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Cell‐mediated rejection results in allograft loss after liver cell transplantation
Author(s) -
Allen Katrina J.,
Mifsud Nicole A.,
Williamson Robert,
Bertolino Patrick,
Hardikar Winita
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
liver transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.814
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1527-6473
pISSN - 1527-6465
DOI - 10.1002/lt.21443
Subject(s) - human leukocyte antigen , medicine , liver transplantation , immunology , transplantation , immune system , antibody , antigen , abo blood group system , cell , biology , genetics
Liver cell transplantation in humans has been impeded by invariable loss of the graft. It is unclear whether graft loss is due to an immune response against donor hepatocytes. Transplantation with ABO‐matched liver cells was performed in a patient with Crigler‐Najjar type 1. After successful engraftment, there was a gradual loss of graft function. Solid‐phase enzyme immunoassay testing and cell‐complement cytotoxicity assays detecting preformed antibodies directed toward class I and/or class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules were negative. In contrast, a striking host alloresponse to either the HLA‐B39 or C7 antigen was found, suggesting that a vigorous response to a defined mismatched HLA antigen contributed to graft loss in our patient. This study provides evidence that a T‐cell–mediated immune mechanism could be responsible for human liver cell transplant graft loss. This finding warrants confirmation in future liver cell transplants in humans. Liver Transpl 14:688–694, 2008. © 2008 AASLD.