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Balasubramaniam M, Mokhtar AMA. Past and present discovery of the BAFF/APRIL system - A bibliometric study from 1999 to 2023. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111201. [PMID: 38714287 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111201] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines from the Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) family are important regulators of both physiological and pathological processes. The discovery of novel TNF ligands and receptors, BAFF and APRIL, have opened up new possibilities for scientists to explore the effect of these cytokines on the human immune system. The role of BAFF/APRIL system in B lymphocytes is particularly important for survival and maintenance of homeostasis. Aberrant expression of the system is associated with various immunological disorders. Hence, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the past and present BAFF/APRIL system research development in a bibliometric perspective. To our best knowledge, this is the first ever bibliometric analysis conducted focusing on the BAFF/APRIL system. A total of 1055 relevant documents were retrieved from WoSCC. Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and Biblioshiny of R studio were bibliometric tools used to analyse the scientific literature. From 1999, the annual publications showed an upward trend, with Journal of Immunology being the most productive journal. USA leads the race for BAFF/APRIL system research developments. Pascal Schneider, a senior researcher affiliated with University of Lausanne, Switzerland was recognised as the most productive author and institution in the BAFF/APRIL system research field. The research focus transitioned from focusing on the role of the system in B cell biology, to immunological disorders and finally to development of BAFF/APRIL targeting drugs. Despite several studies elucidating briefly the pathway mechanism of BAFF/APRIL system in B-cell selection, substantial research on the mechanism of action in disease models and T cell activation and development of immunomodulating drugs from natural origins remains largely unexplored. Therefore, future research focusing on these areas are crucial for the deeper understanding of the system in disease manifestations and progression allowing a better treatment management for various immunological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muggunna Balasubramaniam
- Small G protein Research Group, Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia; Green Biopolymer Coating and Packaging Centre, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ana Masara Ahmad Mokhtar
- Small G protein Research Group, Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia; Green Biopolymer Coating and Packaging Centre, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
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Liao T, Shi X, Han F, Wang Y, Zeng W, Liu R, Yan Z, Xia R, Huang Z, Xu J, Miao Y. Blockade of BLyS inhibits B-cell responses and antibody production for the prevention of chronic transplant rejection. J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:652-662. [PMID: 38070662 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.12.001] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rejection, closely related to the activation of B cells and donor-specific antibody (DSA) production, has unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes. B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is a major regulatory factor that controls the activation and differentiation of B cells. However, it remains unclear whether BLyS blockade can regulate B and plasma cells in the transplantation setting and affect chronic rejection. Here, we investigated the efficacy of the BLyS inhibitors belimumab and telitacicept in controlling B-cell response and preventing chronic rejection. METHODS The effects of belimumab and telitacicept on B-cell activation, differentiation, and antibody production in vitro were determined. A chronic rejection model in mouse was established by allogeneic cardiac transplantation with CTLA4-Ig treatment. Allograft survival, histology, DSA levels, and B-cell responses were analyzed to evaluate the chronic rejection-preventive effects of belimumab and telitacicept. RESULTS In vitro experiments confirmed that belimumab and telitacicept inhibited B-cell activation and differentiation and reduced antibody production. In vivo experiments indicated that they significantly prolonged allograft survival, attenuated chronic rejection through significant suppression of myocardial ischemic necrosis and interstitial fibrosis, and reduced DSA-IgG levels, C4d deposition, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, the frequencies of B cells, plasma cells, and IgG-producing cells in the recipients' spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and blood were decreased after BLyS inhibitors treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that belimumab and telitacicept inhibit B-cell responses and antibody production and alleviate chronic transplant rejection. Therefore, BLyS inhibitors are expected to be used for the prevention of chronic rejection in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liao
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyi Shi
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Han
- Research Institute of Organ Transplantation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenli Zeng
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rumin Liu
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziyan Yan
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Renfei Xia
