Cyclosporine and anti-interleukin 2 receptor monoclonal antibody therapy suppress accelerated rejection of rat cardiac allografts through different effector mechanisms

Increasing numbers of sensitized patients are either precluded from receiving an allograft or experience accelerated rejection which may be refractory to conventional therapy. Using a rat model, we have shown that accelerated (24 hr) rejection of LBN cardiac Tx in LEW rats sensitized with BN skin grafts 7 days earlier, could be prevented by treatment with cyclosporine (15 mg/kg/day x7 days, Tx survival about 42 days) or ART-18, an anti-IL-2R mAb (300 micrograms/kg/day x10 days i.v., Tx survival about 16 days). In this study, we evaluated intragraft mechanisms responsible for these effects by immunoperoxidase localization of relevant humoral mediators (IgG, IgM, C3, cross-linked fibrin), graft infiltrating cells (GIC), and associated cytokines (IL-2, IFN-g, tumor necrosis factor [TNF], or cytokine receptors (IL-2R). Tx rejected in fulminating fashion by 24 hr in sensitized hosts showed extensive and progressive endothelial deposition of IgG, C3, and fibrin from 2 hr, followed by an influx of neutrophils at 3 hr, and peak numbers of GIC by 18 hr (88.8 +/- 20.3 leukocytes/field). At 18 hr, GIC consisted of neutrophils (26%), T cells (20%, greater than 90% of which were OX-8+), and monocytes/macrophages (53%), whereas B cells were absent. By 18 hr, up to 20% of GIC were IFN-g+, 10% were IL-2R+, and 10% were IL-2+, consistent with labeling of 20% of cells with OX-22. Widespread endothelial and mononuclear cell labeling for TNF and the procoagulant molecular tissue factor (TF) were also noted. In contrast to untreated grafts, CsA treatment essentially abolished intragraft Ig, C3, and fibrin deposition. Moreover, despite dense cell infiltration at 24 hr (total GIC 55.3 +/- 13.4/field), analysis of CsA-treated Tx showed markedly decreased neutrophils (0.5%), with increased T cells (35%) and similar proportions of macrophages (66%). In addition to the reduction in neutrophils, Ig and C3, fewer IL-2R+ (6%) and OX-22+ (3%) cells, considerably less TNF and TF, and almost no IL-2+ or IFN-g+ GIC (less than 1%) were detected. Surprisingly, ART-18 treatment also greatly decreased but did not abolish endothelial deposition of C3, IgG, or IgM, whereas widespread endothelial and mononuclear labeling for fibrin, TNF, and TF remained. In addition, GIC (about 54.8 +/- 16.1/field) contained only moderately reduced numbers of neutrophils (31%) and the proportions of T cells (27%) and macrophages (49%) were generally comparable to those of rejecting Tx in untreated rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

The mechanism of synergistic interaction between anti-interleukin 2 receptor monoclonal antibody and cyclosporine therapy in rat recipients of organ allografts

Untreated anephric LEW rats die ca. 9 days following transplantation of LBNF1 kidney allografts. Although treatment with ART-18, a mouse antirat IL-2R mAb (300 micrograms/kg/day x 10 days), prolonged graft survival to ca. 3 weeks, the severely impaired renal function was comparable to untreated controls (creatinine levels 3-5 mg/dl). In contrast, simultaneous infusion of ART-18 and a very low dose of CsA (0.75 mg/kg x 10 days), marginally effective on its own, resulted in survival of greater than 45 days; the grafts exhibited relatively good function comparable to that in rats treated with full-dose (15 mg/kg/day) CsA. This beneficial biological effect did not depend upon elevated CsA trough levels in animals conditioned with both modalities. The CD4:CD8 ratio at the graft site was lowest (0.3-0.4) in recipients treated with ART-18 + CsA. Synergy between the two agents has been demonstrated by adoptive transfer studies in which nonspecific suppression has been conferred selectively by cells infiltrating kidney grafts in rats given ART-18 and CsA in concert but not separately (LBNF1 and WF test cardiac allograft survival ca. 12 days). In contrast, suppression in the recipient spleens was donor-specific; both CD4 and CD8 cells prolonged test graft survival. Immunohistological evaluation of renal allografts revealed that therapy with ART-18 or low-dose CsA alone failed to deplete IL-2R+ cells and prevent production of IL-2, IFN-g, and TNF. In contrast, the frequency of infiltrating IL-2R+ cells and elaboration of endogenous cytokines in non-uremic hosts receiving combination therapy was greatly depressed, stressing again synergistic interaction between ART-18 and CsA. Additionally, markedly reduced class II antigen induction, XL-fibrin deposition, and glomerulitis may also contribute to prolonged survival and satisfactory function of kidney allografts in this animal group.     

