Donor-derived cell-free DNA at 1 month after kidney transplantation relates to HLA class II eplet mismatch load

Abstract

Kidney transplantation is the preferred therapeutic option for end-stage renal disease; however, the alloimmune response is still the leading cause of renal allograft failure. To better identify immunologic disparities in order to evaluate HLA compatibility between the donor and the recipient, the concept of eplet load has arisen. Regular kidney function monitoring is essential for the accurate and timely diagnosis of allograft rejection and the appropriate treatment. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) has been proposed as a potential biomarker of acute rejection and graft failure in kidney transplantation. The proportion of plasma dd-cfDNA was determined in forty-two kidney patients at 1 month after transplantation. A total of eleven (26.2%) patients had a dd-cfDNA proportion of ≥1.0%. The only pretransplant variable related to dd-cfDNA > 1.0% was the HLA class II eplet mismatch load, mainly the HLA-DQB1 eplet mismatch load. Furthermore, dd-cfDNA was able to discriminate the patients with antibody-mediated rejection (AbMR) (AUC 87.3%), acute rejection (AUC 78.2%), and troubled graft (AUC 81.4%). Increased dd-cfDNA levels were associated with kidney allograft deterioration, particularly rejection, as well as a greater HLA class II eplet mismatch load. Consequently, combining dd-cfDNA determination and HLA eplet mismatch load calculation should improve the assessment of the risk of short- and long-term allograft damage.