New frontiers in immunosuppression

Introduction

Early immunosuppression strategies after solid organ transplantation included total body irradiation, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate (1). Predictably, myeloablative therapy prior to solid organ transplant led to major complications related to the treatment rather than rejection (1). With the discovery of 6-mercaptopurine/azathioprine, kidney transplantation outcomes became more successful in the 1960’s, and work by Dr. Thomas Starzl and others demonstrated the effectiveness of combination immunosuppressive therapy for maintaining prolonged graft survival (1-3). Unfortunately, advances in lung transplantation did not occur as quickly after Dr. James Hardy performed the first lung transplantation in the United States in 1963 (4). It was not until the advent of cyclosporine that lung transplantation began to experience prolonged graft survival (5).

Induction therapy

The first lung transplant surgeries of the modern era were performed without the use of induction therapy (6). Unfortunately, early survival remained poor with a median survival of 3.0 years from 1988 to 1991, a survival rate which, by the turn of the century had not significantly changed (7). Recipients were plagued by high rates of early acute cellular rejection (ACR) and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), or late allograft failure (7,8). ACR is attributed to immune stimulation mediated by host T-cells infiltrating the allograft after activation by MHC-presentation of foreign donor antigens. The risk of ACR in the early post-transplant period may be further increased by changes in antigen presentation associated with organ retrieval and processing (9). In order to target this T-cell mediated process, some centers proposed the use of induction therapy to deplete lymphocyte stores, disrupt T-cell function and induce immune tolerance (10,11). This reflected similar practices in cardiac (12) and renal transplantation (13). Supporters cited the additional possibility that early induction would reduce the required doses of nephrotoxic calcineurin inhibitors in the early post-transplant period (14). Critics were concerned about the risks of compromising systemic immunity and consequently increasing rates of infection and malignancy, both of which had been reported in other solid organ transplants (15,16).

While the debate over the risks and benefits of induction therapy continues, induction therapy use has increased. Induction therapy was utilized in approximately 50% of lung transplants in 2004 as compared to its use in greater than 70% of lung transplants in the first half of 2016 (17-19). Despite nearly 20 years since the first use of induction therapy, its role in lung transplantation has not been rigorously studied. A 2013 meta-analysis found only three randomized clinical trials directly addressing this question (total n=140) and demonstrated no significant difference in mortality, ACR grade 2 or higher, or BOS, though cumulative hazard ratios trended in favor of induction therapy (20). A recent retrospective analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database including more than 6,000 subjects demonstrated significantly improved survival for subjects receiving alemtuzumab or basiliximab compared to no induction therapy (21). Perhaps the tides are finally turning.

The three induction agents currently in use are polyclonal anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody (alemtuzumab) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor antagonists (basiliximab). Since 2004 more than 80% of induction therapy recipients received IL-2 receptor antagonists, a continued trend upward from approximately 40% in 2006 (19).

ATG

ATG is composed of polyclonal immunoglobulins derived from either horse or rabbit exposure to human thymocytes. The resulting polyclonal immunoglobulins are directed at multiple different human lymphocyte antigens. Immunoglobulin binding leads to complement-mediated lymphocyte cell lysis, antibody-mediated cell lysis, macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and lymphocyte opsonization followed by removal through the reticuloendothelial system (22). Induction doses of ATG vary based on the given formulation (rabbit vs. equine) but are administered for 3 consecutive days following transplantation (10). Lymphocyte depletion may last as long as 6–8 months (23).

One of the major concerns regarding ATG use is the possibility of an acute cytokine storm in response to ATG infusion. Subjects may develop non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, chest pain and shortness of breath. Milder syndromes have also been reported including a serum sickness-like illness with diffuse rash, fever, pruritus, myalgia and arthralgia. Serum sickness may occur days to weeks after infusion. A majority of ATG-treated patients will develop anti-rabbit or anti-equine antibodies (24) which may complicate subsequent ATG dosing. Additionally, thymoglobulin is a treatment option for high grade and/or refractory acute rejection (25) thus prior exposure to ATG may theoretically complicate subsequent use though there is no available literature to support this.

