Antibody-mediated rejection with a striking interstitial monocyte/macrophage infiltration in a renal allograft under FTY720 treatment

Am J Kidney Dis. 2008 Jan;51(1):127-30. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2007.08.023.

Abstract

FTY720, a novel immunomodulator, causes rapid temporary depletion of peripheral-blood lymphocytes, inducing their sequestration in secondary lymphoid organs. FTY720 is effective in animal models of transplantation and is under evaluation for use in human transplantation. We report a 48-year-old renal transplant recipient who developed acute antibody-mediated rejection under a high-dose FTY720 (5 mg/d), low-dose cyclosporine A, and prednisone treatment protocol. A T-cell antihuman globulin and National Institutes of Health extended B-cell cross-match with donor cells were negative before transplantation. At 10 weeks posttransplantation, serum creatinine level increased and a renal biopsy showed a striking interstitial CD68(+) monocyte/macrophage infiltration with C4d staining of peritubular capillaries. Flow panel reactive antibody levels were positive in the recipient's serum for class I (9%) and class II (75%). The positive panel reactive antibody levels and presence of C4d in peritubular capillaries justified the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection. However, the presence of macrophage-rich interstitial infiltrate suggested a contribution of cellular rejection. The morphological characteristic of rejection with a striking interstitial CD68(+) monocyte/macrophage infiltration with paucity of T cells is very unusual and may reflect a unique effect of FTY720 therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / adverse effects*
  • Cell Movement / immunology*
  • Extracellular Fluid / drug effects
  • Extracellular Fluid / immunology
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Graft Rejection / blood
  • Graft Rejection / drug therapy*
  • Graft Rejection / immunology*
  • HLA-B27 Antigen / immunology
  • HLA-DR Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-DR Serological Subtypes
  • HLA-DR4 Antigen / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Transplantation / immunology*
  • Kidney Transplantation / pathology
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monocytes / drug effects
  • Monocytes / pathology*
  • Propylene Glycols / therapeutic use*
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Sphingosine / therapeutic use
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • HLA-B27 Antigen
  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • HLA-DR Serological Subtypes
  • HLA-DR14
  • HLA-DR4 Antigen
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Propylene Glycols
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Sphingosine