Immune response following fresh arterial homograft replacement for aortoiliac graft infection

Abstract

Introduction: this prospective study defines the immune response to fresh arterial homograft replacement for graft infection. Material and methods: ten patients who underwent ABO-compatible homograft transplantation were studied for anti-HLA antibody production, and at early (1, 3, 7 days) and late (1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months) follow-up. All patients received immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine (1-3 mg/kg/day). Abdominal CT scans were performed postoperatively at the 1, 6, 12, 18, 24 months follow-up. Results: preoperatively antibodies could not be detected. Postoperatively, as from 1st month post-transplant, a progressive increase in % PRA was observed in all patients, up to the 12th month of follow-up. Subsequently, at 18 and 36 months, a progressive decrease on % PRA was detected. Data showed that the recipient antibodies were directed against donor-specific antigens. During the immediate postoperative period (1, 3, 7 days) CD3- and CD4-positive T Lymphocytes slightly increased, whereas CD8 simultaneously decreased. Later, CD3 and CD4 progressively decreased and CD8 increased. Clinically, all patients were cured of infection at late follow-up. CT scans showed thickening of the aortic wall (range: 2.5-4.5 mm), with no signs of aneurysmal degeneration. Conclusions: fresh arterial homografts are immunogenic. Implanted homografts induce a strong anti-HLA antibody response, similar to chronic rejection, in spite of immunosuppressive treatment.