The relationship between T-cell infiltration in biopsy proven acute T-cell mediated rejection with allograft function and response to therapy: A retrospective study.

Abstract Aim To evaluate the degree of CD3, CD20, Th17, and Tregs infiltration in kidney biopsy of the patients with acute cellular rejection and the possible relation with graft outcome. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, fifty patients with Acute T Cell-Mediated Rejection (ATCMR) were enrolled. Previous and one year clinical follow-up data were collected. The kidney specimens were evaluated for infiltration of CD3, CD20, FOXP3, and Th17 with IHC. According to the serum creatinine level in one-year follow-up of the patients after rejection therapy and function of the transplanted organ from the day admitted into the hospital, they were respectively categorized in Stable graft function versus impaired graft function; appropriate response to treatment versus failure to response. Results Treg (P = 0.96) and Th17 (P = 0.24) cells were more in the unstable group than the stable group, but the difference wasn't significant. On the other hand, the FOXP3/Th17 ratio was higher in the stable group (P = 0.22). Moreover Treg (P = 0.1) and Th17 (P = 0.15) were higher in failure to response group, but FOXP3/Th17 was higher in proper response group (P = 0.8). Conclusion From the results, it can be concluded that TH17 infiltration has a more significant effect on graft outcome and response to rejection therapy.