Agonistic and antagonistic interactions of anti-interleukin 2 receptor monoclonal antibodies in rat recipients of cardiac allografts

A panel of five mouse mAbs recognizing 4 distinct epitopes (R1-4) of the rat 55kD IL-2R molecule were tested for their influence on acute rejection (8 days) of (LEWxBN)F1 cardiac allografts in LEW hosts. IL-2R1 targeted therapy with ART-18 (IgG1, inhibits IL-2-dependent responses) prolonged graft survival to ca.21 days. IL-2R2 is recognized by ART-65 and ART-75, mAbs that do not inhibit T cell growth. Treatment with ART-65 (IgG1) but not ART-75 (IgG2a) abrogated acute rejection (ca. 16 days and 9 days, respectively). ART-35, an anti-IL-2R3 mAb (IgG1, does not inhibit T cell function) extended graft survival marginally to ca. 12 days. Finally, therapy with OX-39, (anti-R4 IgG1 mAb, inhibits IL-2 binding, but not IL-2-driven growth) was completely ineffectual. Simultaneous targeting of two IL-2R epitopes increased the therapeutic index synergistically (ART-18 [R1] + ART-65 [R2]--60% permanent graft acceptance), additively (ART-75 [R1] + ART-35 [R3]--graft survival ca. 18 days), or did not improve further graft survival at all (ART-18 [R1] + OX-39 [R4]--graft survival ca. 18 days). Thus, the cellular targeting patterns and isotype of mAbs are crucial: (1) targeting at functionally distinct epitopes controls rejection most effectively; (2) IgG1 and IgG2b mAbs are more influential in vivo than IgG2a, data supported by the studies employing the family of ART-18 isotype switch variants. Treatment with anti-IL-2R mAb did not depress Ts activity as tested both in vitro and in vivo. Sparing of putative Ts by mAb is also shown by thymectomy of graft recipients before or during ART-18 therapy, which shortened graft survival to 13-15 days; thymectomy after ART-18 therapy did not influence graft survival. However, infusion of IFN-gamma recreated classic acute rejection within 10 days in otherwise longstanding cardiac allografts in ART-18 treated hosts. Upregulation of MHC class II antigen and IL-2R expression seems to be primarily responsible for this striking biological effect of IFN-gamma in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Maturing thymocytes in accelerated rejection of cardiac allografts in presensitized rats.

LBNF1 cardiac allografts are rejected within 36 hr in LEW rats sensitized with BN skin grafts 7 days earlier (acute rejection in unmodified hosts = 8 days). We have studied and compared the function and migration patterns of thymocytes one day after engraftment in sensitized recipients, unmodified hosts, and normal naive rats. Thymocytes from animals experiencing accelerated rejection were more mature and functionally active, as shown by a significant elevation in percentage of OX-44+ (CD37+) cells, increased alloreactivity to BN and WF antigens, and proliferative responses to Con A and exogenous IL-2. However, the cells could neither lyse BN targets in vitro nor trigger rejection of otherwise indefinitely functioning test cardiac allografts in immunologically unresponsive T cell-deficient (B) rats after adoptive transfer. The traffic of 111In-labeled thymocytes was then evaluated. The migration index increased significantly during accelerated graft rejection, with thymocytes preferentially circulating in the blood, penetrating peripheral lymph nodes--and, interestingly, migrating back to the thymus. Thus, immunoresponsive and functionally active thymocytes, which lack the ability to recognize primed specific antigen, appear during accelerated rejection of cardiac allografts in sensitized rats. These cells migrate to the periphery, and then return in large numbers to their site of origin, the thymus. Hence, this study describes a novel behavior of thymocytes in the state of host alloreactivity that is distinct from the physiological one in otherwise normal thymus.     

Evidence that therapeutic strategies targeted at CD4+ cells modulate accelerated rejection of cardiac allografts in sensitized rats by different mechanisms.

