The detailed distribution of T cell subpopulations in immune-stable renal allograft recipients: a single center study

Abstract

BackgroundMost renal allograft recipients reach a stable immune state (neither rejection nor infection) after transplantation. However, the detailed distribution of overall T lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of these immune-stable renal transplant recipients remains unclear. We aim to identify differences between this stable immune state and a healthy immune state.MethodsIn total, 103 recipients underwent renal transplantation from 2012 to 2016 and received regular follow-up in our clinic. A total of 88 of these 103 recipients were enrolled in our study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 47 patients were 1 year post-transplantation, and 41 were 5 years post-transplantation. In addition, 41 healthy volunteers were recruited from our physical examination clinic. Detailed T cell subpopulations from the peripheral blood were assessed via flow cytometry. The parental frequency of each subset was calculated and compared among the diverse groups.ResultsThe demographics and baseline characteristics of every group were analyzed. The frequency of total T cells (CD3+) was decreased in the renal allograft recipients. No difference in the variation of the CD4+, CD8+, and activated (HLA-DR+) T cell subsets was noted among the diverse groups. Regarding T cell receptor (TCR) markers, significant reductions were found in the proportion of γδ T cells and their Vδ2 subset in the renal allograft recipients. The proportions of both CD4+ and CD8+ programmed cell death protein (PD) 1+ T cell subsets were increased in the renal allograft recipients. The CD27+CD28+ T cell proportions in both the CD4+ and CD8+ populations were significantly decreased in the allograft recipients, but the opposite results were found for both CD4+ and CD8+ CD27-CD28- T cells. An increased percentage of CD4+ effector memory T cells and a declined fraction of CD8+ central memory T cells were found in the renal allograft recipients.ConclusionLimited differences in general T cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, and HLA-DR+) were noted. However, obvious differences between renal allograft recipients and healthy volunteers were identified with TCR, PD1, costimulatory molecules, and memory T cell markers.

γδ T‐cell responses during HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy

“…End-stage renal disease (ESRD), the final stage of CKD, is associated with high levels of immune activation, poor responses to immunisation and high susceptibility to infection. 126 The fact that uraemia-associated changes in the cd repertoire are not effectively reversed upon transplantation suggests that transplant patients may exhibit long-term susceptibility to some infections, similar to HIV ART-treated patients. 124 They speculated that cd depletion likely occurred because of Fas-and LFA-1dependent apoptosis related to uraemia.…”

“…cd frequencies only partially normalise following kidney transplantation, with Vd2 frequencies remaining significantly lower than healthy controls. 126 The fact that uraemia-associated changes in the cd repertoire are not effectively reversed upon transplantation suggests that transplant patients may exhibit long-term susceptibility to some infections, similar to HIV ART-treated patients.…”

Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Peripheral Blood Reveals a Novel B-Cell Subset in Renal Allograft Recipients With Accommodation

“…Our previous study suggested that compared with healthy controls (HC), renal transplant recipients with accommodation had reduced proportions of γδ and Vδ2 subsets, as well as CD27 + CD28 + subsets in both the CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell compartments, but the programmed cell death protein (PD) 1 + CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell subsets were increased. Additionally, an increased percentage of CD4 + effector memory T cells and a decreased fraction of CD8 + central memory T cells were found in the renal allograft recipients with accommodation ( Zhuang et al, 2019 ). We also reported that multiple subpopulations of B cells were altered in renal allograft recipients with accommodation, including reduced levels of regulatory B cells (Bregs) (CD38 high CD27 + CD24 + ), transitional B cells (IgM + CD38 high CD24 high ), and marginal zone (MZ) B cells but increased levels of IgD - CD27 + and CD38 low CD21 - B cells ( Zhuang et al, 2020 ).…”

The Association between Regulatory T Cell Subpopulations and Severe Pneumonia Post Renal Transplantation

“…Briefly, 50 μ L of whole blood was stained with fluorescent antibodies for 15 minutes in the dark (room temperature). The specific steps have been described in the previous study [ 34 ]. All samples were analyzed using BD FACSDiva software.…”