16(th) IHIW: anti-HLA alloantibodies of the of IgA isotype in re-transplant candidates

In this multicentre study, sera from 803 retransplant candidates, including 775 kidney transplant recipients, were analysed with regard to the presence and specificity of anti-HLA alloantibodies of the IgA isotype using a modified microsphere-based platform. Of the kidney recipients, nearly one-third (n = 237, 31%) had IgA alloantibodies. Mostly, these antibodies were found in sera that also harboured IgG alloantibodies that could be found in a total of 572 (74%) of patients. Interestingly, IgA anti-HLA antibodies were preferentially targeting HLA class I antigens in contrast to those of the IgG isotype, which targeted mostly both HLA class I and II antigens. Donor specificity of the IgA alloantibodies could be established for over half of the 237 patients with IgA alloantibodies (n = 124, 52%). A further 58 patients had specificities against HLA-C or HLA-DP, for which no information regarding donor typing was available. In summary, these data showed in a large cohort of retransplant candidates that IgA alloantibodies occur in about one-third of patients, about half of these antibodies being donor specific.

TCR cross-reactivity and allorecognition: new insights into the immunogenetics of allorecognition

Alloreactive T cells are core mediators of graft rejection and are a potent barrier to transplantation tolerance. It was previously unclear how T cells educated in the recipient thymus could recognize allogeneic HLA molecules. Recently it was shown that both naïve and memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are frequently cross-reactive against allogeneic HLA molecules and that this allorecognition exhibits exquisite peptide and HLA specificity and is dependent on both public and private specificities of the T cell receptor. In this review we highlight new insights gained into the immunogenetics of allorecognition, with particular emphasis on how viral infection and vaccination may specifically activate allo-HLA reactive T cells. We also briefly discuss the potential for virus-specific T cell infusions to produce GvHD. The progress made in understanding the molecular basis of allograft rejection will hopefully be translated into improved allograft function and/or survival, and eventually tolerance induction.

KIR-ligand mismatches are associated with reduced long-term graft survival in HLA-compatible kidney transplantation

Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system with the ability to detect HLA class I disparities via killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). To test whether such KIR-ligand mismatches contribute to the rejection of human solid allografts, we did a retrospective cohort study of 397 HLA-DR-compatible kidney transplantations and determined the KIR and HLA genotypes of recipients and the HLA genotypes of donors. In transplantations compatible for HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DR (n = 137), in which a role for T cells and HLA antibodies in rejection was minimized, KIR-ligand mismatches were associated with an approximately 25% reduction in 10-year death-censored graft survival (p = 0.043). This effect was comparable to the effect of classical HLA-A and HLA-B incompatibility, and in HLA-A,-B-incompatible transplantations (n = 260) no significant additional effect of KIR-ligand mismatches was observed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed the effect of KIR-ligand mismatching as an independent risk factor in HLA-A,-B,-DR-compatible transplantations (hazard ratio 2.29, range 1.03-5.10, p = 0.043). This finding constitutes the first indication that alloreactive NK cells may thwart the success of HLA-compatible kidney transplantations, and suggests that suppression of NK-cell activity can improve the survival of such kidney grafts.

Alloreactivity from human viral specific memory T-cells

The mechanisms by which alloreactive memory T-cells are generated in non-sensitized individuals have begun to be elucidated. It is generally accepted that a very high level of crossreactivity is an essential feature of the T-cell receptor. Indeed it has recently been shown that alloreactivity from viral specific memory T-cells is far more common than predicted, 45% of viral specific T-cell clones were found to be allo-HLA crossreactive. In this overview the evidence for crossreactive alloresponses from human viral specific memory T-cells is discussed with special emphasis on the unexpected high frequency of these crossreactive responses, the peptide and tissue specificity of the responses, and the mechanistic insights gleaned from the elucidation of the crystal structure of an allo-HLA crossreactive viral specific TCR. The possible implications for clinical solid organ and bone marrow transplantation and tolerance induction will be discussed.