Alemtuzumab

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the cell surface marker CD52. CD52 is expressed on the surface of B-cells, T-cells, monocytes, macrophages, and NK cells (26). Alemtuzumab binds to this cell surface protein leading to complement-mediated cytolysis, antibody-mediated cytotoxicity and programmed cell death. Alemtuzumab is dosed at 30 mg IV prior to reperfusion or immediately following transplantation (27,28). Alemtuzumab has a 12-day half-life; however cell function is impaired significantly longer with monocyte, B-cell and T-cell recovery at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively (29).

Given the prolonged lymphopenia associated with alemtuzumab therapy, there is significant concern regarding risk of infection and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Recent work has been limited to single center and large registry studies and the results have been heterogeneous with multiple single center studies showing no significant difference in rates of infection (27,30) or PTLD (28) between alemtuzumab and basiliximab groups, while the UNOS registry analysis demonstrated increased rates of non-CMV infection and PTLD following the use of alemtuzumab compared to either basiliximab or no induction therapy (21).

IL-2 receptor antagonists

IL-2 receptor antagonists are chimeric antibodies (mouse + human) directed against the alpha subunit of the CD25 cell surface protein (the IL-2 receptor). Basiliximab is currently in use within the US, while daclizumab is no longer on the market due to decreased demand. These IL-2 receptor antagonists bind to the IL-2 receptor and block IL-2 dependent signaling. T-cells rely on IL-2 signaling for proliferation and differentiation thus IL-2 receptor antagonists inhibit this process. Unlike the other induction agents however, IL-2 receptor antagonists do not lead to cell death or significant T-cell depletion. Basiliximab is dosed at 20 mg at time 0 and 4 days after transplantation based on literature demonstrating increased rates of ACR if the first dose is given post-transplantation (31) mirroring findings seen in pediatric heart transplantation (32). Basiliximab has a half-life of 7.2±3.2 days (Basiliximab drug insert) but may block the receptor for up to 59±17 days when combined with triple drug therapy consisting of cyclosporine, prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil (Basiliximab drug insert). Basiliximab is a humanized antibody and thus not associated with the infusion reactions observed during ATG and alemtuzumab treatment.

Outcomes with induction therapy

There are limited randomized controlled trials comparing no induction, ATG, alemtuzumab and basiliximab, and hence clinical practice is based largely on observational studies, large registry analyses and center preference (Table 1). Compared to no induction, ATG has been associated with decreased rates of ACR, increased malignancy, a trend towards increased CMV infection and no significant difference in BOS or overall graft survival (10,33). Compared to historical controls who did not receive induction, the IL-2 receptor antagonists have been associated with decreased early ACR (34,35) without increased incidence of infection or malignancy while alemtuzumab use as induction therapy has revealed more conflicting results. One large retrospective analysis showed significantly fewer episodes of ACR, greater freedom from BOS, increased overall survival with significantly fewer deaths from graft failure and a trend towards increased risk of PTLD with alemtuzumab compared to no induction (28). However, another smaller study using historical controls demonstrated no significant difference in ACR, survival or infection rates (36). Notably both studies reported reduced dose maintenance immunosuppression post-transplantation among subjects using alemtuzumab, further emphasizing the potential effectiveness of this therapy.

Table 1 Review of induction therapies
Full table

In head to head studies, alemtuzumab or basiliximab may be associated with lower rates of ACR and improved overall survival compared to ATG preparations (20,27,37); though only alemtuzumab has been demonstrated to offer the additional benefit of decreased maintenance immunosuppression (38). A recent analysis of the UNOS national registry demonstrated increased survival free of BOS for subjects receiving alemtuzumab compared to basiliximab (21). Inherent in this analysis were the challenges of large observational datasets including significant differences between groups. Nonetheless, smaller observational studies have revealed similar findings (28,30). Ongoing concerns regarding the risk of prolonged lymphocyte depletion associated with alemtuzumab therapy, combined with the relatively mild side effect profile of basiliximab likely account for the growing prevalence of basiliximab use although studies addressing this question have demonstrated mixed results (11,21,30). Additional randomized controlled trials comparing rates of ACR, BOS, infection and PTLD between alemtuzumab and basiliximab are certainly warranted.

