Characterization of rabbit antithymocyte globulins-induced CD25+ regulatory T cells from cells of patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND.: Rabbit antithymocyte globulins (rATGs) are known to convert CD4CD25FoxP3 T cells from healthy individuals to CD4CD25FoxP3 T cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of rATG on the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) from blood cells of patients with end-stage renal disease who are candidates for transplantation and rATG-induction therapy.

Conversion from calcineurin inhibitor to mycophenolate mofetil-based immunosuppression changes the frequency and phenotype of CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells.

Background: CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) depend on interleukin (IL)-2 for their function and survival. By interfering with the IL-2 production, calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) may negatively affect Treg. Here, we describe the effects of conversion from CNI to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) monotherapy on renal function, and on Treg frequency and phenotype in liver transplant recipients.

Generation of donor-specific regulatory T-cell function in kidney transplant patients.

Background: In the search for mechanisms that can induce and maintain transplant tolerance, donor-specific CD4CD25FoxP3 regulatory T cells have been frequently mentioned. However, it remains to be demonstrated, whether these cells are generated after clinical transplantation.

Methods: We prospectively analyzed the phenotype and function of peripheral regulatory CD4CD25 T cells of 79 patients before, 3, 6, and 12 months after kidney transplantation.

End-stage renal failure and regulatory activities of CD4+CD25bright+FoxP3+ T-cells.

Background: The defensive immune system in patients with end-stage renal failure is impaired at multiple levels. This state of immune incompetence is associated with continuous activation of the immune system. An additional explanation for this state of activation may be the disturbed function of CD4(+)CD25(bright+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T-cells.

The effect of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin induction therapy on regulatory T cells in kidney transplant patients.

Background: Prevention of alloreactivity by rabbit anti-thymocyte globulins (rATG) may not only result from immunodepletion but also from the induction of T cells that control allogeneic immune responses. In the present prospective and controlled study, we investigated the effect of rATG on the frequency, function and phenotype of peripheral immunoregulatory CD4+ T cells in kidney transplant (KTx) patients.

Methods: After transplantation, 16 patients received ATG-induction therapy and triple therapy consisting of tacrolimus, MMF and steroids.

Functional analysis of CD4+ CD25bright T cells in kidney transplant patients: improving suppression of donor-directed responses after transplantation.

Background: The role of CD4(+) CD25(bright) regulatory T cells (Treg) in controlling alloreactivity is established, but little is known whether antigen-specific Treg are induced in fully immunosuppressed kidney transplant patients.

Methods: The frequency and function of CD25(bright) T cells of nine stable kidney transplant patients before and 0.5-2 yr after transplantation were measured.

Inflammation and apoptosis genes and the risk of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives: Genetic factors appear to be important in the development of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention, as well as in the process of inflammation, a pivotal factor in restenosis. Caspase-1, interleukin-1-receptor and protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 are important mediators in the inflammatory response and caspase-1 also in apoptosis. Therefore, we examined whether polymorphisms in these candidate genes are related to the risk of developing restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.