(LEW x BN)F1 cardiac allografts are rejected within 36 hr in LEW rats presensitized with BN skin grafts 7 days earlier (acute rejection occurs within 8 days). We have previously described the effects of individual CD4 (BWH-4), CD25 (IL-2R, ART-18) mAbs, and CsA therapeutic regimens upon cardiac allograft survival in sensitized hosts. The present studies were designed to probe an adjunctive use of ART-18 or CsA upon BWH-4-mediated suppression of accelerated graft injury. Sequential therapy with BWH-4 and ART-18 in the sensitization phase (days -7 to -1) and effector phase (from day 0, the day of cardiac transplant), respectively, prolonged graft survival additively to c. 22 days. Treatment with BWH-4 markedly diminished host humoral response against ART-18 preparation. BWH-4 given in concert with subtherapeutic dose of CsA produced graft survival comparable to that induced by mAb alone (c. 13 days) with concomitant decreased host anti-BWH-4 response. None of the combined regimens affected the frequency of circulating CD4+ cells, as compared with that exerted by BWH-4 monotherapy. Thus this study defines principles and some mechanistic aspects of optimal immunosuppressive strategies potentiating the effects of CD4-targeted therapy.     

抗白细胞介素2受体单克隆抗体在肝移植中的应用

目的 探讨抗白细胞介素2受体单克隆抗体(抗IL—2R单克隆抗体)的不同给药时间对肝移植后排斥反应的影响。方法 将21例肝移植患者分为两组，均于手术当天及术后第4d分别应用20mg的抗IL—2R单克隆抗体，不同的是前10例患者的首次剂量于移植肝恢复血流后给予(术中组)，而后11例患者在移植术开始前2h给予(术前组)。两个组术后均同时使用环抱素A和激素。术后随访3个月。结果 经活检病理证实的急性排斥反应，术中组的发生率为5／10(50％)，术前组为3／11(27％)；术中组还有3例急性排斥反应未经病理证实，但抗排斥治疗有效，而术前组无类似病例，若综合考虑，则术前组急性排斥反应发生率(3／11)明显低于术中组(8／10，P＜0．05)。在抗IL—2R单克隆抗体应用的过程中没有发现明显的不良反应。结论 术前2h给予抗IL—2R单克隆抗体预防急性排斥反应的效果优于移植肝恢复血流后用药。     

Induction of donor-specific unresponsiveness to cardiac allografts in rats by pretransplant anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody therapy

In the present report a monoclonal antibody designated OX-38 directed against the rat CD4 molecule was tested for its ability to prolong the survival of heterotopic vascularized rat heart allografts transplanted across major histocompatibility barriers. Fluorescence-activated cell-sorter analysis showed that administration of OX-38 selectively depleted 80-95% of CD4+ cells from peripheral blood of treated rats. The immunosuppressive effects of OX-38 in vivo were verified by suppression of an antibody response against OX-38 itself as a heterologous protein immunogen. Recipient rats received OX-38 antibody as a single agent given in pretransplant regimens. Nine of 12 treated rats have maintained heterotopic abdominal heart allografts for greater than 175 days. Control rats that did not receive antibody therapy rejected their grafts within 14 days. Rats that maintained heart allografts for greater than 100 days accepted second donor strain hearts but rejected third-party heart grafts transplanted into the femoral space. Anti-CD4-induced allograft unresponsiveness persisted for at least 90 days following surgical removal of donor tissue and retransplantation of a second donor-matched heart. These results indicated that transient, pretransplant therapy with monoclonal antibodies directed against the CD4+ lymphocyte induced specific, long-lasting unresponsiveness to fully MHC-mismatched cardiac allografts in rats without additional immunosuppression.     

Synergy between cyclosporine and anti-IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibodies in rats. Functional studies of heart and kidney allografts

Although cyclosporine has improved results of organ transplantation, treatment regimens using multiple agents are being evaluated both experimentally and clinically in attempts to diminish its often profound nephrotoxicity; some therapies act synergistically by differential inhibition of distinct steps of the rejection cascade. The effects on graft function of a full dose or a subclinical dose of CsA, ART-18, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against the IL-2 receptor expressed on activated host cells, and a combination of low-dose CsA and ART-18, have been tested in rat recipients of both heart and kidney allografts. Renal graft function was assessed by several classic techniques; heart function by isolated perfusion methods. Full-dose CsA and combination treatment were most effective in both organ graft systems, with at least one-third of grafts surviving indefinitely. At seven days after transplantation, glomerular filtration rates and renal plasma flow of all grafted recipients were decreased as compared with normal; at 14 days, function in the best treatment groups had improved toward that of isografts. Similarly, cardiac output and stroke work index of best treatment groups were comparable to that of isografts. These functional studies complement previously reported immunological and immunohistological findings stressing that synergy occurs between subclinical doses of CsA and anti-IL-2-R mAb in two rat organ graft systems.     

