods and discuss potential future developments.
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11
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Randhawa P. The MMDx ® diagnostic system: A critical re-appraisal of its knowledge gaps and a call for rigorous validation studies. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14747. [PMID: 35678044 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomics generates pathogenetic insights not obtainable by histology, but translation of these insights into diagnostic tests is not a trivial task. This opinion-piece critically appraises declarative MMDx statements, such as the infallibility of machine learning algorithms, measurements of gene expression with >99% precision, and "unambiguous reclassifications" of contentious biopsies such as those with borderline change, polyomavirus nephropathy, chronic active T-cell or mixed rejection, isolated intimal arteritis, and renal medullary pathology. It is shown that molecular diagnoses that do not agree with histology cannot be attributed primarily to pathology reading errors. Neither can all molecular calls derived from arbitrary binary thresholds be automatically accepted as the ground truth. Important other sources of discrepancies between clinico-pathologic and molecular calls include: (a) organ being studied, (b) disease definition, (c) clinical histologic, and gene expression heterogeneity within the same diagnostic label, (d) size and composition of comparator groups, (e) molecular noise, (f) variability in output of different machine learning algorithms, and (g) the nonavailability of a molecular classifier for chronic active TCMR. Carefully designed clinical trials are needed to determine which of the proposed indications of MMDx provide incremental value over existing standard of care protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parmjeet Randhawa
- Division of Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, The Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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12
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Hjortdal J, Griffin MD, Cadoux M, Armitage WJ, Bylesjo M, Gabhann PM, Murphy CC, Pleyer U, Tole D, Vabres B, Walkinshaw MD, Gourraud P, Karakachoff M, Brouard S, Degauque N. Peripheral blood immune cell profiling of acute corneal transplant rejection. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:2337-2347. [PMID: 35704290 PMCID: PMC9796948 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17119] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Acute rejection (AR) of corneal transplants (CT) has a profound effect on subsequent graft survival but detailed immunological studies in human CT recipients are lacking. In this multi-site, cross-sectional study, clinical details and blood samples were collected from adults with clinically diagnosed AR of full-thickness (FT)-CT (n = 35) and posterior lamellar (PL)-CT (n = 21) along with Stable CT recipients (n = 177) and adults with non-transplanted corneal disease (n = 40). For those with AR, additional samples were collected 3 months later. Immune cell analysis was performed by whole-genome microarrays (whole blood) and high-dimensional multi-color flow cytometry (peripheral blood mononuclear cells). For both, no activation signature was identified within the B cell and T cell repertoire at the time of AR diagnosis. Nonetheless, in FT- but not PL-CT recipients, AR was associated with differences in B cell maturity and regulatory CD4+ T cell frequency compared to stable allografts. These data suggest that circulating B cell and T cell subpopulations may provide insights into the regulation of anti-donor immune response in human CT recipients with differing AR risk. Our results suggest that, in contrast to solid organ transplants, genetic or cellular assays of peripheral blood are unlikely to be clinically exploitable for prediction or diagnosis of AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of OphthalmologyAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark,Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Matthew D. Griffin
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical DevicesSchool of Medicine, National University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Marion Cadoux
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064NantesFrance,CHU Nantes, Institut De Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN)NantesFrance
| | - W. John Armitage
- Translational Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK,Tissue and Eye ServicesNHS Blood and TransplantBristolUK
| | - Max Bylesjo
- Fios Genomics Ltd, Nine Edinburgh BioquarterEdinburghUK
| | | | - Conor C. Murphy
- Royal Victoria Eye and Ear HospitalDublinIreland,Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health SciencesDublinIreland
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Department of OphthalmologyCharité University HospitalBerlinGermany
| | - Derek Tole
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundations TrustBristol Eye HospitalBristolUK
| | - Bertrand Vabres
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Service OphtalmologieNantesFrance
| | - Malcolm D. Walkinshaw
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Pierre‐Antoine Gourraud
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064NantesFrance,CHU Nantes, Institut De Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN)NantesFrance,CHU de Nantes, INSERM, CIC 1413, Pôle Hospitalo‐Universitaire 11: Santé Publique, Clinique des donnéesNantesFrance
| | - Matilde Karakachoff
- CHU de Nantes, INSERM, CIC 1413, Pôle Hospitalo‐Universitaire 11: Santé Publique, Clinique des donnéesNantesFrance
| | - Sophie Brouard
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064NantesFrance,CHU Nantes, Institut De Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN)NantesFrance
| | - Nicolas Degauque
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064NantesFrance,CHU Nantes, Institut De Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN)NantesFrance
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13
