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Khalid H, Fareed MM, Dandekar T, Shityakov S. Calcineurin and mTOR inhibitors in kidney transplantation: integrative metamodeling on transplant survival and kidney function. Int Urol Nephrol 2024; 56:1403-1414. [PMID: 37751051 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03754-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
In our study, we examined the efficacy of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors, specifically rapamycin (Rap), compared to calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in kidney transplantation. By conducting a comprehensive search across reputable databases (EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Crossref), we gathered data for a six-month post-transplantation period. Our analysis revealed that mTOR inhibitor administration resulted in improved glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum creatinine levels. However, it is important to note that the mTOR inhibitor group had a higher incidence of acute rejection after biopsy. Through molecular modeling, we observed that Rap exhibited a superior binding affinity for mTOR compared to CNIs' binding to calcineurin, probably contributing to the transplant rejection. Our meta-analysis supports the cautious use of an optimal mTOR inhibitor in conjunction with careful consideration of clinical features when minimizing CNIs early in the transplantation process. This is because mTOR inhibitors have complementary mechanisms of action, a low nephrotoxicity profile, and favorable outcomes in serum creatinine and GFR, which contribute to improved transplant survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Khalid
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Mazhar Fareed
- School of Science and Engineering, Department of Computer Science, Università degli studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sergey Shityakov
- Laboratory of Chemoinformatics, Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
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2
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Fernando JJ, Biswas R, Biswas L. Non-invasive molecular biomarkers for monitoring solid organ transplantation: A comprehensive overview. Int J Immunogenet 2024; 51:47-62. [PMID: 38200592 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving intervention for individuals with end-stage organ failure. Despite the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy, the risk of graft rejection persists in all viable transplants between individuals. The risk of rejection may vary depending on the degree of compatibility between the donor and recipient for both human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA gene-encoded products. Monitoring the status of the allograft is a critical aspect of post-transplant management, with invasive biopsies being the standard of care for detecting rejection. Non-invasive biomarkers are increasingly being recognized as valuable tools for aiding in the detection of graft rejection, monitoring graft status and evaluating the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy. Here, we focus on the importance of molecular biomarkers in solid organ transplantation and their potential role in clinical practice. Conventional molecular biomarkers used in transplantation include HLA typing, detection of anti-HLA antibodies, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genotypes, and anti-MHC class 1-related chain A antibodies, which are important for assessing the compatibility of the donor and recipient. Emerging molecular biomarkers include the detection of donor-derived cell-free DNA, microRNAs (regulation of gene expression), exosomes (small vesicles secreted by cells), and kidney solid organ response test, in the recipient's blood for early signs of rejection. This review highlights the strengths and limitations of these molecular biomarkers and their potential role in improving transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffy J Fernando
- Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Raja Biswas
- Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Lalitha Biswas
- Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
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3
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Legaz I, Jimenez-Coll V, González-López R, Fernández-González M, Alegría-Marcos MJ, Galián JA, Botella C, Moya-Quiles R, Muro-Pérez M, Minguela A, Llorente S, Muro M. MicroRNAs as Potential Graft Rejection or Tolerance Biomarkers and Their Dilemma in Clinical Routines Behaving like Devilish, Angelic, or Frightening Elements. Biomedicines 2024; 12:116. [PMID: 38255221 PMCID: PMC10813128 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Allograft rejection is a widespread complication in allograft recipients with chronic kidney disease. Undertreatment of subclinical and clinical rejection and later post-transplant problems are caused by an imperfect understanding of the mechanisms at play and a lack of adequate diagnostic tools. Many different biomarkers have been analyzed and proposed to detect and monitor these crucial events in transplant outcomes. In this sense, microRNAs may help diagnose rejection or tolerance and indicate appropriate treatment, especially in patients with chronic allograft rejection. As key epigenetic regulators of physiological homeostasis, microRNAs have therapeutic potential and may indicate allograft tolerance or rejection. However, more evidence and clinical validation are indispensable before microRNAs are ready for clinical prime time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum,” Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Víctor Jimenez-Coll
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Rosana González-López
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Botella
