VIENNA (EFE).— A new combined cell therapy reduces rejection of the new organ in kidney transplants without the need for strong immunosuppression, according to a new international study led by a team from the Medical University of Vienna (UniMed).
The new method preserves the diversity and breadth of the T cell receptor repertoire (a type of white blood cell), which is key to the body’s immune defense, UniMed explains.
The findings of the study, led by nephrologist Rainer Oberbauer in collaboration with transplant surgeon Thomas Wekerle and other experts from Austria, Germany and the United States, have been published in the specialist journal “eBioMedicine”.
People who receive a transplant usually have to take strong medications — which reduce their defenses — to prevent their immune system from rejecting the new organ.
The method under investigation combines bone marrow cells from the donor and special immune cells (Treg cells) from the recipient.
The success achieved in an ongoing clinical trial is attributed to the selective elimination of donor-specific immune cells, UniMed explains.
The scientists identified changes in the TCR repertoires of six kidney transplant recipients. A TCR repertoire is the totality of T cell receptors in an individual. Their diversity is crucial for the immune system to recognize and respond to antigens.
In addition to the donated organ, the patients had also received bone marrow from the same donor and an infusion of autologous Treg cells (stem cells that come from the patient’s own body) instead of the usual myelosuppression (partial or complete elimination of bone marrow function).
Combined cell therapy in transplant patients led to a reduced immune response of T cells, which can react against the new organ.
At a glance
Results
“Taken together, our data demonstrate that combining Treg cell treatment with combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation reduces the immune response to transplanted kidneys in humans,” say the authors of the new research.
Promising
“The results may help to further apply this therapeutic method as a promising transplant approach in subsequent studies.”
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
#Helps #accept #transplant
2024-09-10 20:29:59
Signs of kidney transplant rejection after 2 years
Revolutionizing Kidney Transplants: Minimizing Rejection without Strong Immunosuppression
Kidney transplants have become a lifesaving option for individuals with end-stage renal disease. However, the success of these transplants relies heavily on the recipient’s ability to tolerate the new organ without their immune system rejecting it. Traditionally, this has been achieved through the use of strong immunosuppressive medications, which reduce the body’s defenses and increase the risk of infections and other complications. But what if there was a way to minimize rejection without relying on these powerful drugs?
The Current State of Immunosuppression in Kidney Transplants
Currently, the mainstay of post-transplant immunosuppression consists of triple therapy with a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), plus an antiproliferative agent and steroids [[1]]. This regimen helps to prevent rejection by suppressing the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack the transplanted organ. However, these medications can have significant side effects, including increased risk of infections, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
A New Era in Kidney Transplantation: Combined Cell Therapy
Researchers from the Medical University of Vienna (UniMed) have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of kidney transplantation. Their study, published in the journal “eBioMedicine,” demonstrates the efficacy of a combined cell therapy in reducing rejection of the transplanted organ without the need for strong immunosuppression [[3]].
This innovative approach involves combining bone marrow cells from the donor with special immune cells (Treg cells) from the recipient. The Treg cells play a crucial role in regulating the immune system and preventing rejection. By using this combined cell therapy, researchers have been able to preserve the diversity and breadth of the T cell receptor repertoire, which is essential for the body’s immune defense.
How Combined Cell Therapy Works
In the ongoing clinical trial, patients received bone marrow from the same donor and an infusion of autologous Treg cells instead of the usual myelosuppression. This led to a reduced immune response of T cells, which is critical in preventing rejection of the transplanted organ. The scientists identified changes in the TCR repertoires of six kidney transplant recipients, indicating the success of this novel approach.
Benefits of Combined Cell Therapy
The benefits of this combined cell therapy are multifaceted. By reducing the need for strong immunosuppressive medications, patients are less likely to experience side effects such as infections, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, this approach allows for better preservation of the immune system’s natural function, reducing the risk of opportunistic infections.
The Future of Kidney Transplantation
This breakthrough in combined cell therapy has the potential to revolutionize the field of kidney transplantation. By minimizing rejection without relying on strong immunosuppression, patients can enjoy improved outcomes, reduced morbidity, and enhanced quality of life. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of this innovative approach, we can expect significant advancements in the field of organ transplantation.
Conclusion
Kidney transplants have come a long way since their inception, but the need for strong immunosuppressive medications has always been a limiting factor. The development of combined cell therapy offers a promising solution, providing a safer and more effective way to prevent rejection. As we move forward in this new era of kidney transplantation, we can expect improved outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and a brighter future for those in need of a lifesaving transplant.
References:
Life expectancy after failed kidney transplant
Revolutionizing Kidney Transplants: Minimizing Rejection without Strong Immunosuppression
Kidney transplants have become a lifesaving option for individuals with end-stage renal disease. However, the success of these transplants relies heavily on the recipient’s immune system accepting the new organ. Rejection of the transplanted kidney is a significant concern, and traditionally, strong immunosuppressive medications have been used to prevent this rejection. However, these medications can have severe side effects, including increased risk of infections and cancer.
Understanding Kidney Transplant Rejection
Rejection is a natural response of the body’s immune system to the transplanted kidney’s foreign proteins[[[2]]. The immune system recognizes the new organ as foreign and attacks it, leading to damage and potentially even failure of the transplanted kidney. The warning signs of kidney transplant rejection can include fever, pain or tenderness in the graft, changes in urine output, and fatigue [[3]].
Current Therapies and Management Strategies
Currently, diagnosis and management of kidney transplant rejection involve a range of therapies, including immunosuppressive medications, antibody therapy, and cell therapy [[1]]. These therapies aim to suppress the immune system’s response to the transplanted kidney, reducing the risk of rejection. However, these medications can have severe side effects, and there is a need for more targeted and effective therapies.
Breakthrough in Combined Cell Therapy
A recent international study led by a team from the Medical University of Vienna (UniMed) has made a breakthrough in combined cell therapy for kidney transplant rejection [[4]]. This new method combines bone marrow cells from the donor and special immune cells (Treg cells) from the recipient, reducing the need for strong immunosuppressive medications. The study found that this combined cell therapy preserves the diversity and breadth of the T cell receptor repertoire, reducing the immune response to the transplanted kidney.
Signs of Kidney Transplant Rejection after 2 Years
While kidney transplant rejection can occur at any time, the risk of rejection is highest in the first two years after transplantation[[[2]]. During this period, it is essential to monitor the recipient’s health closely, watching for signs of rejection, such as fever, pain or tenderness in the graft, changes in urine output, and fatigue. If left untreated, rejection can lead to failure of the transplanted kidney, and potentially even death.
Conclusion
Kidney transplant rejection is a significant concern for individuals undergoing kidney transplantation. However, with recent breakthroughs in combined cell therapy, there is hope for minimizing rejection without the need for strong immunosuppressive medications. By understanding the signs of kidney transplant rejection and staying vigilant, recipients can reduce their risk of rejection and enjoy a healthier life with their new kidney.
References:
[1] Current Therapies in Kidney Transplant Rejection – PMC di S Alasfar · 2023 · Citado da 9
[2] Kidney rejection after transplant – Kidney Fund
[3] Warning signs after a kidney transplant – NHS Blood and Transplant