Prospective Donor Specific Antibody (DSA) Monitoring Protocol To Detect Patient Characteristics and /or Changes In Immunosuppression on the Development of De Novo Antibodies

Organ transplantation is an effective treatment for several end-stage organ diseases. Preventing rejection of transplanted organs remains the premier challenge. According to the humoral theory, donor specific antibodies (DSA) are the major cause of chronic rejection and allograft loss. Despite this, and evidence that links human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies to allograft dysfunction and loss, doubt remains about the cause-and-effect relationship and confirmation of this evidence is necessary to help facilitate change in transplant practice. Prospective monitoring for de novo DSA in the serum of patients who have received a transplant may allow for earlier detection, evaluation, and characterization of factors leading to the development of antibodies prior to the development of clinical manifestations of graft dysfunction.

The contribution of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I and Class II antibodies to transplant outcomes is well documented. However, there is emerging evidence that antibody mediated rejection and the severity of outcomes may involve proteins and antibodies that go beyond HLA Class I and II. A number of assays are available for testing for these additional antibodies and proteins but they are currently not used for widespread patient monitoring in part due to lack of data justifying their commercial use. This pilot study will prospectively evaluate for the presence and/or emergence of these unique antibodies, (I.E. MICA antigen, IgG3 and C1Q) in serial samples of serum, and confirm or reject the utility of incorporating these assays into routine patient monitoring which might provide earlier evidence of emerging rejection. Serum samples will be stored indefinitely for future kidney transplant research projects.