Gene Expression of Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 in Renal Transplant Rejection.

OBJECTIVES

Toll-like receptors are a crucial part of the innate immune system and have a pivotal role in the acquired immunity system. Studies have shown that Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 are important during the transplant process. Therefore, we analyzed the gene expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in cases of renal transplant rejection. We measured the messenger RNA expression levels of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in renal transplant rejection recipients compared with nonrejection recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 151 deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients, whom we divided into 2 groups: 101 nonrejection recipients and 50 recipients with acute allograft rejection. We collected 3 mL of blood (treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) from each patient. Ribonucleic acid extraction and complementary DNA synthesis were conducted for all samples, and the constructed complementary DNAs were used for real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTS

We measured gene expression levels of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in renal transplant recipients with acute allograft rejection and in recipients who did not experience acute renal allograft rejection, and the results showed that messenger RNA expression levels for both Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 were significantly increased in the acute rejection group compared with the nonrejection group.

CONCLUSIONS

Toll-like receptors 4 and 2 could increase the risk of acute rejection after renal transplant and could be defined as a risk factor for rejection. Further studies are recommended.