Unique and specific Proteobacteria diversity in urinary microbiota of tolerant kidney transplanted recipients

Am J Transplant. 2020 Jan;20(1):145-158. doi: 10.1111/ajt.15549. Epub 2019 Sep 9.

Abstract

Host-microbiota interactions can modulate the immune system both at local and systemic levels, with potential consequences for organ transplantation outcomes. In this study, we hypothesized that differences in the urinary microbiome following kidney transplantation would be associated with posttransplantation status: stable, minimally immunosuppressed, or tolerant. One hundred thirteen urine samples from stable (n = 51), minimally immunosuppressed (n = 19), and spontaneously tolerant (n = 16) patients, paired with age-matched controls (n = 27) were profiled and compared to each other at a taxonomic level with special interest in the immunosuppressive regimen. All comparisons and correlations were adjusted on sex and time posttransplantation. Our results highlighted a unique and specific urinary microbiota associated with spontaneous tolerance characterized by a high diversity and a clear Proteobacteria profile. Finally, we report that this profile is (1) impacted by gender, (2) inversely correlated with immunosuppressive drugs (calcineurin inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors), and (3) stable in time.

Keywords: clinical research/practice; immunosuppression/immune modulation; kidney transplantation/nephrology; microbiomics; tolerance; translational research/science.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biodiversity*
  • Biomarkers / urine*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Graft Rejection / etiology
  • Graft Rejection / pathology
  • Graft Rejection / urine*
  • Graft Survival / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology*
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Proteobacteria / classification*
  • Proteobacteria / genetics*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S