FcγRIIb expression on B cells is associated with treatment efficacy for acute rejection after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND

Fcγ receptors (FcγR) play a role in the acute rejection (AR) of organ transplants. FcγRIIB is an inhibitory FcγR expressed on B cells. Intravenous IgG (IVIG) and CD28 monoclonal antibody (mAb) have been shown to have immunomodulatory properties against AR.

AIM

To examine the association between FcγRIIB expression on B cell subpopulations and AR treatment efficacy.

METHODS

Male F344 rats were used as kidney donors and Lewis rats as recipients to establish models of renal transplantation. Rats were divided into five groups: sham, AR-PBS, AR-IVIG, AR-PNGase F-IVIG, and AR-CD28. Serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urine protein content were determined. Inflammatory markers were measured by ELISA, FcγR by western blotting, and spleen B cell activation by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Scr, BUN, urinary protein content, levels of CRP, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IgG were all increased in the AR-PBS group compared with the sham group (all P<0.01); these increases were partly reversed in the AR-IVIG, AR-PNGase F IVIG, and AR-CD28 groups (all P<0.01), with IVIG showing the better efficacy than PNGase F IVIG. Furthermore, blood and spleen FcγRIA and FcγRIIIA were increased by AR, while FcγRIIB expressions in splenic activated B cells and regulatory B cells were decreased; these changes were partly alleviated by all three treatments, with IVIG having the better effect than PNGase F IVIG.

CONCLUSION

We observed an association between B cell FcγRIIB expression and treatment efficacy for AR after kidney transplantation in rats.