Adding Insult on Injury: Immunogenic Role for Donor-derived Cell-free DNA?

Transplantation. 2020 Nov;104(11):2266-2271. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000003240.

Abstract

Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in the blood circulation is an early marker of injury in solid organ transplantation. Here, we review recent evidence that indicates that dd-cfDNA may itself be a trigger of inflammation, thereby adding insult on injury. Early unresolving molecular allograft injury measured via changes in dd-cfDNA may be an early warning sign and may therefore enable stratification of patients who are at risk of subsequent allograft injury. Considering dd-cfDNA as a continuous and clinically significant biomarker opens up the potential for new management strategies, therapeutics, and ways to quantify interventions by considering the immunological potential of dd-cfDNA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids / blood
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids / immunology*
  • DNA / blood
  • DNA / immunology*
  • Extracellular Traps / immunology
  • Extracellular Vesicles / immunology
  • Histones / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Inflammasomes / immunology
  • Organ Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / blood
  • Postoperative Complications / immunology*
  • Tissue Donors*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids
  • Histones
  • Inflammasomes
  • DNA