Researchers detect the presence of IgE antibodies after a kidney transplant

July 17, 2018

Many kidneys of transplanted donors are rejected by the recipient within 10 years of transplantation. One reason for this is anti-immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which act against human leukocyte antigens (HLA), a tissue characteristic of transplants, and cause rejection. As a result, IgG antibodies are biomarkers for an increased risk of subsequent graft loss. Researchers from the Department of Surgery, in collaboration with the Center for Physiopathology, Infectiology and Immunology and the Division of Nephrology of Vienna, have shown that IgE antibodies, previously known to cause reactions allergic, also occur after a kidney transplant. .

"This new discovery could open up completely new diagnostic options," says transplant immunologist Thomas Wekerle. "In the future, we could better badess the risk of subsequent rejections with the help of these antibodies, which are rather unusual in transplantation. For the first time, Viennese researchers were able to detect IgE antibodies after a kidney transplant. "IgE is a very special antibody and – compared to IgG, for example – difficult to measure."

IgE antibodies are generally known for their important role in the development of allergies: for example, immunoglobulins E are directed against otherwise harmless antigens "In transplantation, a different type of IgE antibody occurs that targets the tissue characteristics of the donor kidney, "said Andreas Farkas, the first author of the study that he conducted during his doctoral studies. at MedUni Vienna, which is also clearly demonstrated in relation to "anti-allergic IgE". "IgE causes local inflammation and, this is our current hypothesis, could be buddy He is involved in the subsequent rejection of the organ with IgG antibodies. "

This could open up all-new therapeutic options and preventative measures.Although it has not yet been possible to obtain long-term immunotolerance of IgG antibodies after transplantation, Rudolf Valenta and his team from the Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research at MedUni Vienna were able to show in a study published last year to remove IgE antibodies from the blood.

The "IgEnio" column was Developed for this purpose.Using this disposable adsorber specific for the treatment of IgE-mediated diseases, the level of IgE in the blood plasma is reduced by pbading the blood of the affected person through a "column" in which IgE antibodies adhere – especially segregation particles occupied by IgE capture proteins.These bind IgE in the column and aspire it practically during its "washing of blood. " As follow-up udes already show that IgE is involved in rejection, it would also be conceivable to use this therapeutic suppression of IgE in transplant patients.