Monitoring B cell subsets and alloreactivity in kidney transplantation

B cells are the precursors of antibody producing plasma cells that can give rise to the formation of donor-specific antibodies. However, recent data suggest that besides their role in antibody production, B cells participate in antibody-independent responses, potentially leading to allograft rejection or allograft tolerance. The presence of CD20+ B cells in kidney graft biopsies has been shown during severe acute rejection episodes and during chronic rejection. Furthermore, operationally tolerant kidney transplant recipients showed a clear B cell dominated fingerprint of tolerance.
Source: Transplantation Reviews - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Source Type: research