Evaluation of CD4 CD25 /−CD39 T-cell populations in peripheral blood of patients following kidney transplantation and during acute allograft rejection

Abstract

Aim: Regulatory T cells (Treg) are important in mediating immune tolerance and outcomes of allotransplantation. CD4+CD25+CD39+ co-expression identifies memory Treg; CD4+CD25−CD39+ memory T effectors. We sought to determine CD4+CD25+/−CD39+ expression from the peripheral blood of patients with end stage renal failure, following transplantation and during episodes of acute cellular rejection. Methods: CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes and analysed for CD25 and CD39 expression by flow cytometry. Treg suppressive function was measured by suppression of autologous effector T-cell proliferation by Treg in co-culture. Results: CD4+CD25+/−CD39+ T-cell subsets were tracked l..