Nodular B-cell aggregates associated with treatment refractory renal transplant rejection resolved by rituximab.
Acute rejection episodes leading to treatment refractory early graft loss are increasingly rare events in living related renal transplantation today. Pathophysiologic pathways often remain unsolved. We report on tubulointerstitial and vascular rejection developing within 2 weeks after transplantation in a 12-year-old boy treated with cyclosporine, mycophenolate, steroids and double blinded basiliximab. Despite steroid pulses, switch to tacrolimus and ATG serum creatinine peaked at 347 micromol/L with imminent graft loss and ongoing C4d negative cellular vascular rejection. Permanent gain of function was only achieved after a single dose of rituximab. Retrospectively CD20+ nodular B-cell aggregates could be demonstrated in all three biopsies obtained prior to rituximab and resolved concomitantly with functional improvement. Our case for the first time demonstrates resolution of nodular CD20+ infiltrates and decline of OX40, NF-kappaB and CTL transcription shortly after rituximab indicating a B-cell facilitated C4d negative pathway. Single dose rituximab may effectively reverse even long-lasting refractory rejection.
Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, D-30623 Hannover, Germany.
A
A
Lehnhardt
M
M
Mengel
L
L
Pape
J H H
JH
Ehrich
G
G
Offner
J
J
Strehlau
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D015870:Gene Expression; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D000069283:Rituximab; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000069283:Rituximab