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Molecular Markers of Kidney Transplantation Outcome: Current Omics Tools and Future Developments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116318. [PMID: 35682996 PMCID: PMC9181061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116318] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of review: The emerging field of molecular predictive medicine is aiming to change the traditional medical approach in renal transplantation. Many studies have explored potential biomarker molecules with predictive properties in renal transplantation, issued from omics research. Herein, we review the biomarker molecules of four technologies (i.e., Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics) associated with favorable kidney transplant outcomes. Recent findings: Several panels of molecules have been associated with the outcome that the majority of markers are related to inflammation and immune response; although. other molecular ontologies are also represented, such as proteasome, growth, regeneration, and drug metabolism. Throughout this review, we highlight the lack of properly validated statistical demonstration. Indeed, the most preeminent molecular panels either remain at the limited size study stage or are not confirmed during large-scale studies. At the core of this problem, we identify the methodological shortcomings and propose a comprehensive workflow for discovery and validation of molecular biomarkers that aims to improve the relevance of these tools in the future. Summary: Overall, adopting a patient management through omics approach could bring remarkable improvement to transplantation success. An increased effort and investment between scientists, medical biologists, and clinicians seem to be the path toward a proper solution.
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14
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Cheung R, Xu H, Jin X, Tian W, Pinney K, Bu L, Stone S, Woodward RN, Agrawal N, Dholakia S, Phan RT. Validation of a gene expression signature to measure immune quiescence in kidney transplant recipients in the CLIA setting. Biomark Med 2022; 16:647-661. [PMID: 35485169 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2022-0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Allograft rejection remains a major cause of graft failure in kidney transplantation. Here the authors report the validation of a non-invasive molecular diagnostic assay, AlloMap Kidney, using peripheral blood. Methods: The AlloMap Kidney test is a gene expression profile utilizing the RNA-seq platform to measure immune quiescence in kidney transplant patients. Results/Conclusions: Analytical validation showed robust performance characteristics with an accuracy correlation coefficient of 0.997 and a precision coefficient of variation of 0.049 across testing. Clinical validation from the prospective, multi-center studies of 235 samples (66 rejection and 169 quiescence specimens) demonstrated the sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 66% for allograft rejection, while the negative predictive value was 95% to discriminate rejection from quiescence at 10% prevalence of rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Xu
- CareDx, Inc., Brisbane, CA 94005, USA
| | - Xia Jin
- CareDx, Inc., Brisbane, CA 94005, USA
| | | | | | - Lihong Bu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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15
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Westphal SG, Mannon RB. Emerging biomarkers in kidney transplantation and challenge of clinical implementation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:15-21. [PMID: 34939960 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite improvement in short-term outcomes after kidney transplantation, long-term outcomes remain suboptimal. Conventional biomarkers are limited in their ability to reliably identify early immunologic and nonimmunologic injury. Novel biomarkers are needed for noninvasive diagnosis of subclinical injury, prediction of response to treatment, and personalization of the care of kidney transplant recipients. RECENT FINDINGS Recent biotechnological advances have led to the discovery of promising molecular biomarker candidates. However, translating potential biomarkers from bench to clinic is challenging, and many potential biomarkers are abandoned prior to clinical implementation. Despite these challenges, several promising urine, blood, and tissue novel molecular biomarkers have emerged and are approaching incorporation into clinical practice. SUMMARY This article highlights the challenges in adopting biomarker-driven posttransplant management and reviews several promising emerging novel biomarkers that are approaching clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Westphal
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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16
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Yatim KM, Azzi JR. Novel Biomarkers in Kidney Transplantation. Semin Nephrol 2022; 42:2-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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17
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Filippone EJ, Gulati R, Farber JL. Noninvasive Assessment of the Alloimmune Response in Kidney Transplantation. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2021; 28:548-560. [PMID: 35367023 DOI: 10.1053/j.ackd.2021.08.002] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation remains the optimal mode of kidney replacement therapy, but unfortunately long-term graft survival after 1 year remains suboptimal. The main mechanism of chronic allograft injury is alloimmune, and current clinical monitoring of kidney transplants includes measuring serum creatinine, proteinuria, and immunosuppressive drug levels. The most important biomarker routinely monitored is human leukocyte antigen (HLA) donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) with the frequency based on underlying immunologic risk. HLA-DSA should be measured if there is graft dysfunction, immunosuppression minimization, or nonadherence. Antibody strength is semiquantitatively estimated as mean fluorescence intensity, with titration studies for equivocal cases and for following response to treatment. Determination of in vitro C1q or C3d positivity or HLA-DSA IgG subclass analysis remains of uncertain significance, but we do not recommend these for routine use. Current evidence does not support routine monitoring of non-HLA antibodies except anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies when the phenotype is appropriate. The monitoring of both donor-derived cell-free DNA in blood or gene expression profiling of serum and/or urine may detect subclinical rejection, although mainly as a supplement and not as a replacement for biopsy. The optimal frequency and cost-effectiveness of using these noninvasive assays remain to be determined. We review the available literature and make recommendations.