While the use of induction immunosuppression is not yet universal in lung transplantation, it is becoming increasingly common. The preponderance of evidence suggests that it is associated with lower rates of ACR and improved overall survival. Nonetheless, it is prudent for all centers to continue to consider the possibility of increased infectious and malignant complications associated with the use of some induction therapies. Further research is required to identify the optimal therapy choice and the patient population that is most likely to benefit from induction therapy.

Maintenance immunosuppression

Maintenance immunosuppressive therapy is arguably the most important part of medical care after lung transplantation, and its main purpose is to prevent acute and chronic rejection. However, this goal must be balanced with side effects and major toxicities associated with these medications. Maintenance immunosuppressive regimens for lung transplantation are largely extrapolated from observational studies and trials in renal, liver and heart transplantation (22,39). Protocols for maintenance immunosuppressive regimens vary among lung transplant centers, but typical regimens consist of a three-drug combination including a calcineurin inhibitor, an anti-metabolite and a glucocorticoid (39-42). Combination regimens allow for higher levels of immunosuppression while also minimizing the toxicities of an individual medication (22). Due to higher rates of ACR in the early post-transplant course, transplant protocols typically utilize greater intensity of immunosuppression in the first year after transplant (43). Naturally, this potential benefit of higher intensity of immunosuppressive treatment must be balanced against the adverse effects of over-immunosuppression including greater susceptibility to infection (44) and malignancy (45).

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids are a mainstay of immunosuppressive regimens after lung transplantation because they have widespread inhibitory effects on the immune system and act through a variety of signaling pathways (46). Glucocorticoids bind to the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor generating a complex that blocks the transcription of inflammatory cytokines mainly through an interaction with nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-KB), but also through the induction of anti-inflammatory proteins such as annexin-1 and MAPK phosphatase-1 (46). Through these pathways glucocorticoids inhibit macrophage activation and reduce lymphocyte proliferation and migration (47). Glucocorticoids are certainly not without side effects; long term glucocorticoid use can lead to infectious complications, osteoporosis, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cataracts, psychiatric and mood changes, weight gain, myopathy, hypertension and impaired wound healing (48,49). Fortunately, these risks are dose dependent and can be somewhat mitigated by reduced dosages (50). Prednisone is the classic glucocorticoid used after lung transplant; usually after an induction dose, it is reduced to 0.5 mg/kg/day in the immediate post-transplant period followed by a reduction over the next several months to a dose of 5–10 mg for maintenance treatment (39,41). Total glucocorticoid withdrawal is rare (42); a few small studies have reported varying success after withdrawal (51,52).

Calcineurin inhibitors

Cyclosporine was originally isolated from the fungus, Tolypocladium inflatum, and its identification as an immunosuppressant agent revolutionized solid organ transplantation (41). After the discovery of cyclosporine, the field of lung transplantation started to demonstrate notable success (5). Cyclosporine binds cyclophilins present inside cells forming a drug-receptor complex that competitively binds and inhibits calcineurin, a calcium and calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase, resulting in the inhibition of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT) related transcription factors (53). This leads to reduced transcriptional activation of cytokines IL-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-3, IL-4, CD40L, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, and interferon-γ, thereby reducing T-cell activation and proliferation (54).

