alpha4 integrin in islet allograft rejection

Adhesion molecules are involved in multiple steps of the continuum of allograft rejection. We studied the effects of blockade of the interactions between alpha4 integrin and its ligands, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and fibronectin, on allograft survival.

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic CBA (H-2k) mice received islet transplants from BALB/c (H-2d) donors. Recipient mice were treated with antibodies against alpha4 integrin (PS/2), VCAM-1 (MK 2.7), and a peptide corresponding to the binding site of alpha4 integrin on fibronectin (connecting segment 1 peptide, CS1-peptide). Graft function was measured by daily tail vein blood glucose levels, with rejection defined as the return of hyperglycemia. Graft-bearing kidneys were removed for immunohistochemical analysis.

Treatment with anti-alpha4 integrin antibody, anti-VCAM-1 antibody, or with CS1-peptide led to long-term survival of islet allografts. Recipients with long-surviving islet grafts did not show tolerance, in that they rejected a second donor-type islet allograft. Although both anti-alpha4 integrin antibody and CS1-peptide completely abolished cellular infiltration of the islet graft 7 days after transplantation, anti-VCAM-1-treated recipients showed a dense peri-islet infiltrate of activated, alpha4 integrin+, cytotoxic T cells.

These data show that alpha4 integrin is critically important to allograft rejection. Anti-VCAM-1 antibody appears to prevent rejection without qualitatively affecting either T cell activation or migration to the graft. Conversely, anti-alpha4 integrin antibody and CS1-peptide may prevent islet allograft rejection by altering either T cell activation or lymphocyte trafficking. Blocking interactions between alpha4 integrin and its ligands may provide novel forms of immunosuppression.