Donor-specific B Cell memory in potential kidney transplant recipients

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Evaluation of the practical application of novel technique for the detection of memory B cell-derived HLA antibodies in the immunological assessment of potential kidney transplant recipients.

• IRAS ID

  306800

• Contact name

  Emma Cannon

• Contact email

  emma.cannon4@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Edinburgh

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  The production of antibodies is one the immune systems main mechanisms of defense. A transplanted organ has Human Leucocyte Antigens (HLA) which are detected by the immune system as a threat and it creates antibodies to try to eliminate it. Prior to receiving a kidney transplant, all patients undergo HLA typing to check what HLA antigens they have. At the time of a kidney offer these HLA antigens are compared to the donors HLA antigens. The more HLA mismatches identified, the higher the risk of antibody production and rejection after transplantation. If a patient has had a previous transplant or pregnancy they may have already developed HLA antibodies. It is believed that B cells, another part of the immune system, can remember how to reproduce these antibodies if exposed to the same HLA antigen. This ability to reproduce antibodies is not currently assessed with standard antibody assessment.
  Techniques to collect and grow B cells from a normal blood sample in a laboratory have been developed. These cells can then be stimulated to cause the antibody production response. We aim to recreate this technique to ensure that it is reproducible and reliable. We will collect two peripheral blood samples from patients who have had a previous pregnancy or transplant and are currently on the kidney transplant waiting list. One sample will be used for standard HLA antibody detection assay which the participant would require routinely. The second sample will be used to collect and grow B cells. These cells will then be stimulated to see if they produce any detectable HLA antibodies. If this technique is reproducible it could allow more detailed HLA compatibility assessment to be carried out in patients before transplantation and reduce the risk of antibody mediated rejection. This work is funded by the Transplant Endowment Fund.

• REC name

  West of Scotland REC 3

• REC reference

  22/WS/0154

• Date of REC Opinion

  2 Nov 2022

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion