Transplantation antigens on renal endothelium
Paul, L.C.; Baldwin, W.M.; Van Es, L.A.
Netherlands Journal of Medicine 25(7): 208-214
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-2977 PMID: 6755279 Document Number: 191086
Evidence is provided that both MHC antigens are accessible on the surface of the renal endothelium in vivo. Analysis of antibodies eluted from rejected human renal allografts revealed that the most frequent single antibody specificity in these eluates are E-M-directed antibodies, followed by B-cell antibodies and T-cell antibodies, respectively. Analysis of the factors that predispose to E-M antibody formation showed that all patients who form E-M antibodies in association with irreversible rejection of a 1st renal allograft are HLA-DRw6-positive individuals. Most patients who formed E-M antibodies in association with irreversible rejection of a 2nd or 3rd kidney appeared to be patients who never received a blood transfusion prior to their 1st graft. Further analysis of the alloantigenic profile of the renal endothelium and of the factors that influence immune responsiveness against these antigens will lead to a better understanding of the rejection reactions and may ultimately provide the tools to increase allograft survival.