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18
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Ehlayel A, Simms KJA, Ashoor IF. Emerging monitoring technologies in kidney transplantation. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:3077-3087. [PMID: 33523298 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-021-04929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive technologies to monitor kidney allograft health utilizing high-throughput assays of blood and urine specimens are emerging out of the research realm and slowly becoming part of everyday clinical practice. HLA epitope analysis and eplet mismatch score determination promise a more refined approach to the pre-transplant recipient-donor HLA matching that may lead to reduced rejection risk. High-resolution HLA typing and multiplex single antigen bead assays are identifying potential new offending HLA antibody subtypes. There is increasing recognition of the deleterious role non-HLA antibodies play in post-transplant outcomes. Donor-derived cell-free DNA detected by next-generation sequencing is a promising biomarker for kidney transplant rejection. Multi-omics techniques are shedding light on discrete genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic signatures that correlate with and predict allograft outcomes. Over the next decade, a comprehensive approach to optimize kidney matching and monitor transplant recipients for acute and chronic graft dysfunction will likely involve a combination of those emerging technologies summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla Ehlayel
- Children's Hospital New Orleans, 200 Henry Clay Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - K'joy J A Simms
- Children's Hospital New Orleans, 200 Henry Clay Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Isa F Ashoor
- Children's Hospital New Orleans, 200 Henry Clay Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, LSU Health New Orleans, 200 Henry Clay Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.
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Akalin E, Weir MR, Bunnapradist S, Brennan DC, Delos Santos R, Langone A, Djamali A, Xu H, Jin X, Dholakia S, Woodward RN, Bromberg JS. Clinical Validation of an Immune Quiescence Gene Expression Signature in Kidney Transplantation. KIDNEY360 2021; 2:1998-2009. [PMID: 35419538 PMCID: PMC8986041 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0005062021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite advances in immune suppression, kidney allograft rejection and other injuries remain a significant clinical concern, particularly with regards to long-term allograft survival. Evaluation of immune activity can provide information about rejection status and help guide interventions to extend allograft life. Here, we describe the validation of a blood gene expression classifier developed to differentiate immune quiescence from both T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). Methods A five-gene classifier (DCAF12, MARCH8, FLT3, IL1R2, and PDCD1) was developed on 56 peripheral blood samples and validated on two sample sets independent of the training cohort. The primary validation set comprised 98 quiescence samples and 18 rejection samples: seven TCMR, ten ABMR, and one mixed rejection. The second validation set included eight quiescence and 11 rejection samples: seven TCMR, two ABMR, and two mixed rejection. AlloSure donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) was also evaluated. Results AlloMap Kidney classifier scores in the primary validation set differed significantly between quiescence (median, 9.49; IQR, 7.68-11.53) and rejection (median, 13.09; IQR, 11.25-15.28), with P<0.001. In the second validation set, the cohorts were statistically different (P=0.03) and the medians were similar to the primary validation set. The AUC for discriminating rejection from quiescence was 0.786 for the primary validation and 0.800 for the second validation. AlloMap Kidney results were not significantly correlated with AlloSure, although both were elevated in rejection. The ability to discriminate rejection from quiescence was improved when AlloSure and AlloMap Kidney were used together (AUC, 0.894). Conclusion Validation of AlloMap Kidney demonstrated the ability to differentiate between rejection and immune quiescence using a range of scores. The diagnostic performance suggests that assessment of the mechanisms of immunologic activity is complementary to allograft injury information derived from AlloSure dd-cfDNA. Together, these biomarkers offer a more comprehensive assessment of allograft health and immune quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enver Akalin
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Transplant Program, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Matthew R. Weir
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Suphamai Bunnapradist
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Daniel C. Brennan
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rowena Delos Santos
- Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Anthony Langone