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengyu Huang
- Research Institute of Organ Transplantation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Miao
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Simons BD, Karin O. Tuning of plasma cell lifespan by competition explains the longevity and heterogeneity of antibody persistence. Immunity 2024; 57:600-611.e6. [PMID: 38447570 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.02.005] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Plasma cells that emerge after infection or vaccination exhibit heterogeneous lifespans; most survive for days to months, whereas others persist for decades, providing antigen-specific long-term protection. We developed a mathematical framework to explore the dynamics of plasma cell removal and its regulation by survival factors. Analyses of antibody persistence following hepatitis A and B and HPV vaccination revealed specific patterns of longevity and heterogeneity within and between responses, implying that this process is fine-tuned near a critical "flat" state between two dynamic regimes. This critical state reflects the tuning of rates of the underlying regulatory network and is highly sensitive to variation in parameters, which amplifies lifespan differences between cells. We propose that fine-tuning is the generic outcome of competition over shared survival signals, with a competition-based mechanism providing a unifying explanation for a wide range of experimental observations, including the dynamics of plasma cell accumulation and the effects of survival factor deletion. Our theory is testable, and we provide specific predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Simons
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK; Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Omer Karin
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
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4
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Cascalho M, Platt JL. TNFRSF13B in B cell responses to organ transplantation. Hum Immunol 2023; 84:27-33. [PMID: 36333165 PMCID: PMC10429825 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.09.006] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies directed against organ transplants are thought to pose the most vexing hurdle to enduring function and survival of the transplants, particularly organ xenotransplants, and accordingly basic and clinical investigation has focused on elucidating the specificity and pathogenicity of graft-specific antibodies. While much has been learned about these matters, far less is known about the B cells producing graft-specific antibodies and why these antibodies appear to injure some grafts but not others. With the goal of addressing those questions, we have investigated the properties of tumor necrosis factor receptor super family-13B (TNFRSF13B), which regulates various aspects of B cell responses. A full understanding of the functions of TNFRSF13B however is hindered by extreme polymorphism and by diversity of interactions of the protein. Nevertheless, TNFRSF13B variants have been found to exert distinct impact on natural and elicited antibody responses and host defense and mutations of TNFRSF13B have been found to influence the propensity for development of antibody-mediated rejection of organ transplants. Because B cell responses potentially limit application of xenotransplantation, understanding how TNFRSF13B diversity and TNFRSF13B variants govern immunity in xenotransplantation could inspire development of novel therapeutics that could in turn accelerate clinical implementation of xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia Cascalho
- Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Jeffrey L Platt
- Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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5
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Bath NM, Verhoven BM, Wilson NA, Zeng W, Zhong W, Coons L, Djamali A, Redfield RR. APRIL/BLyS deficient rats prevent donor specific antibody (DSA) production and cell proliferation in rodent kidney transplant model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275564. [PMID: 36227902 PMCID: PMC9562156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
APRIL (A proliferation inducing ligand) and BLyS (B Lymphocyte Stimulator) are two critical survival factors for B lymphocytes and plasma cells, the main source of alloantibody. We sought to characterize the specific effects of these cytokines in a kidney transplant model of antibody mediated rejection (AMR). We engineered APRIL-/- and BLyS-/- Lewis rats using CRISPR/Cas9. APRIL-/- and BLyS-/- rats were sensitized with Brown Norway (BN) blood (complete MHC mismatch). Twenty-one days following sensitization, animals were harvested and collected tissues were analyzed using flow cytometry, ELISPOT, and immunohistochemistry. Flow cross match and a 3 day mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was performed to assess donor specific antibody (DSA) production and T-cell proliferation, respectively. Sensitized dual knock out Lewis rats (APRIL-/-/BLyS-/-) underwent kidney transplantation and were sacrificed on day 7 post-transplant. Sensitized BLyS-/- had significant decreases in DSA and cell proliferation compared to WT and APRIL-/- (p<0.02). Additionally, BLyS-/- rats had a significant reduction in IgG secreting cells in splenic marginal zone B lymphocytes, and in cell proliferation when challenged with alloantigen compared to WT and APRIL-/-. Transplanted APRIL-/-/BLyS-/- rodents had significantly less DSA and antibody secreting cells compared to WT (p<0.05); however, this did not translate into a significant difference in AMR seen between groups. In summary, our studies suggest that APRIL and BLyS play a greater role in DSA generation rather than AMR, highlighting the role of cellular pathways that regulate AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M. Bath
