Measuring Alloreactive B Cell Responses in Transplant Recipients

AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite advanced immunosuppression, donor-specific antibodies (DSA) remain the leading cause of acute and chronic transplant tissue injury. Comprehensive evaluation of anti-donor humoral immune responses is critical for successful prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection. This review summarizes the evolution of techniques used for this purpose in experimental and clinical transplantation.Recent FindingsFor decades, measuring DSA serum levels was the only way to assess recipient humoral immunity. Recently, the interest shifted from quantifying circulating DSA to the analyses of various B cell subsets and most importantly, of donor antigen-specific B cells. State-of-the-art approaches have been developed by studies of model antigens, infectious agents, and autoimmunity. These methods are now being adopted by the transplantation field.SummaryThe complexity of humoral immunity caused by organ transplantation necessitates complementary approaches assessing both DSA and various B cell subsets to successfully target antibody-mediated rejection.
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research