Cyclosporine is available in an unmodified and modified form. The unmodified form is an oil-based emulsion that has unreliable absorption (Sandimmune, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.). The unmodified preparation has largely been replaced by the modified form (Neoral, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.) which provides greater bioavailability and more predictable absorption (39,41). Careful therapeutic monitoring is needed to ensure efficacy and avoid toxicity. Measurements of area under the curve (AUC) have shown some superiority for cyclosporine level monitoring with reduced ACR and lower nephrotoxicity in renal transplant (55). However, determining the AUC involves multiple measurements and as a result it is quite difficult and not practical (39,41,56). Other options include measuring levels 2 hours after the dose (C2) or trough levels (C0). Studies have suggested that C2 monitoring is more closely correlated with AUC and may reduce nephrotoxicity compared with C0 monitoring (57,58). Target cyclosporine levels are dependent on the time from transplant and center specific protocols, but generally target C0 levels range from 100–450 ng/mL and C2 levels range from 800–1,400 ng/mL (39,41). Nephrotoxicity, both acute and chronic, is the principal side effect of cyclosporine and can be mitigated by reducing the target level (59). Other side effects include hirsutism, gingival hyperplasia, neurotoxicity such as seizures and tremors, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia (60-65).

Tacrolimus is another calcineurin inhibitor that was first identified in a soil sample in 1984 and became available for clinical use in 1994 after demonstrating efficacy in renal and liver transplantation and as a rescue medication in the setting of rejection (66). Tacrolimus binds to intracellular FKBP12, also forming a drug receptor complex that competitively binds with calcineurin and acts through the same pathway as cyclosporine to inhibit T-cell activation and proliferation (53). Tacrolimus is considerably more potent than cyclosporine and has oral bioavailability of around 20–25% (67). Transplant centers typically monitor trough levels despite studies that have demonstrated that post dose levels are a better predictor of AUC (68,69). Target trough levels for tacrolimus range between 5 and 15 depending on comorbidities, time from transplant and center specific protocols (39,41). The side effect profile for tacrolimus is similar to cyclosporine with less hypertension (65) and hyperlipidemia (64) but more neurotoxicity (70,71) and diabetes (64). Both tacrolimus and cyclosporine are metabolized through the CYP450 3A4 pathway, and careful attention with dose adjustment is needed when using medications that induce or inhibit these enzymes (69).

After clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of tacrolimus in liver and kidney transplantation, Keenan et al. published the first randomized controlled trial in 1995 of 133 lung transplant recipients. They compared a regimen of tacrolimus, azathioprine and prednisone, with a regimen of cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone and found similar ACR rates as well as survival rates, but less obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) on transbronchial biopsies (72). Subsequent trials by Zuckerman et al. (73,74), Hachem et al. (75), and Treede et al. (76) reported variable results which are summarized in Table 2. In the largest randomized, multicenter study of 249 lung transplant recipients, Treede et al. demonstrated lower rates of BOS at 3 years in patients receiving a tacrolimus-based regimen compared with a cyclosporine-based regimen, 11.6% vs. 21.3%, respectively (P=0.037) (76). Partially as a result of these studies as well as data from other solid organ transplantation, tacrolimus currently is the preferred calcineurin inhibitor and in 2016 it was used in over 90% of lung transplant recipients at the 1-year follow-up after transplant (19,78).

Table 2 Tacrolimus vs. cyclosporine for lung transplant recipients
Full table

Antimetabolites

Azathioprine was the first immunosuppressant in solid organ transplantation to be utilized in a multi-drug cocktail and has been in use in solid organ transplantation since the 1960’s (1,79). Azathioprine is converted to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and then into 6-thiouric acid, 6-methyl-MP and 6-thioguanine, ultimately acting as a nucleotide blocking agent and halting DNA replication (79). Azathioprine is usually dosed at 1 to 2 mg/kg daily with dose reductions made based on cell counts (39,41). About 10% of the population has a thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) deficiency which is an important enzyme in azathioprine metabolism pathway. TPMT-deficient patients can develop severe myelosuppression due to azathioprine (79). Other side effects associated with azathioprine therapy include hepatotoxicity, cholestasis and pancreatitis (39,79).