The effect of anti-interleukin 2 monoclonal antibody treatment on the survival of rat cardiac allograft

The effect of anti-interleukin 2 monoclonal antibody (anti-IL2 MoAb) and the accumulation of intravenously administered 125I-labeled anti-IL2 MoAb were examined in heterotopic rat cardiac allografts. Mouse anti-human recombinant IL2 MoAb was obtained by the hybridoma technique. The anti-IL2 MoAb, termed 8H-10, was an IgG2a which inhibited IL2-driven [3H]TdR incorporation in cytolytic T lymphocyte line cells at a dilution of 2(6). 8H-10 was injected iv at a dose of 200 micrograms/day for 8 consecutive days, beginning on the day of transplantation. Hearts from F344 rats (RT11v1) were transplanted into ACI recipient rats (RT1av1). The mean survival time was 7.6 +/- 0.8 days in untreated controls, 9.0 +/- 1.2 days in additional controls treated with mouse anti-sheep red blood cell monoclonal antibody, and 25.3 +/- 18.4 days in the anti-IL2 MoAb (8H-10)-treated group (P less than 0.05). Furthermore, the accumulation of intravenously administered 125I-labeled anti-IL2 MoAb (8H-10) was specifically seen in the grafted heart. In conclusion, these results suggest that IL2 may play an important role in allograft rejection and that anti-IL2 MoAb may serve as a useful immunosuppressive agent in clinical transplantation.     

抗CD8单抗与抗CD40L单抗联合应用对小鼠心脏移植后慢性排斥反应的影响

目的 探讨干预慢性迟发性超敏反应（DTH）与CD8^＋T淋巴细胞的细胞毒等效应机制对同种小鼠心脏移植后慢性排斥反应的影响。方法 建立小鼠颈部异位心脏移植模型，实验组以BALB／c小鼠为供者，C57BL／6小鼠为受者，术后0、2、6及14d腹腔注射抗CD8单克隆抗体（抗CD8单抗）200μg／d，术后0、2及4d腹腔注射抗CD40L单克隆抗体（抗CD40L单抗）250μg／d；同系移植对照组供、受者均为BALB／C小鼠，术后同期腹腔注射等量生理盐水；同种移植对照组以BALWc小鼠为供者，C57BL／6小鼠为受者，术后不使用上述单抗。观察各组移植心的存活时间及移植心组织病理学变化。结果同种移植对照组移植心的平均存活时间为7．3d；实验组与同系移植对照组移植心的存活时间均超过60d。同种移植对照组移植心呈典型急性排斥反应病理学改变；同系移植对照组移植心组织未见明显病理变化；实验组移植心呈现血管周围炎、间质纤维化和血管内膜增生等慢性排斥反应组织病理改变。结论 清除CD8^＋T淋巴细胞和阻断CD40／CD40L通路的处理方案虽可预防急性排斥反应，显著延长移植心的存活时间，但并不能阻止慢性排斥反应的发生。     

Biodistribution of an anti-interleukin 2 receptor monoclonal antibody in rat recipients of a heart allograft, and its use as a rejection marker in gamma scintigraphy

Anti-interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibodies have been shown to prevent allograft rejection. This paper reports on the biodistribution of a mouse MoAb directed at the 55 Kd alpha chain of rat interleukin-2 receptor (IL2-R) during allograft rejection. Only a low percentage (approximately 1%) of intact 125I-labeled MoAb was detected in the rejected graft, and irrelevant control IgG1 was found at a similar level. This suggests that most of the injected intact MoAb bound to graft tissue via its monomorphic Fc segment. In contrast, OX39 F(ab')2 fragments showed a preferential localization in the rejected allograft and did not bind to the LEW-to-LEW syngeneic heart graft. Irrelevant F(ab')2 did not concentrate in the allogeneic graft. Accordingly, F(ab')2 fragments from OX39 or irrelevant MoAb were used for gamma-scintigraphy on allograft recipients together with biodistribution studies. Results show that scintigraphy was able to detect allograft accumulation of 131I OX39 F(ab')2, whereas no imaging was obtained when OX39 F(ab')2 was used in the syngeneic combination or when irrelevant 131-IgG1 F(ab')2 was given to allograft recipients. This method, applied to the clinical situation, could be of interest for detection of early graft rejection episodes by immunoscintigraphy using reagents specific for activation determinants on lymphocyte membranes, such as anti-interleukin-2 receptor MoAb.     

