Objective: B cell activating factor (BAFF) has been shown to play a role in B cell survival, maturation, and activation, and has been linked with renal transplant outcome. BAFF signaling has been associated with plasmablast survival, anti-HLA immunization, and loss of graft function. We aimed to analyze the interplay between BAFF, memory B cells, and plasmablasts in relation to allograft function in long-term kidney transplant (KTx) recipients and their anti-HLA sensitization.
Materials and methods: This study included 70 long-term KTx recipients on standard immunosuppression 15 ± 6 years post transplantation (44 stable, 26 chronic allograft dysfunction, CAD) and 25 healthy volunteers. CD19+ B cells, memory B cells (CD19+CD27+), and plasmablasts (CD19+CD24-CD27++CD38++) were enumerated with flow cytometry. BAFF serum level and anti-HLA antibodies were assessed by Luminex bead arrays.
Results: We found no difference in BAFF levels between KTx recipients and controls (median, interquartile range: 1.67, 1.40-1.97 vs 1.78, 1.63-1.93 ng/mL, P = .478) and no correlation between BAFF level and cell counts. Recipients presented lower plasmablast count than controls (22.5, 8-57 vs 79, 48-166 cells/mL, P < .001). There was a positive correlation between estimated glomerular filtration rate and plasmablasts (rs = 0.30, P = .013) in recipients. Cell populations and BAFF were not related to the presence of anti-HLA antibodies. None of the parameters investigated was related to deterioration of allograft function during the 2-year follow-up.
Conclusion: BAFF serum level is not related to anti-HLA sensitization, circulating memory B cells, plasmablast count, or allograft function. Circulating plasmablasts are associated with current allograft function but are not prognostic for future course.
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