Interleukin 6 Receptor Blockade to Treat Chronic Active Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplant: A Case Report With Review of Relevant Literature

Exp Clin Transplant. 2022 Jan;20(1):91-93. doi: 10.6002/ect.2020.0389. Epub 2021 Feb 19.

Abstract

A 40-year-old male patient with a pretransplant calculated panel reactive antibody of 0 and no prior sensitizing events developed mixed active antibody-mediated rejection and acute cellular rejection (Banff grade 1A) 1.5 years posttransplant. Testing for donor-specific antibody or non-human leukocyte antigen antibody (major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related antigen A/angiotensin II type I receptor) was negative. Biopsy demonstrated diffuse C4d staining in peritubular capillaries. The patient was treated with standard of care, including plasma-pheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin along with steroids, with return of renal function to baseline. However, 1 year after treatment, he developed chronic active antibody-mediated rejection without any donor-specific antibodies. We believe he did have smoldering antibody-mediated rejection that had progressed to a more chronic state over time. He was then treated with tocilizumab and had a successful return of serum creatinine to baseline. One year after treatment, he still has stable renal function, suggesting a role of tocilizumab in stabilizing renal function in patients with chronic active antibody-mediated rejection for which there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies
  • Biopsy
  • Graft Rejection / drug therapy
  • Graft Rejection / etiology
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control
  • HLA Antigens
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • HLA Antigens
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6