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Bret M. Verhoven
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nancy A. Wilson
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Weifeng Zeng
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Weixiong Zhong
- Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Lauren Coons
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Arjang Djamali
- Department of Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, United States of America
| | - Robert R. Redfield
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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6
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van Vugt LK, Schagen MR, de Weerd A, Reinders ME, de Winter BC, Hesselink DA. Investigational drugs for the treatment of kidney transplant rejection. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1087-1100. [PMID: 36175360 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2130751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kidney transplant rejection remains an important clinical problem despite the development of effective immunosuppressive drug combination therapy. Two major types of rejection are recognized, namely T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), which have a different pathophysiology and are treated differently. Unfortunately, long-term outcomes of both TCMR and ABMR remain unsatisfactory despite current therapy. Hence, alternative therapeutic drugs are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED This review covers novel and investigational drugs for the pharmacological treatment of kidney transplant rejection. Potential therapeutic strategies and future directions are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The development of alternative pharmacologic treatment of rejection has focused mostly on ABMR, since this is the leading cause of kidney allograft loss and currently lacks an effective, evidence-based therapy. At present, there is insufficient high-quality evidence for any of the covered investigational drugs to support their use in ABMR. However, with the emergence of targeted therapies, this potential arises for individualized treatment strategies. In order to generate more high-quality evidence for such strategies and overcome the obstacles of classic, randomized, controlled trials, we advocate the implementation of adaptive trial designs and surrogate clinical endpoints. We believe such adaptive trial designs could help to understand the risks and benefits of promising drugs such as tocilizumab, clazakizumab, belimumab, and imlifidase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas K van Vugt
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike R Schagen
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies de Weerd
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marlies Ej Reinders
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Brenda Cm de Winter
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis A Hesselink
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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7
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Alfaro R, Lorente S, Jimenez-Coll V, Martínez-Banaclocha H, Galián JA, Botella C, Moya-Quiles MR, Muro-Pérez M, de la Peña-Moral J, Minguela A, Legaz I, Muro M. Evaluating the Link between BAFF System Gene Expression and Acute Rejection Development in Kidney Transplantation. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11143956. [PMID: 35887720 PMCID: PMC9319040 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11143956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
B-cell activating factor (BAFF) system signaling is critical for B-cell homeostasis, effector functions, and tolerance maintenance in transplants, but it has not been studied in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The aim was to analyze the changes in BAFF system expression in KTRs with/without acute rejection (AR/NAR). The BAFF system expression was analyzed by qPCR in 40 KTRs. A meta-analysis of BAFF system expression and histological renal damage was identified by the Chronic Allograft Damage Index (CADI) and performed from the GEO database. Proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) expression increased at three- and six-months post-KT (p = 0.014 and p < 0.001). B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) expression increased at six-months post-KT (p = 0.038). BAFF expression remained stable in NAR-KTRs, but was increased in CADI concerning the No-CADI group at one year (p = 0.008). BCMA expression increased in the CADI group at one- (p = 0.001) and six-years post-KT (p = 0.024). At three months, the transmembrane activator and calcium modulator interactor (TACI) gene significantly elevated KTRs with DSAs (donor-specific antibody; p = 0.034). KTRs with DSAs significantly increase the B-cell activating factor receptor (R-BAFF; p = 0.021) and TACI (p = 0.018) between pre- and three-month post-KT. Changes in the expression of the BAFF system increase during post-KTR in the development of AR and chronic allograft damage, and could be an important pathological tool to detect and prevent kidney graft outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Alfaro
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain; (R.A.); (V.J.-C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (C.B.); (M.R.M.-Q.); (M.M.-P.); (A.M.)
