The Presence of Activated T Cell Subsets prior to Transplantation Is Associated with Increased Rejection Risk in Pancreas Transplant Recipients

Abstract Pancreas and islet transplantation (PTx) are currently the only curative treatment options for type 1 diabetes. CD4+ CD8+ T cells play a pivotal role in graft function, rejection, survival. However, characterization of immune cell status from patients with without rejection pancreas is lacking. We performed multiparameter phenotyping PTx prior to y post-PTx nonrejectors histologically confirmed rejectors. Our results suggest that associated presence elevated levels activated gut-homing phenotype both post-PTx. The were highly differentiated, inflammatory markers (T-bet INF-γ) cytotoxic components (granzyme B perforin). Furthermore, we observed increased FOXP3+ regulatory rejectors, which was hyporesponsive effector cells. Finally, correlated patients, indicating potential interplay between these types. In vitro healthy tacrolimus abrogated proliferation cytokine (INF-γ, IL-2, TNF-α) secretion pre- Together, our confer risk rejection. These findings may be used identify benefit more intense immunosuppressive should monitored closely after transplantation.