B-cell depletion improves islet allograft survival with anti-CD45RB

Cell Transplant. 2014 Jan;23(1):51-8. doi: 10.3727/096368912X658962. Epub 2012 Nov 27.

Abstract

A short course of anti-CD45RB leads to long-term islet allograft survival and donor-specific tolerance in approximately half of immunocompetent mice. We have previously demonstrated that anti-CD45RB antibody-mediated tolerance requires B-cells for cardiac allograft survival. We therefore asked whether B-cells were also required for anti-CD45RB antibody-mediated survival of islets. Unexpectedly, we found that nearly 100% of islet allografts survive long term in B-cell-deficient mice. Similarly, B-cell depletion by anti-CD22/cal augmented anti-CD45RB-mediated tolerance when administered pretransplant, although it had no effect on tolerance induction when administered posttransplant. Our results demonstrate that the role of B-cells in promoting tolerance with anti-CD45RB is graft specific, promoting tolerance in cardiac grafts but resisting tolerance in islet transplantation. These findings may help elucidate the varied action of B-cells in promoting tolerance versus rejection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Allografts
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / surgery
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Graft Survival / immunology*
  • Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / immunology*
  • Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / methods*
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Transplantation Tolerance / immunology*

Substances

  • Leukocyte Common Antigens