title: Co-stimulatory blockade with belatacept in kidney transplantation.
abstract: Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are the cornerstone of immunosuppression after transplantation but can exert negative effects on chronic allograft function and metabolic profile. Belatacept, a selective co-stimulation blocker of T cells, is the first biologic agent approved for maintenance immunosuppression in kidney transplantation. Studies reveal better preservation of glomerular filtration rate and improved metabolic end points with belatacept when compared to CNIs. Increased incidence of acute rejection is noted with belatacept but overall graft survival looked similar at 5 years. Risk for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is higher in Epstein-Barr virus-seronegative recipients of belatacept. Belatacept seems to be a promising drug, and further experience with its use will define its future role.
authors.affiliation: Allegheny General Hospital, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine , 320 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 , USA +1 412 359 3319 ; +1 412 359 4136 ; ksureshk@wpahs.org.
authors.forename: Bhavna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chopra
authors.forename: Kalathil K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Sureshkumar
mesh_terms: D000069594:Abatacept; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D018796:Immunoconjugates; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000069594:Abatacept