High resolution definition of HLA-DRB haplotypes by a simplified microsatellite typing technique

In humans, the region configurations DR1, DR8, DR51, DR52 and DR53 are known to display copy number as well as allelic variation, rendering high resolution typing of HLA-DRB haplotypes cumbersome. Advantage was taken of microsatellite D6S2878, present in all DRB genes/pseudogenes with an intact exon 2-intron 2 segment. This DRB-STR is highly polymorphic in composition and length. Recently, it was proven that all exon 2 sequences could be linked to a certain DRB-STR that segregates with the respective DRB allele. Because haplotypes show differential copy numbers and compositions of exon 2-positive DRB genes/pseudogenes, unique DRB-STR patterns could be described that appear to be specific for a particular DRB haplotype. The aim of this workshop project was to approve and to qualify this simple typing protocol in a larger panel covering different European populations. All participants succeeded in correctly defining the DRB-STR amplicons varying from 135 to 222 base pair (bp) lengths. The panel of 101 samples covered 50 DRB alleles distributed over 37 different haplotypes as defined by exon 2 sequence-based typing. These haplotypes could be refined into 105 haplotypes by DRB-STR typing. Thus, discrimination of exon 2-identical DRB alleles was feasible, as well as the exact description of three different crossing-over events that resulted in the generation of hybrid DR region configurations. This typing procedure appears to be a quick and highly robust technique that can easily be performed by different laboratories, even without experience in microsatellite typing; thus, it is suitable for a variety of researchers in diverse research areas.

New tools to monitor the impact of viral infection on the alloreactive T-cell repertoire

Accumulating evidence suggests that alloreactive memory T-cells may be generated as a result of viral infection. So far, a suitable tool to define the individual human leukocyte antigen (HLA) cross-reactivity of virus-specific memory T-cells is not available. We therefore aimed to develop a novel system for the detection of cross-reactive alloresponses using single HLA antigen expressing cell lines (SALs) as stimulator. Herein, we generated Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) EBNA3A specific CD8 memory T-cell clones (HLA-B*0801/FLRGRAYGL peptide restricted) and assayed for alloreactivity against a panel of SALs using interferon-gamma Elispot as readout. Generation of the T-cell clones was performed by single cell sorting based on staining with viral peptide/major histocompatibility complex-specific tetramer. Monoclonality of the T-cell clones was confirmed by T-cell receptor (TCR) polymerase chain reaction analysis. First, we confirmed the previously described alloreactivity of the EBV EBNA3A-specific T-cell clones against SAL-expressing HLA-B*4402. Further screening against the entire panel of SALs also showed additional cross-reactivity against SAL-expressing HLA-B*5501. Functionality of the cross-reactive T-cell clones was confirmed by chromium release assay using phytohemagglutinin blasts as targets. SALs are an effective tool to detect cross-reactivity of viral-specific CD8 memory T-cell clones against individual class I HLA molecules. This technique may have important implications for donor selection and monitoring of transplant recipients.

Bortezomib affects the function of human B cells: possible implications for desensitization protocols

Bortezomib is a potent inducer of apoptosis in malignant as well as non-malignant human plasma cells. Recently, bortezomib has come to attention for the treatment of humoral rejection. As bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor, it likely affects other cell types, such as activated B cells, as well. Since additional anti-B cell effects could be beneficial for the treatment of humoral rejection, we tested whether bortezomib inhibited human B cell function. When B cells were activated in a CD40 mAb driven culture system, bortezomib dose-dependently abrogated their IgM and IgG production as well as their proliferation. This bortezomib induced inhibition was caused by induction of apoptosis, since levels of caspase 3/7 activity were increased. In addition to its effects on plasma cells, bortezomib profoundly inhibits activated human B cells. This finding suggests that when bortezomib is used for desensitization or for the treatment of humoral rejection, there is no need for additional anti-B cell therapy, such as anti-CD20 mAb (Rituximab) treatment.

Monitoring of indirect allorecognition: wishful thinking or solid data?

Monitoring of T cells involved in the alloimmune response after transplantation requires the availability of reliable in vitro assays for the detection of T cells with both direct and indirect allospecificity. While generally accepted assays exist to measure helper and cytotoxic T cells involved in direct allorecognition, consensus about an assay for monitoring indirect T-cell allorecognition in clinical transplantation is lacking. Many studies claim a relationship between the reactivity of T cells with indirect allospecificity and graft rejection, but different protocols are used and essential controls are often lacking. In this review, the disadvantages and pitfalls of the current approaches are discussed, in some cases supported by the results of our own in vitro experiments. We conclude that an international workshop is necessary to establish and validate a uniform, robust and reliable assay for the monitoring of transplant recipients and to study the actual role of indirect allorecognition in acute and chronic rejection.