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Rosa Moya-Quiles
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro-Pérez
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Santiago Llorente
- Service of Nephrology, Unit Hospital Clinic Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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4
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Alfaro R, Rodríguez-Aguilar L, Llorente S, Jimenez-Coll V, Martínez-Banaclocha H, Galián JA, Botella C, Moya-Quiles MR, Muro-Perez M, Minguela A, Legaz I, Muro M. Early Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Renal Recipients Is Associated with High Levels of B Cell Maturation Antigen Transcript Expression Prior to Transplantation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10491. [PMID: 37445668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most frequent infection episode in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Reactivation usually occurs in the first three months after transplantation and is associated with higher cellular and/or antibody-mediated rejection rates and poorer graft performance. CMV induces the expression of BAFF (B-cell-activating factor, a cytokine involved in the homeostasis of B cells), which communicates signals for survival and growth to B cells and virus-specific plasma cells via the R-BAFF (BAFF receptor), TACI (the calcium modulator, the cyclophilin ligand interactor), and BCMA (B cell maturation antigen) receptors. These molecules of the BAFF system have also been suggested as biomarkers for the development of alloantibodies and graft dysfunction. This prospective study included 30 CMV-IgG seropositive KT recipients. The expression levels of the genes BAFF-R, transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) pre-KT were determined using qPCR. qPCR was also used to monitor CMV reactivation in the first three months following KT. The remainder of the KT recipients were classified as CMV- reactivation, and those with more than 500 copies/mL in at least one sample were classified as CMV+ reactivation. There were no discernible variations in the BAFF-R and TACI transcript expression levels. In the CMV+ group, we examined the relationship between the transcript levels and peak viremia. Peak viremia levels and BCMA transcript levels showed a strong correlation. BAFF-R and TACI expressions showed no measurable differences. In patients with early CMV reactivation, high BCMA receptor expression was associated with increased plasmablast, lymphocyte B cell class-switched levels (LBCS), and viral load. Our findings demonstrate that pre-KT BCMA transcript levels increased in KT recipients with early CMV reactivation. These transcript levels positively correlate with peak viremia and weakly with plasmablast and LBCS levels in PBLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Alfaro
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Rodríguez-Aguilar
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Santiago Llorente
- Nephrology Services, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Victor Jimenez-Coll
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Helios Martínez-Banaclocha
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Botella
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Rosa Moya-Quiles
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro-Perez
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
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5
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Jiménez-Coll V, El Kaaoui El Band J, Llorente S, González-López R, Fernández-González M, Martínez-Banaclocha H, Galián JA, Botella C, Moya-Quiles MR, Minguela A, Legaz I, Muro M. All That Glitters in cfDNA Analysis Is Not Gold or Its Utility Is Completely Established Due to Graft Damage: A Critical Review in the Field of Transplantation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1982. [PMID: 37370877 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13121982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In kidney transplantation, a biopsy is currently the gold standard for monitoring the transplanted organ. However, this is far from an ideal screening method given its invasive nature and the discomfort it can cause the patient. Large-scale studies in renal transplantation show that approximately 1% of biopsies generate major complications, with a risk of macroscopic hematuria greater than 3.5%. It would not be until 2011 that a method to detect donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) employing digital PCR was devised based on analyzing the differences in SNPs between the donor and recipient. In addition, since the initial validation studies were carried out at the specific moments in which rejection was suspected, there is still not a good understanding of how dd-cfDNA levels naturally evolve post-transplant. In addition, various factors, both in the recipient and the donor, can influence dd-cfDNA levels and cause increases in the levels of dd-cfDNA themselves without suspicion of rejection. All that glitters in this technology is not gold; therefore, in this article, we discuss the current state of clinical studies, the benefits, and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Jiménez-Coll
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jaouad El Kaaoui El Band
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Santiago Llorente
- Nephrology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Rosana González-López
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Marina Fernández-González
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Helios Martínez-Banaclocha
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Botella
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Rosa Moya-Quiles
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
