Suppression of natural and elicited antibodies in pig-to-baboon heart transplantation using a human anti-human CD154 mAb-based regimen

Am J Transplant. 2004 Mar;4(3):363-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2004.00353.x.

Abstract

Natural and elicited antipig antibodies (Abs) lead to acute humoral xenograft rejection (AHXR). Ten baboons underwent heterotopic heart transplantation (Tx) from human decay-accelerating factor (hDAF) pigs. Depletion of anti-Galalpha1, 3Gal (Gal) Abs was achieved by the infusion of a Gal glycoconjugate from day-1. Immunosuppression included induction of antithymocyte globulin, thymic irradiation, and cobra venom factor, and maintenance with a human antihuman CD154 mAb, mycophenolate mofetil, and methylprednisolone; heparin and prophylactic ganciclovir were also administered. Pig heart survival ranged from 4 to 139 (mean 37, median 27) days, with three functioning for >50 days. Graft failure (n = 8) was from classical AHXR [4], thrombotic microangiopathy [3], or intragraft thrombosis [1], with death (n = 2) from pneumonia [1], or possible drug toxicity (with features of thrombotic microangiopathy) [1]. Anti-Gal Abs (in microg/mL) were depleted by Gal glycoconjugate before graft implantation from means of 41.3 to 6.3 (IgM) and 12.4-4.6 (IgG), respectively, and at graft excision were 6.3 and 1.7 microg/mL, respectively. No elicited Abs developed, and no cellular infiltration was seen. The treatment regimen was effective in maintaining low anti-Gal Ab levels and in delaying or preventing AHXR. The combination of costimulatory blockade and heparin with Tx of a Gal-negative pig organ may prolong graft survival further.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • CD40 Ligand / immunology*
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Graft Rejection / metabolism
  • Graft Survival
  • Heart Transplantation / immunology*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / immunology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Myocardium / immunology
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Papio
  • Swine
  • Time Factors
  • Transplantation, Heterologous / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • CD40 Ligand