Belimumab in kidney transplantation: an experimental medicine, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial.

Background: B cells produce alloantibodies and activate alloreactive T cells, negatively affecting kidney transplant survival. By contrast, regulatory B cells are associated with transplant tolerance. Immunotherapies are needed that inhibit B-cell effector function, including antibody secretion, while sparing regulators and minimising infection risk.