Detection of cardiac allograft rejection and myocyte necrosis by monoclonal antibody to cardiac myosin

Indium 111-labeled monoclonal antibody to cardiac myosin was examined for efficacy in the detection of cardiac graft rejection and rejection-related myocyte necrosis. Heterotopic heart transplants were performed in isogenic and allogenic groups of rats (n = 56). At selected intervals posttransplant, uptake of injected antibody in the donor and native hearts was determined by gamma scintillation scanning. Indium uptake was compared to histologic results graded for the severity of rejection and the presence of myocyte necrosis. The donor heart uptake of labeled antibody was significantly greater in both moderate rejection and severe rejection than in lesser degrees of rejection (P = 0.05). The donor/native heart antibody uptake ratio (AUR) in both severe and moderate rejection were significantly different from no or mild rejection (P = 0.05). In pooled grafts without myocyte necrosis, both the absolute donor heart antibody uptake and the donor/native heart AUR were significantly greater in grafts with moderate or severe rejection than in those with no or mild rejection (P less than 0.001). Among grafts with moderate or severe rejection, those with myocyte necrosis had greater donor heart antibody uptakes and greater donor/native heart AUR than grafts without myocyte necrosis (P less than 0.001). The grade of rejection and the presence of histologic myocyte necrosis appear to be closely related but independent variables, both of which influence antibody uptake. It is concluded that monoclonal antibody to cardiac myosin may be a useful noninvasive tool that could distinguish moderate or severe rejection from lesser degrees of rejection and that could detect the presence of myocyte necrosis.     

急性排斥反应时Fractalkine及其受体在移植心脏中的表达

目的　探讨急性排斥反应过程中Fractalkine(FKN)及其受体CX3CR1在移植心脏局部表达的意义及环孢素A(CsA)对它们的影响。　方法　施行大鼠异位心脏移植术 ,移植大鼠分为 3组 ,每组 45只 ,对照组 5只。SD大鼠间的移植为同系移植组 (A组 ) ,Wistar至SD大鼠的移植分为未用CsA干预组 (B组 )及CsA干预组 (C组 ) ,健康SD大鼠为对照组。采用RT PCR方法检测排斥反应中移植心脏局部FKNmRNA的表达水平 ,免疫组化方法检测FKN和CX3CR1的蛋白表达水平。　结果FKNmRNA与蛋白在A组各时间点和对照组均呈低水平表达 ;在B组的表达变化与急性排斥反应的进程相关 ,术后第 7天FKNmRNA表达上调至峰值 (0 8± 0 2 6) ;C组应用CsA后 ,FKNmRNA表达峰值显著低于B组 (t=2 3 90 ,P <0 0 5 )。FKN和CX3CR1蛋白分别定位于移植心脏血管内皮细胞及间质浸润的单个核细胞中。　结论　急性排斥反应过程中 ,FKN及其受体CX3CR1表达上调 ,与移植物间质单个核细胞浸润密切相关 ;抑制FKN CX3CR1通路的活化可能是CsA发挥作用的又一分子免疫学机制     

The effect of anti-interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibody on allograft rejection

During immune response to an allograft, activated T cells express a number of cell surface activation antigens, among them the membrane receptor for the lymphokine interleukin 2 (IL-2). As the IL-2 receptor is not present on resting T cells, it offers an attractive target for potentially specific immunosuppressive therapy. The rat monoclonal antibody M7/20, which binds to the murine IL-2 receptor, was studied for its effect on allograft survival in two H-2-incompatible strain combinations in inbred mice. Treatment with M7/20 for 10 days markedly prolonged survival of vascularized, heterotopic heart allografts in both strain combinations, with indefinite graft survival in 50% of recipients. The same treatment significantly prolonged skin allograft survival in one of the two combinations. The results support the important role of the IL-2 receptor in the mechanism of graft rejection and confirm its suitability as a target for immunosuppressive therapy in transplantation.