| | - Santiago Lorente
- Nephrology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Víctor Jimenez-Coll
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain; (R.A.); (V.J.-C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (C.B.); (M.R.M.-Q.); (M.M.-P.); (A.M.)
| | - Helios Martínez-Banaclocha
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain; (R.A.); (V.J.-C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (C.B.); (M.R.M.-Q.); (M.M.-P.); (A.M.)
| | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain; (R.A.); (V.J.-C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (C.B.); (M.R.M.-Q.); (M.M.-P.); (A.M.)
| | - Carmen Botella
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain; (R.A.); (V.J.-C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (C.B.); (M.R.M.-Q.); (M.M.-P.); (A.M.)
| | - María Rosa Moya-Quiles
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain; (R.A.); (V.J.-C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (C.B.); (M.R.M.-Q.); (M.M.-P.); (A.M.)
| | - Manuel Muro-Pérez
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain; (R.A.); (V.J.-C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (C.B.); (M.R.M.-Q.); (M.M.-P.); (A.M.)
| | - Jesús de la Peña-Moral
- Pathology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain; (R.A.); (V.J.-C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (C.B.); (M.R.M.-Q.); (M.M.-P.); (A.M.)
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital, Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30100 Murcia, Spain; (R.A.); (V.J.-C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (C.B.); (M.R.M.-Q.); (M.M.-P.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.L.); (M.M.)
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8
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Agarwal D, Luning Prak ET, Bharani T, Everly M, Migone TS, Cancro M, Allman D, Choe I, Kearns JD, Trofe-Clark J, Naji A, Kamoun M. BLyS neutralization results in selective anti-HLA alloantibody depletion without successful desensitization. Transpl Immunol 2021; 69:101465. [PMID: 34506905 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pre-existing anti-HLA allo-antibodies (allo-Abs) are a major barrier to successful kidney transplantation, resulting in an elevated risk for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and eventual graft loss. The cytokine B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) promotes B cell maturation and plasma cell survival; consequently, anti-BLyS therapy represents a potential therapeutic opportunity in diminishing pre-existing allo-Abs. Here we report that in our 1-year pilot trial, BLyS neutralization failed to reduce total anti-HLA allo-Ab levels in highly sensitized candidates awaiting kidney transplant in a clinically meaningful way. Additionally, we performed a post hoc analysis using sera from trial candidates which revealed selective depletion of anti-HLA class I and class II Abs in response to belimumab treatment, restricted to certain allele specificities and IgG subclasses. Altogether, we observed that BLyS blockade only results in selective depletion of anti-HLA Abs recognizing a few discrete HLA allele specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyansh Agarwal
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eline T Luning Prak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tina Bharani
- Department of General Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | | | - Thi-Sau Migone
- Iconic Therapeutics, Shoreline Court, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Michael Cancro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Insuk Choe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jane D Kearns
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer Trofe-Clark
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.; Department of Medicine, Division of Renal, Electrolyte and Hypertension, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ali Naji
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Malek Kamoun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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9
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Optimal Immunosuppression Strategy in the Sensitized Kidney Transplant Recipient. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163656. [PMID: 34441950 PMCID: PMC8396983 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with previous sensitization events against anti-human leukocyte antigens (HLA) often have circulating anti-HLA antibodies. Following organ transplantation, sensitized patients have higher rates of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) compared to those who are non-sensitized. More stringent donor matching is required for these patients, which results in a reduced donor pool and increased time on the waitlist. Current approaches for sensitized patients focus on reducing preformed antibodies that preclude transplantation; however, this type of desensitization does not modulate the primed immune response in sensitized patients. Thus, an optimized maintenance immunosuppressive regimen is necessary for highly sensitized patients, which may be distinct from non-sensitized patients. In this review, we will discuss the currently available therapeutic options for induction, maintenance, and adjuvant immunosuppression for sensitized patients.
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10
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Reese SR, Wilson NA, Huang Y, Ptak L, Degner KR, Xiang D, Redfield RR, Zhong W, Panzer SE. B-cell Deficiency Attenuates Transplant Glomerulopathy in a Rat Model of Chronic Active Antibody-mediated Rejection. Transplantation 2021; 105:1516-1529. [PMID: 33273321 PMCID: PMC8106694 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is a pathological feature of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (cAMR) and is associated with renal allograft failure. The specific role of B cells in the pathogenesis of TG is unclear. METHODS We used a minor mismatched rat kidney transplant model with B cell-deficient recipients, generated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 technology, to investigate the impact of B-cell depletion on the pathogenesis of TG. We hypothesized that B-cell deficiency would prevent TG in the rat kidney transplant model of cAMR. Treatment groups included syngeneic, allogeneic, sensitized allogeneic, and B cell-deficient allogeneic transplant recipients. RESULTS B cell-deficient recipients demonstrated reduced TG lesions, decreased microvascular inflammation, reduced allograft infiltrating macrophages, and reduced interferon gamma transcripts within the allograft. Allograft transcript levels of interferon gamma, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and interleukin-1β correlated with numbers of intragraft macrophages. B cell-deficient recipients lacked circulating donor-specific antibodies and had an increased splenic regulatory T-cell population. CONCLUSIONS In this model of cAMR, B-cell depletion attenuated the development of TG with effects on T cell and innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R. Reese
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nancy A. Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yabing Huang
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China
| | - Lucille Ptak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kenna R. Degner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ding Xiang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Robert R. Redfield
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Weixiong Zhong
- Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Sarah E. Panzer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
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11
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Agarwal D, Allman D, Naji A. Novel therapeutic opportunities afforded by plasma cell biology in transplantation. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:1984-1991. [PMID: 32034987 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite new immunotherapies aimed at B and T cells, plasma cells and their lifelong antibody secretion constitute a major immune barrier to long-term graft survival. In this mini-review, we survey the recent advances that have been made in the biology and immunometabolism of long-lived plasma cells, and outline aspects of plasma cell function that can be exploited for clinical benefit in recipients of solid organ transplants. A handful of ongoing studies are already targeting plasma cells to achieve desensitization and reduce the alloantibody burden in individuals posttransplant. In reviewing the recent strides made in our understanding of the molecular basis of plasma cell survival, we will place our discussions in the context of existing preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyansh Agarwal
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ali Naji
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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12
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Robinson MJ, Webster RH, Tarlinton DM. How intrinsic and extrinsic regulators of plasma cell survival might intersect for durable humoral immunity. Immunol Rev 2020; 296:87-103. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J. Robinson
- Department of Immunology & Pathology Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct Monash University Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Rosela H. Webster
- Department of Immunology & Pathology Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct Monash University Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - David M. Tarlinton
- Department of Immunology & Pathology Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct Monash University Melbourne Vic. Australia
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13
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Degner KR, Wilson NA, Reese SR, Parajuli S, Aziz F, Garg N, Mohamed M, Singh T, Mandelbrot DA, Panzer SE, Redfield RR, Van Hyfte K, Zhong W, Hidalgo LG, Djamali A. Short-term Immunopathological Changes Associated with Pulse Steroids/IVIG/Rituximab Therapy in Late Kidney Allograft Antibody Mediated Rejection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 1:389-398. [PMID: 34476406 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0001082019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background B-cell depletion is a common treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). We sought to determine the specific immunopathologic effects of this therapeutic approach in kidney transplantation. Methods This was a prospective observational study of kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with late ABMR (>3 months after transplant). Patients received treatment with