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Specialties Clinic, Veteran Affairs Hospital Renal Transplant Program, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Arjang Djamali
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Hua Xu
- Research and Development, CareDx, Brisbane, California
| | - Xia Jin
- Research and Development, CareDx, Brisbane, California
| | - Sham Dholakia
- Medical Affairs, CareDx, South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Jonathan S. Bromberg
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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20
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Liquid biopsies: donor-derived cell-free DNA for the detection of kidney allograft injury. Nat Rev Nephrol 2021; 17:591-603. [PMID: 34031575 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-021-00428-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In kidney transplantation, the use of minimally invasive damage biomarkers that are more sensitive and specific than plasma creatinine will be crucial to enable early, actionable detection or exclusion of structural kidney damage due to acute or chronic rejection. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA), which can be quantified, for example, through next-generation sequencing, droplet digital PCR and quantitative PCR, is a candidate biomarker with great potential for enabling comprehensive monitoring of allograft injury. dd-cfDNA has a favourable overall diagnostic performance for the detection of rejection and its high negative predictive value might be especially useful for avoiding unnecessary biopsies. Elevated dd-cfDNA levels have been shown to be detectable before graft injury can be clinically identified using current diagnostic methods. Moreover, dd-cfDNA falls rapidly to baseline levels after successful treatment for rejection owing to its short half-life. dd-cfDNA can detect graft injury caused by immune activation owing to insufficient immunosuppression and might therefore also help guide immunosuppression dosing. The fractional abundance of dd-cfDNA can be affected by changes in the recipient cfDNA (for example, due to infection or physical exercise) but the use of absolute quantification of dd-cfDNA overcomes this limitation. Serial dd-cfDNA determinations might therefore facilitate cost-effective personalized clinical management of kidney transplant recipients to reduce premature graft loss.
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21
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Bloom RD, Augustine JJ. Beyond the Biopsy: Monitoring Immune Status in Kidney Recipients. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 16:1413-1422. [PMID: 34362810 PMCID: PMC8729582 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.14840920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Improved long-term kidney allograft survival is largely related to better outcomes at 12 months, in association with declining acute rejection rates and more efficacious immunosuppression. Finding the right balance between under- and overimmunosuppression or rejection versus immunosuppression toxicity remains one of transplant's holy grails. In the absence of precise measures of immunosuppression burden, transplant clinicians rely on nonspecific, noninvasive tests and kidney allograft biopsy generally performed for cause. This review appraises recent advances of conventional monitoring strategies and critically examines the plethora of emerging tests utilizing tissue, urine, and blood samples to improve upon the diagnostic precision of allograft surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy D Bloom
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joshua J Augustine
- Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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22
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Challenges of Diagnosing Antibody-Mediated Rejection: The Role of Invasive and Non-Invasive Biomarkers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57050439. [PMID: 34063583 PMCID: PMC8147623 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57050439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Kidney transplantation is the best treatment modality for end-stage kidney disease, leading to improvement in a patient’s quality and quantity of life. With significant improvements in short-term outcomes, prolonging long-term allograft and patient survival remain ongoing challenges. The ability to monitor allograft function, immune tolerance and predict rejection accurately would enable personalization and better prognostication during post-transplant care. Though kidney biopsy remains the backbone of transplant diagnostics, emerging biomarkers can help detecting kidney allograft injury early enough to prevent permanent damage and detect injury before it is clinically apparent. In this review, we summarize the recent biomarkers that have shown promise in the prediction of acute rejection with a focus on antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation.
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