Presence of FoxP3+ regulatory T Cells predicts outcome of subclinical rejection of renal allografts.
Subclinical rejection (SCR) of renal allografts refers to histologic patterns of acute rejection despite stable renal function. The clinical approach to SCR is controversial; it would be helpful to identify biomarkers that could determine whether the identified cellular infiltrates were detrimental. For investigation of whether the presence of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) could help determine the functional importance of tubulointerstitial infiltrates observed in 6-mo protocol biopsies, 37 cases of SCR were evaluated. The presence of FoxP3+ Treg discriminated harmless from injurious infiltrates, evidenced by independently predicting better graft function 2 and 3 yr after transplantation. Furthermore, the FoxP3+ Treg/CD3+ T cell ratio positively correlated with graft function at 2 yr after transplantation, suggesting that an increasing proportion of Treg within the global T cell infiltrate may facilitate renal engraftment; therefore, immunostaining for FoxP3+ Treg in patients with SCR on protocol biopsies may ultimately be useful to identify patients who may require alterations in their immunosuppressive regimens.
Bestard
Oriol
O
Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain. 35830obm@comb.es
Cruzado
Josep M
JM
Rama
Inés
I
Torras
Joan
J
Gomà
Montse
M
Serón
Daniel
D
Moreso
Francesc
F
Gil-Vernet
Salvador
S
Grinyó
Josep M
JM
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015996:Survival Rate; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015415:Biomarkers; C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors