Mesenchymal stem cell transfusion for desensitization of positive lymphocyte cross-match before kidney transplantation: outcome of 3 cases

Cell Prolif. 2013 Apr;46(2):121-6. doi: 10.1111/cpr.12012.

Abstract

Objectives: Donor specific antibodies (DSA) and a positive cross-match are contraindications for kidney transplantation. Trials of allograft transplantation across the HLA barrier have employed desensitization strategies, including the use of plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulins, anti-B-cell monoclonal antibodies and splenectomy, associated with high-intensity immunosuppressive regimens. Our case 1 report suffered from repeatedly positive lymphocyte cross match after 1st renal transplantation. Graft nephrectomy could not correct the state of sensitization. Splenectomy was done in a trial to get rid of the antibody producing clone. Furthermore plasmapheresis with low dose IVIG could not as well revert the state of sensitization for the patient.

Material and methods: About 50 millions donor specific MSCs were injected to the patient.

Results: MSCs transfusion proved to be the only procedure which could achieve successful desensitization before performing the second transplantation owing to their immunosuppressive properties.

Conclusion: This case indicates that DS-MSCs is a potential option for anti-HLA desensitization. In cases 2 and 3 IV DS-MSCs transfusion was selected from the start as a successful line of treatment for pre renal transplantation desensitization to save other unnecessary lines of treatment that were tried in case 1.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Child
  • Desensitization, Immunologic / methods*
  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • Histocompatibility
  • Histocompatibility Testing
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Isoantibodies / immunology
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / immunology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy*
  • Kidney Transplantation / immunology*
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasmapheresis / methods
  • Risk Factors
  • Splenectomy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Isoantibodies