Frequency of Human Leukocyte Antigens and Donor Specific Antibodies in Long-Term Living Donor Kidney Transplantation

Abstract Purpose HLA antibodies have been shown to be associated with late graft loss. In this study, we defined the incidence and profiles of anti-HLA antibodies and their impact on graft outcome in long-term kidney recipients. Methods The sera of 118 kidney transplant recipients were screened for anti-HLA antibody presence. The antigen specificity of the detected HLA class I and class II antibodies was identified using a Luminex assay (Luminex Corp, Austin, TX, United States). Presence of donor specific antibodies (DSA) was examined in individuals with anti-HLA antibodies using the Luminex method. Results Anti-HLA class I and/or class II antibodies were detected in serum of 16.1% of the kidney transplant patients. The antibodies were directed against HLA class I antigens in 4 patients (21.1%), HLA class II antigens in 9 patients (47.4%), and both class I and class II antigens in 6 patients (31.6%). The overall prevalence of DSA was 10.2%. Anti-HLA antibodies were significantly associated with higher rate of cyclosporine use. Presence of DSA was associated with a lower rate of tacrolimus use, a higher rate of cyclosporine use, and lower donor age. Presence of anti-HLA antibodies was associated with higher acute cellular rejection and higher chronic active humoral rejection rates. Presence of DSA was associated with chronic active humoral rejection. Conclusion The presence of either HLA antibodies or DSA significantly correlated with lower graft survival, poor transplant function, and proteinuria.