Mycophenolate is another antimetabolite; it has become the preferred anti-metabolite and in 2016, it was used in about 80% of lung transplant recipients at the 1-year follow-up after transplant (19,78). Mycophenolate is also derived from fungi and is rapidly converted to its active form mycophenolic acid (MPA) in the liver. MPA inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of guanosine nucleotides, thereby halting DNA synthesis (39,41,79). Uniquely, this is specific for B and T-cell proliferation because most cells can access salvage pathways for guanosine nucleotide synthesis, whereas B- and T-cells rely solely on the inosine monophosphate pathway (39,41,79). The most worrisome adverse effect of mycophenolate is bone marrow suppression, however diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort are common and for some, debilitating (39,79). A newer formulation of mycophenolate sodium, Myfortic, contains MPA in a delayed release capsule that may reduce GI side effects and has shown comparable efficacy in renal and heart transplantation (41). Therapeutic monitoring of mycophenolate is possible but the efficacy and importance of monitoring has not been established (39).

Mycophenolate has demonstrated superiority in preventing ACR in several randomized trials in renal, heart and liver transplantation (80-82), however, the data has been less robust in lung transplantation. A few small non-randomized studies demonstrated reduced episodes of acute allograft rejection with mycophenolate compared with azathioprine (83,84). Two larger randomized controlled trials in lung transplant recipients failed to show a reduction in the development of ACR, infection, or BOS (85,86). These trials are summarized in Table 3.

Table 3 Mycophenolate vs. azathioprine for lung transplant recipients
Full table

However, recent analysis from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplant (ISHLT) registry demonstrated that 38.1% of lung transplant recipients receiving mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, and a corticosteroid experienced rejection within the first year compared with 58.1% of lung transplant recipients receiving azathioprine, cyclosporine and corticosteroid therapy (P<0.05) (78).

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors

Sirolimus and everolimus are mTOR inhibitors that are structurally similar to calcineurin inhibitors and act by binding FKBP12 to form a drug-protein complex like tacrolimus. However, they instead block the mTOR instead of calcineurin, halting DNA synthesis and consequently the proliferation of T and B cells (39,79). Target trough levels for sirolimus and everolimus range from 5–15 (39,79) and 3–8 ng/mL (87,88), respectively. The side effect profiles for sirolimus and everolimus are similar including myelosuppression, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, hyperlipidemia, refractory edema, and most importantly impaired wound healing (87,88). Likely related to the effects of mTOR inhibitors on fibroblasts, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, early studies with sirolimus reported airway anastomotic dehiscence (89,90). As a result, subsequent studies have avoided mTOR inhibitors until at least 4 weeks after lung transplantation (87,88). Other notable potential risks with sirolimus are venous thromboembolism (91) and drug induced pneumonitis (92). Nevertheless, mTOR inhibitors have demonstrated advantages when added to immunosuppressive regimens, including allowing the reduction of target calcineurin trough levels resulting in less nephrotoxicity (93,94) and reduced risk of malignancy (95).

Although both sirolimus and everolimus have shown some efficacy in preventing rejection and supplementing immunosuppressive regimens to limit toxicity from calcineurin inhibitors, randomized trials have failed to demonstrate a clear reduction in BOS, ACR or improved survival (87,88,96). There are four randomized trials that have shown mixed results using everolimus or sirolimus in terms of reducing the incidence of allograft dysfunction. Notably three of the four trials showed less CMV infection in patients on mTOR inhibitors instead of the antimetabolites (87,88,96,97). Details of these studies are shown in Table 4.

Table 4 mTOR inhibitors
Full table

Antibody mediated therapies

Immunosuppression is largely targeted at limiting cell-mediated immunity, however, the dangers of antibody mediated rejection (AMR) for the allograft have become increasingly clear over time. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of AMR in lung transplant recipients remains somewhat elusive despite the recent consensus statement by the ISHLT (98). Therapy for antibody-mediated rejection involves plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), rituximab, bortezomib and the newer agent carfilzomib. Plasmapheresis removes circulating antibodies and hopefully donor specific antibodies (DSA) that could target the allograft. IVIG has a combination of effects resulting in apoptosis of B cells and inhibition of the antibody-mediated complement pathway (99). Rituximab is a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody specific for B-cells that causes apoptosis and ultimately B-cell depletion (39). Bortezomib and carfilzomib are proteasome inhibitors that cause plasma cell apoptosis (100).

