B- and T-Lymphocyte Attenuator/Herpes Virus Entry Mediator as Early Indicators for Acute Rejection Following Kidney Transplantation

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the roles of B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) in acute and chronic transplant rejection and immune tolerance.MethodsThe expression patterns of BTLA/HVEM, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon (IFN)-γ were analyzed among patients presenting with acute rejection episodes versus those maintaining stable renal function during therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), cyclosporine, or tacrolimus (FK506) plus prednisolone.ResultsThe expressions of BTLA/HVEM in the rejection group were obviously increased compared with the stable group (P < .05), followed by the elevation of serum levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ.ConclusionThe expression levels of BTLA/HVEM can be considered to be early indicators of an acute rejection episode following kidney transplantation.