The synergism of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) attenuated acute T-cell mediated rejection and prolonged renal graft survival

Background Acute T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) continues to be a major problem in the area of kidney transplantation. The B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) were recently found costimulatory molecules. The research aims to explore the inhibitory synergism of BTLA and CTLA-4 in TCMR. Methods We investigated the suppressive role of overexpressed BTLA and CTLA-4 in vitro. The rat kidney transplantation model was established to explore the effect of combined overexpressed BTLA and CTLA-4 in recipients of kidney transplantation. The grafts and peripheral blood were harvested for renal function, histology, immunohistochemical and flow cytometry analysis. Results Combination therapy decreased the secretion of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and proliferation of T cells compared to the single therapy and the control group. Decrease of interstitium monocyte infiltration and especially intimal arteritis in the graft was observed with the combination therapy, with remarkable reduction of numbers and proliferation response of T cells in peripheral blood and grafts. Combined overexpressed BTLA and CTLA-4 attenuated the acute TCMR after kidney transplantation and improved the graft function and prolonged the graft survival. The inhibiting role against TCMR in the combination therapy group was more effective than single therapy. Conclusions The synergism of BTLA and CTLA-4 attenuated acute TCMR after kidney transplantation by suppressing T cell activation and proliferation.