Development of de novo DSA after transplantation is associated with poorer survival and greater risk of BOS and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (101-103). Hachem et al. conducted a prospective observational study of a treatment protocol for patients with de novo DSA in the absence of allograft dysfunction, involving rituximab with IVIG versus IVIG alone. In this study both treatments similarly cleared DSA, but patients who did not clear their DSA were more likely to develop BOS (P=0.03) (104). Although the findings from this study suggest that aggressive multi-targeted therapy to reduce DSA after transplant is beneficial even in the absence of allograft dysfunction, larger randomized trials are needed to determine how to best approach de novo DSA.

Desensitization

The pre-transplant presence of anti-HLA antibodies in lung transplant candidates is being increasingly recognized and poses major challenges to patient selection and donor identification. The solid phase single antigen bead technology has increased the recognition and identification of anti-HLA antibodies, however there is significant controversy on how to approach patients with these antibodies (105). Studies have shown that pre-transplant sensitization with anti-HLA antibodies may be associated with decreased survival after transplantation (106). One management approach is to immediately label anti-HLA antibodies present above a certain threshold as unacceptable antigens for the patient and thus limit the available donor pool. Other approaches include desensitization prior to lung transplantation to attempt to reduce the anti-HLA antibody levels prior to transplant (107), and peri-operative desensitization at the time of transplantation (108).

Snyder and colleagues reported the outcomes of a desensitization protocol for highly sensitized pre-transplant patients with calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) ≥80%. The protocol included rituximab on day 1 and 26, plasmapheresis for seven treatments over 19 days, IV solumedrol for four doses and four doses of subcutaneous bortezomib (107). Eighteen patients started the treatment and nine patients completed the treatment with early completion due to transplant. The cPRA did not change with the protocol and the median fluorescence intensity (MFI) significantly decreased only for anti-HLA antibodies in the 5,000–10,000 MFI range but not high MFI >10,000 or low MFI <5,000 anti-HLA antibodies. This desensitization protocol was not markedly successful at broadening the donor pool, and the clinical impact of these pre-transplant anti-HLA antibodies on post-transplant outcomes remains unknown (107).

Tinckam and colleagues reported their single center experience with a perioperative desensitization strategy for patients with DSA and cPRA ≥30% (108). To avoid the toxicities of pre-transplant desensitization before transplant and to circumvent limiting the donor pool, these patients received perioperative plasmapheresis, IVIG, ATG and MPA. Unsensitized patients were treated with the standard cyclosporine, azathioprine and prednisone regimen without ATG. One-year graft survival was nearly identical comparing sensitized patients who have DSA with unsensitized patients who did not have DSA (89% vs. 86%, P=0.47). This study demonstrates excellent outcomes with a perioperative desensitization approach that does not diminish the available donor pool for patients (108).

The future of immunosuppression

Survival in lung transplantation remains quite poor compared to other solid organ transplants with a median survival of 5.8 years compared to 11.9 years for heart transplantation (18,109). Early mortality is largely attributable to infection and graft failure while later mortality is due to chronic lung allograft dysfunction generally resulting from allograft rejection (18). Further complicating immunosuppression in lung transplantation, is the fact that the mechanisms of immune responses in lungs vary from those observed in other organs (110,111). With the exception of the small bowel, the lung is the only transplanted organ that is constantly exposed to the surrounding environment. Thus the immunosuppression required to avoid lung allograft rejection remains especially complicated. There are, however, promising avenues of active research to address these challenges.

Transplant immune tolerance

The major goal of post-transplant immunomodulation is to achieve transplant immune tolerance; a state in which the recipient’s immune system no longer responds to the allograft as foreign. Transplant immune tolerance would obviate the need for immunosuppression while maintaining an intact immune system capable of fighting infection and surveilling for malignancy thus removing significant causes of morbidity and mortality after transplantation. Could this be possible?

