Human leukocyte antigen antibodies in chronic transplant vasculopathy-mechanisms and pathways.
Transplant recipients exhibiting posttransplant antibodies are at a higher risk for acute and chronic antibody mediated rejection (AMR). The primary alloantigens recognized by antibodies in recipients with AMR are the highly polymorphic HLA class I and class II molecules expressed on the surface of the endothelial cells (ECs) of the graft. Traditionally, anti-HLA antibodies were thought to mediate graft injury through complement-dependent mechanisms. However, recent studies indicate that antibodies can also contribute to alterations in EC function through complement-independent mechanisms by transducing intracellular signals. Anti-HLA antibodies transduce signals that are both pro-inflammatory and pro-proliferative suggesting mechanistic roles in acute and chronic AMR.
Li
Fang
F
UCLA Immunogenetics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
Atz
Mary E
ME
Reed
Elaine F
EF
D002908:Chronic Disease; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*; D014180:Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*
D006680:HLA Antigens; D007518:Isoantibodies