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6
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Legaz I, Muro M. Natural Killer Cells and Their Implications in Immune Response Diversification in Clinical Pathology and Neoplastic Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097743. [PMID: 37175450 PMCID: PMC10178591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have examined the function of human immune system biomarkers regarding susceptibility, and prognostic, therapeutic, and predictive factors, in various solid and liquid tumors [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca"-IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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7
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Jimenez-Coll V, Llorente S, Boix F, Alfaro R, Galián JA, Martinez-Banaclocha H, Botella C, Moya-Quiles MR, Muro-Pérez M, Minguela A, Legaz I, Muro M. Monitoring of Serological, Cellular and Genomic Biomarkers in Transplantation, Computational Prediction Models and Role of Cell-Free DNA in Transplant Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043908. [PMID: 36835314 PMCID: PMC9963702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The process and evolution of an organ transplant procedure has evolved in terms of the prevention of immunological rejection with the improvement in the determination of immune response genes. These techniques include considering more important genes, more polymorphism detection, more refinement of the response motifs, as well as the analysis of epitopes and eplets, its capacity to fix complement, the PIRCHE algorithm and post-transplant monitoring with promising new biomarkers that surpass the classic serum markers such as creatine and other similar parameters of renal function. Among these new biomarkers, we analyze new serological, urine, cellular, genomic and transcriptomic biomarkers and computational prediction, with particular attention to the analysis of donor free circulating DNA as an optimal marker of kidney damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Jimenez-Coll
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Santiago Llorente
- Nephrology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Boix
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Rafael Alfaro
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Helios Martinez-Banaclocha
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Botella
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - María R. Moya-Quiles
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro-Pérez
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.L.); (M.M.); Tel.: +34-699986674 (M.M.); Fax: +34-868834307 (M.M.)
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.L.); (M.M.); Tel.: +34-699986674 (M.M.); Fax: +34-868834307 (M.M.)
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8
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Alfaro R, Llorente S, Martinez P, Jimenez-Coll V, Martínez-Banaclocha H, Galián JA, Botella C, Moya-Quiles MR, de la Peña-Moral J, Minguela A, Legaz I, Muro M. Monitoring of Soluble Forms of BAFF System (BAFF, APRIL, sR-BAFF, sTACI and sBCMA) in Kidney Transplantation. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2022; 70:21. [PMID: 36136146 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-022-00659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BAFF system plays an essential role in B cells homeostasis and tolerance, although it has widely not been tested in transplantation with doubtful results. The main purpose was to study the BAFF soluble forms and their correlation with acute rejection (AR) and donor-specific antibodies production. Serum levels of BAFF, APRIL, and soluble forms of their receptors were analyzed in renal recipients with and without acute rejection (AR/NAR) appearance. All molecules were evaluated at pre- and post-transplantation. sTACI showed a significant correlation with BAFF and sR-BAFF levels, and sBCMA also showed a positive correlation with sAPRIL levels. A significant increase in sAPRIL levels in patients suffering AR was also found, and ROC curves analysis showed an AUC = 0.724, a concentration of 6.05 ng/ml (sensitivity: 66.7%; specificity: 73.3%), the best cutoff point for predicting AR. In the post-transplant dynamics of sAPRIL levels in the longitudinal cohort, we observed a significant decrease at 3 and 6 month post-transplantation compared to pretransplantation status. We also observed that recipients with high pre-transplant levels of sAPRIL generated antibodies earlier than those with lower sAPRIL levels, although their long-term post-transplantation was not different. Our results show that elevated serum levels of APRIL may be helpful as a biomarker for the diagnosis of AR, although the longitudinal study shows that it is not helpful as a prognostic biomarker.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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10