Sequence variation within the major histocompatibility complex subregion centromeric of HLA class II in type 1 diabetes

The extended major histocompatibility complex (xMHC) has been studied intensively with regard to type 1 diabetes (T1D) predisposition. So far, little attention has been given to the subregion centromeric of MHC class II. We selected five single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes with potential immune-related functions in the genomic regions of death-domain-associated protein 6 (DAXX, apoptosis associated), TAP-binding protein (TAPBP, human leukocyte antigen class I loading) and retinoic acid receptor beta (RXRB, vitamin D receptor function) that may bear relevance to the pathogenesis of T1D. A total of 277 unrelated individuals with juvenile-onset T1D and 286 control subjects were genotyped using sequence-specific priming-polymerase chain reaction. The genotype and allelic frequencies of the markers tested were not significantly different between patients and control subjects. Subsequent haplotype analysis showed six DAXX-TAPBP-RXRB haplotypic configurations. No difference was observed between patients and control cohorts when stratified for T1D high-risk DQ2-DR17 and DQ8-DR4 haplotypes. However, the distribution of these haplotypes affected T1D susceptibility encoded by the intermediate risk haplotypes DQ5-DR1 and DQ2-DR7 by increasing and decreasing susceptibility, respectively. We propose that studying genetic variants in the xMHC may be particularly rewarding to define disease pathways in patients displaying intermediate risk DQ-DR haplotypes.

Highly diverged MHC class I mismatches are acceptable for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

A fully major histocompatilbility complex (MHC) matched donor is not available for the majority of patients in need of a haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT), which illustrates the need for a tool to define acceptable MHC disparities. Previously, we noticed that a variety of single MHC class I mismatched allogeneic donor-recipient pairs did not elicit an allogeneic cytotoxic-lymphocyte (CTL) response in vitro if the MHC amino-acid sequences had five or more differences in the alpha-helices plus five or more differences in the beta-sheet (> or =5alpha5beta) (7). To address the clinical relevance of this observation, we analysed CTL precursor (CTLp) assay outcome and SCT outcome in 53 Dutch recipients of a single MHC class I mismatched graft from an unrelated donor. Overall patient survival was 44% after 4 years. In multivariate analysis, recipients of a > or =5alpha5beta mismatched graft with negative CTLp frequencies in vitro before transplantation demonstrated superior survival: survival at 4 years was 80% as compared to 47% in recipients of other mismatched grafts with negative CTLp frequencies (hazard ratio=0.131; 95% CI=(0.03-0.61); P=0.009). This option of acceptable mismatches may enlarge the pool of potentially acceptable stem cell donors.

Identification of acceptable HLA mismatches in immunized patients using single-antigen-expressing cell lines

Sera of highly sensitized patients (HSP) contain complex human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, minimizing the chance to identify crossmatch-negative donors. Expression of 3-6 HLA class I antigens on lymphocytes hampers identification of acceptable mismatches (AMs) by conventional screening (C-SCR). The single-antigen-expressing cell line (SAL) concept circumvents this problem. As a proof of principle, 26 sera of sensitized patients were tested by flow cytometry for immunoglobulin G antibodies against 16 HLA-A and -B SALs. Results were compared with C-SCR. Mostly, SAL reactions confirmed presence/absence of HLA antibodies. While C-SCR sometimes failed to provide unambiguous antibody specificity, we defined 24 new HLA antibody specificities with SALs and proposed 33 new AM by non-reactivity with SALs. Thus, the SAL concept is useful for confirmation/identification of AM and will enhance transplantation of HSP.

Normal HLA class I, II, and MICA gene distribution in uveal melanoma

PURPOSE

The molecules of the HLA class I and II molecules as well as the MHC class I chain-related gene A (MICA), a polymorphic and stress-induced cell surface molecule, are involved in T-cell and natural killer-cell (NK-cell) mediated immune responses. In this study we looked for any genetic susceptibility contributed by HLA class I, class II, or MICA genes with regard to the development of uveal melanoma.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2001, 159 uveal melanoma patients were typed for HLA class I and II, and 168 uveal melanoma patients were evaluated for MICA by microsatellite typing. The HLA antigen and MICA allele frequencies were compared with control groups of, respectively, 2,440 and 247 healthy Dutch individuals.

