IgG rheumatoid factor in human and rabbit transplantation sera

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Transplantation Science

Background:

• Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an autoantibody implicated in autoimmune diseases.
• The role of RF in organ transplantation is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and significance of IgG rheumatoid factor (RF-H and RF-R) in human and rabbit allograft recipients.
• To explore the correlation between RF levels, graft rejection, and graft outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme immunoassays (EIA) were used to detect IgG rheumatoid factor (RF) against human IgG (RF-H) and rabbit IgG (RF-R).
• Sera from human kidney allograft recipients (pre- and post-transplant) and rabbit skin allograft recipients were analyzed.
• Graft function and rejection status were monitored in human recipients.

Main Results:

• Human kidney allograft recipients showed significantly higher mean OD values for RF-H compared to pre-transplant and normal subjects.
• Elevated RF-H levels were observed in patients experiencing graft rejection versus those with satisfactory graft function.
• Rabbit studies demonstrated varied RF-R and RF-H positivity, with renal allografts from previous skin donors leading to decreased RF levels.

Conclusions:

• Graft rejection may stimulate the formation of rheumatoid factor (RF-H) in human recipients.
• The potential involvement of RF in the process of graft rejection warrants further investigation.
• The immune response to allografts, including RF production, is complex and species-dependent.