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Alfaro R, Martínez-Banaclocha H, Llorente S, Jimenez-Coll V, Galián JA, Botella C, Moya-Quiles MR, Parrado A, Muro-Perez M, Minguela A, Legaz I, Muro M. Computational Prediction of Biomarkers, Pathways, and New Target Drugs in the Pathogenesis of Immune-Based Diseases Regarding Kidney Transplantation Rejection. Front Immunol 2022; 12:800968. [PMID: 34975915 PMCID: PMC8714745 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.800968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of graft rejection in kidney transplantation (KT) patients is made by evaluating the histological characteristics of biopsy samples. The evolution of omics sciences and bioinformatics techniques has contributed to the advancement in searching and predicting biomarkers, pathways, and new target drugs that allow a more precise and less invasive diagnosis. The aim was to search for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patients with/without antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and find essential cells involved in AMR, new target drugs, protein-protein interactions (PPI), and know their functional and biological analysis. Material and Methods Four GEO databases of kidney biopsies of kidney transplantation with/without AMR were analyzed. The infiltrating leukocyte populations in the graft, new target drugs, protein-protein interactions (PPI), functional and biological analysis were studied by different bioinformatics tools. Results Our results show DEGs and the infiltrating leukocyte populations in the graft. There is an increase in the expression of genes related to different stages of the activation of the immune system, antigenic presentation such as antibody-mediated cytotoxicity, or leukocyte migration during AMR. The importance of the IRF/STAT1 pathways of response to IFN in controlling the expression of genes related to humoral rejection. The genes of this biological pathway were postulated as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers of AMR. These biological processes correlated showed the infiltration of NK cells and monocytes towards the allograft. Besides the increase in dendritic cell maturation, it plays a central role in mediating the damage suffered by the graft during AMR. Computational approaches to the search for new therapeutic uses of approved target drugs also showed that imatinib might theoretically be helpful in KT for the prevention and/or treatment of AMR. Conclusion Our results suggest the importance of the IRF/STAT1 pathways in humoral kidney rejection. NK cells and monocytes in graft damage have an essential role during rejection, and imatinib improves KT outcomes. Our results will have to be validated for the potential use of overexpressed genes as rejection biomarkers that can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers and as therapeutic targets to avoid graft rejection in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Alfaro
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Helios Martínez-Banaclocha
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Santiago Llorente
- Nephrology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Victor Jimenez-Coll
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Botella
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Rosa Moya-Quiles
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Parrado
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro-Perez
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Services, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
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Alfaro R, Jaouad EKEB, Llorente S, Jimenez-Coll V, Martínez-Banaclocha H, Galián JA, Botella C, Moya-Quiles MR, Peña-Moral JDL, Minguela A, Legaz I, Muro M. Personalized Medicine for Kidney Transplantation: Association of Graft Survival and Acute Transplant Rejection with Genetic Variation in B Cell Activating Factor System Signaling. OMICS 2021; 25:725-737. [PMID: 34714153 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Kidney transplantation (KT) clinical outcomes are highly variable across patients and would benefit from predictive biomarkers to achieve personalized/precision medicine. The B cell activating factor (BAFF) system signaling plays an essential role in B lymphocytes' homeostasis, and is implicated in activation and survival of B lymphocytes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BAFF system genes are therefore strong candidates to identify the genetic mechanisms underpinning variable clinical outcomes in KT. We report here new findings on BAFF system genetic polymorphisms in KT patients in relation to two key phenotypes of clinical interest: graft survival and acute rejection (AR). A total of 168 KT patients, of which 29 suffered AR, participated in this study. The BAFF system polymorphisms in five genes TNFSF13B, TNFSF13, TNFRSF13C, TNFRSF13B, and TNFRSF17 were characterized using TaqMan SNP genotyping. Patients with KT who had an AA genotype in polymorphism rs3803800 of the TNFSF13 gene had a higher risk of suffering AR (p = 0.046; odds ratios = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.02-11.2). Moreover, patients with AA genotype (rs3803800) in the TNFSF13 gene had a significantly lower AR-free time than the GG/GA genotypes (69.2% vs. 85.7%; p = 0.037). Of importance, bioinformatics analysis showed that the polymorphism rs3803800 could alter splicing regulation and affect the proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) expression levels. The analysis of graft survival did not show a significant association with the polymorphisms analyzed in this study. In conclusion, the rs3803800 genetic polymorphism from this study of BAFF system genes appears to display importance in AR-free time for KT patients, and thus, warrants further research in independent populations as a putative predictive biomarker of AR. These findings also inform future personalized/precision medicine efforts and functional genomic studies in KT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Alfaro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - El Kaaoui El Band Jaouad
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Santiago Llorente
- Nephrology Service, and University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Victor Jimenez-Coll
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Helios Martínez-Banaclocha
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Botella
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Rosa Moya-Quiles
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Jesús de la Peña-Moral
- Pathology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
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