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Downregulation of Gabarapl1 significantly attenuates antibody binding to porcine aortic endothelial cells
Author(s) -
Xie Chongwei,
Qu Zepeng,
Hara Hidetaka,
Dai Wenjie,
Wang Xiliang,
Pan Dengke,
Zhou Ming,
Dai Yifan,
Cai Zhiming,
Zhang Junfang,
Cooper David K. C.,
Mou Lisha
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
xenotransplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.052
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1399-3089
pISSN - 0908-665X
DOI - 10.1111/xen.12537
Subject(s) - xenotransplantation , gene knockdown , immunogenicity , antibody , antigen , immune system , downregulation and upregulation , immunology , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , cancer research , medicine , transplantation , gene , biochemistry
After hyperacute rejection in pig‐to‐primate xenotransplantation had been overcome by the introduction of α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GTKO) pigs, acute and chronic antibody‐mediated rejection became one of the major barriers to long‐term graft survival. This was associated with exposure of non‐Gal antigens to the recipient's immune system and indicated that further genetic engineering of the pigs would be necessary. We here report that Gabarapl1, a regulator of tumorigenesis, plays a role in the regulation of immunogenicity of porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs). Knockdown of Gabarapl1 in PAECs results in a remarkable reduction in binding of serum antibody from PAEC‐immunized monkeys, associated with decreased serum cytotoxicity of pig cells. Expression of swine leukocyte antigens (SLA) II DR was downregulated by Gabarapl1 knockdown. However, suppression of expression of SLA II is associated with less reduction of antibody binding than achieved by Gabarapl1 knockdown, suggesting that other Gabarapl1‐regulated xenoantigens may be more important. These findings indicate a hitherto unknown relationship between Gabarapl1 and xenoimmunogenicity, suggesting a potential new strategy to reduce rejection initiated by the presence of non‐Gal antigens.