Mixed chimerism is a state in which the donor and recipient hematopoietic cells co-exist creating donor-specific tolerance in the recipient. The first solid organ transplants to utilize mixed chimerism were performed in subjects who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and subsequently developed renal failure requiring renal transplantation. These renal transplants were performed from the same HLA-identical donor, and subjects did not require subsequent immunosuppression (112,113). Following the identification of this unique state of donor-specific tolerance, combined bone marrow and renal transplantation was successfully performed in subjects with multiple myeloma and associated renal failure (114,115). One of the major challenges in these approaches, has been determining the least toxic conditioning regimen possible to allow for bone marrow engraftment and to achieve mixed chimerism. Such transplants were initially performed with myeloablative chemotherapy (114) but subsequently with non-myeloablative regimens (115). Regimens used for primary renal transplantation in the absence of myeloma or other malignancy, have consisted of total lymphoid irradiation and ATG (116-118), or cyclophosphamide, anti-CD2 antibody, cyclosporine and thymic irradiation (119). Many subjects in these studies were able to completely stop all immunosuppressive therapy.

Applying this approach to lung transplantation is challenging as the conditioning regimens used in combined HSCT-renal transplantation must begin many days prior to solid organ transplantation thus complicating the unpredictable deceased donor availability and transplantation process that accounts for the vast majority of lung transplant surgeries. Studies performing HSCT after solid organ transplantation have been successful in non-human primates (120,121). A single case report in a patient with advanced lung disease from a primary immune deficiency who underwent deceased donor lung transplantation, reports successful mixed chimerism and long-term immunosuppression withdrawal with donor-derived HSCT performed 3 months after lung transplantation (122).

While work in renal transplantation has produced remarkable advances in transplant immunology, it remains prudent to consider whether renal transplantation techniques will be easily translated to lung transplantation. Studies performed in swine models of combined heart and kidney transplantation have demonstrated that co-transplantation of a kidney is protective, and removal of the renal allograft results in acute rejection of the heart (123,124). Similarly, there are numerous cases of sustained immune tolerance after withdrawal of immunosuppression in both renal and liver transplantation (125-127), while this has not been seen in lung transplantation. Additionally, the lung remains an immunologically distinct organ (110,111), and in contrast to the kidney, is constantly exposed to the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, this suggests that the renal transplantation techniques may not be easily translated to lung transplantation.

While establishing immune tolerance is likely to be the best long-term goal for solid organ transplantation, it is likely to be many years away.

Existing medications, new applications

Bortezomib and carfilzomib are two proteasome inhibitors initially developed for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Plasma cells typically express large numbers of proteasomes which serve to ubiquinate and destroy dysfunctional or misfolded proteins. Proteasome inhibitors allow these ubiquitinated proteins to accumulate, resulting in cell death. Studies of these medications in the treatment of antibody-mediated rejection are small, but suggest they may result in significant decreases in antibody levels (128,129), clinical improvement (130) and return of pulmonary function to pre-AMR levels (100). One major area of controversy is the definitive diagnosis of AMR. Since its burden in lung transplant rejection is not well known, it is difficult to measure treatment efficacy (98).

Belatacept is a protein that binds the CD80 and CD86 receptors on antigen presenting cells (APC); these receptors are necessary for APC-mediated stimulation of T-cells. Belatacept blocks T-cell co-stimulation, cytokine production and T-cell proliferation. Belatacept was originally approved for use in renal transplantation but has been used as an adjunct in lung transplant recipients with acute and chronic renal failure or recipients otherwise intolerant of calcineurin inhibitors (131). Concomitant belatacept therapy has allowed for decreased dosing of calcineurin inhibitors and stabilization or improvement in renal function (132), and has been shown to maintain sufficient immunosuppression after withdrawal of CNIs (131).

Conclusions

The challenges of lung transplantation are unique, however the advances made in renal transplantation, bone marrow transplantation and transplant immunology research provide promising insights that are likely to revolutionize the way we manage lung transplantation in the future. In the meantime, ongoing investigations of available medications may help elucidate how to best prevent and treat acute and chronic allograft rejection while minimizing the risk of infection, malignancy and other toxicities of immunosuppression.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Lung Transplant Project and the Boomer Esiason Foundation for their generous support of the Columbia University Lung Transplant program.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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