pulse steroids, IVIG, and rituximab. Donor specific HLA antibodies (DSA), kidney allograft pathology, renal function, immune cell phenotypes, and 47 circulating cytokines were assessed at baseline and at three months. Results We enrolled 23 patients in this study between April 2015 and March 2019. The majority of patients were male (74%) and Caucasian (78%) with an average age of 45.6±13.8 years. ABMR was diagnosed at 6.8±5.9 years (4 months-25 years) post-transplant. Treatment was associated with a significant decline in circulating HLA class I DSA (P=0.003) and class II DSA (P=0.002) and peritubular capillaritis (ptc, P=0.04) compared to baseline. Serum creatinine, BUN, eGFR, and proteinuria (UPC) remained stable. Circulating B-cells were depleted to barely detectable levels (P≤0.001), whereas BAFF (P=0.001), APRIL (P<0.001), and IL-10 (P=0.02), levels increased significantly post-treatment. Notably, there was a significant rise in circulating CD4+ (P=0.02) and CD8+ T-cells (P=0.003). We also noted a significant correlation between circulating cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells and BAFF (P=0.05), regulatory T-cells and IL10 (P=0.002), and HLA class I DSA (P=0.005). Conclusions Short-term pulse steroids/IVIG/rituximab therapy was associated with inhibition of ABMR (DSA and ptc), stabilization of kidney function, and increased regulatory B-cell and T-cell survival cytokines. Additional studies are needed to understand the implications of B cell-depletion on the crosstalk between T-cells, B-cells, and humoral components that regulate ABMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenna R Degner
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), Madison, WI
| | | | | | | | - Fahad Aziz
- Department of Medicine, UWSMPH, Madison, WI
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert R Redfield
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), Madison, WI
| | | | - Weixiong Zhong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UWSMPH, Madison, WI
| | - Luis G Hidalgo
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), Madison, WI
| | - Arjang Djamali
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), Madison, WI.,Department of Medicine, UWSMPH, Madison, WI
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14
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Bath NM, Ding X, Verhoven BM, Wilson NA, Coons L, Sukhwal A, Zhong W, Redfield III RR. Autoantibody production significantly decreased with APRIL/BLyS blockade in murine chronic rejection kidney transplant model. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223889. [PMID: 31647850 PMCID: PMC6812745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic antibody mediated rejection (cAMR) remains a significant barrier to achieving long-term graft survival in kidney transplantation, which results from alloantibody production from B lymphocytes and plasma cells. APRIL (A proliferation-inducing ligand) and BLyS (B lymphocyte stimulator) are critical survival factors for B lymphocytes and plasma cells. Here we describe the results of APRIL/BLyS blockade in a murine cAMR kidney transplant model. c57/B6 mice underwent kidney transplantation with Bm12 kidneys (minor MHC mismatch), a well-described model for chronic rejection where animals cannot make donor specific antibody but rather make antinuclear antibody (ANA). Following transplantation, animals received TACI-Ig (to block APRIL and BLyS) or no treatment. Animals were continued on treatment until harvest 4 weeks following transplant. Serum was analyzed for circulating anti-nuclear autoantibodies using HEp-2 indirect immunofluorescence. Spleen and transplanted kidneys were analyzed via H&E. ANA production was significantly decreased in APRIL/BLyS blockade treated animals (p<0.0001). No significant difference in autoantibody production was found between syngeneic transplant control (B6 to B6) and APRIL/BLyS blockade treated animals (p = 0.90). Additionally, disruption of splenic germinal center architecture was noted in the APRIL/BLyS blockade treated animals. Despite the significant decrease in autoantibody production and germinal center disruption, no significant difference in lymphocyte infiltration was noted in the transplanted kidney. APRIL/BLyS blockade resulted in a significant decrease of autoantibody production and disrupted splenic germinal center formation in a chronic kidney transplant model, however in this model no difference in kidney transplant pathology was seen, which may have to do with the absence of any T cell centric immunosuppression. Regardless, these findings suggest that APRIL/BLyS blockade may play a role in decreasing antibody formation long-term in kidney transplantation. Future investigations will use APRIL/BLyS blockade in conjunction with T lymphocyte depleting agents to determine its efficacy in chronic rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M. Bath
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Xiang Ding
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Bret M. Verhoven
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nancy A. Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, Unites States of America
| | - Lauren Coons
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Adarsh Sukhwal
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Weixiong Zhong
- Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Robert R. Redfield III
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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