Defining the Role of B Cells in Graft Rejection Following Lung Transplantation

Abstract

PURPOSE: Humoral immunity is maintained by long lived memory B and plasma cells, both of which arise from the activation and differentiation of naïve B cells, and require T cell help. In the transplantation setting, humoral immune responses that target the donor tissue are undesirable and can lead to antibody mediated rejection (AMR). AMR has remained challenging to prevent and overcome, with current immunosuppressive therapies predominantly focused on T cells. However, the presence of antibodies to donor tissue human leukocyte antigen (HLA), aka donor-specific antibody (DSA), are associated with a poorer prognosis in transplantation. DSA can be either pre-existing (generated through previou..