RESULTS

HLA class I, HLA class II, and MICA gene frequencies in uveal melanoma patients and healthy Dutch controls showed no significant deviations after correction for the number of comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that there is no genetic susceptibility or increased risk attributed to any HLA class I, class II, and MICA polymorphism with regard to the development of uveal melanoma.

HLA class I donor-specific triplet antibodies detected after renal transplantation

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether IgG, non-donor-specific anti-HLA class I antibodies (HLAabI) detected after renal transplantation recognize immunogenic amino acid triplets expressed on the foreign graft. In addition, we sought to evaluate the effect of these antibodies as well as other posttransplant HLAabI on graft outcome. Posttransplant sera from 264 renal recipients were tested for the presence of IgG HLAabI and HLA class II-specific alloantibodies (HLAabII) by ELISA. The HLAMatchmaker computer algorithm was used to define the HLA class I non-donor-specific antibodies, which seem to recognize immunogenic amino acid triplets. Donor-specific triplet antibodies (DSTRab) were detected in 16 of 22 (72.7%) recipients based on at least one HLA-A or -B mismatched antigen with the donor. DSTRab were found either without (n = 7) or with (n = 9) HLA donor-specific antibodies (HLA-DSA). The presence of DSTRab alone in the periphery was associated with acute rejection, whereas the presence of both DSTRab and HLA-DSA was associated with chronic rejection and graft failure.

Histocompatibility and corneal transplantation

BACKGROUND

HLA typing and matching have been poorly implemented in corneal transplantation, mainly because of inconclusive or contradictory analytical results. Consequently, we studied the immune response of corneal transplant recipients to HLA histoincompatibilities in a large homogeneous study.

METHODS

All corneal transplantations were performed by a single surgeon in a single center between 1976 and 1996. Population genetic and other statistical analyses were performed. Simulation studies assessed the effects of HLA-DR mistypings on analytical results.

RESULTS

Mono- and multivariate analyses identified retransplantation, degree of vascularization, HLA-AB and -DR match grades, endothelial cell count, graft size, recipient gender, storage method and panel-reactive antibodies as significantly influencing the survival of corneal transplants. Simulation studies showed that the beneficial effect of HLA-DR matching is abrogated by HLA-DR mistypings.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal transplant recipients have a normal immune response to HLA incompatibilities. Demonstration of that fact requires accurate HLA typings.

Functional versus structural matching: can the CTLp test be replaced by HLA allele typing?

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) incompatibilities are the most important immunological barriers to bone marrow transplant success when using unrelated donors. Until recently, standards for donor selection included serological methods for HLA class I antigens and DNA-based typing for HLA class II alleles. In our center cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursor (CTLp) assays have been an integrated part of the search selection procedure as well. More recently, DNA-based typing for HLA class I became available. This allowed us to determine the correlation of CTLp frequencies directed against incompatibilities at the HLA-A, -B, and -C locus in 211 donor-recipient pairs. HLA class I incompatibilities are significantly (p < 0.001) associated with high CTLp frequencies. Exceptions did occur, high CTLp frequencies are seen in 14% of the HLA-A, -B, and -C allele matched pairs, whereas in 7% of the pairs mismatched for HLA-A or -B a low CTLp frequency occurred. The successful outcome of transplants performed in the latter cases suggest that the CTLp test can be used as a tool to detect permissible mismatches when no fully matched donor is available. The influence of HLA-C mismatches on the CTLp outcome was less clear. Although in the majority of mismatched pairs (64%) the CTLp frequency was high, in 36% of the pairs the CTLp frequency was low. Analysis of HLA amino acid sequences was performed on the HLA-C allele mismatched group. An amino acid difference was always found at five polymorphic positions 97, 99, 113, 114, and 116 situated at the peptide binding groove in the high CTLp frequency group, whereas in the low CTLp frequency group this was observed in only 9 of 17 combinations (p < 0.001). However, this is mainly due to Cw*0303-0304 mismatches. In conclusion, although there is a highly significant correlation between the outcome of the CTLp frequency test and HLA allele class I typing, exceptions occur. It is unclear whether they are all clinically relevant but they certainly provide additional insight in allograft recognition.