Expression levels of Notch1 and Delta-like 4 in peripheral lymphocytes and their relationship with T helper 17 (Th17) cells in renal transplant recipients

•To investigate the role of the Notch1/Delta-like 4 signaling pathway•Notch1 and Delta-like 4 expression can serve as a positive indicator.•Notch1 and Delta-like 4 expression can evaluate the diagnosis of the AR reaction.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the role of the Notch1/Delta-like 4 signaling pathway and its relationship with T helper 17 (Th17) cells in the peripheral transplantation immune of renal transplant recipients.MethodsFifty-two kidney transplant recipients in our hospital were selected and divided into the acute rejection group (AR), renal tubular necrosis (ATN) group, and stable renal function group, according to their postoperative recovery. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of Notch1 and Delta-like 4 in peripheral lymphocytes and the presence of Th17 cells in the kidney of transplant recipients.ResultsThe expression levels of Notch1 and Delta-like 4 and level of Th17 cells among the three groups before surgery and at postoperative day 1 showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). At 3, 7, and 14 d after surgery, these three factors in the AR group were significantly higher than in the stable renal function group (P < 0.01) and ATN group (P < 0.01), where the levels in the latter two groups were similar. Upon the occurrence of acute rejection, the Notch1 and Delta-like 4 expression and Th17 cell ratio were significantly increased (P < 0.01) but gradually decreased after anti-rejection therapy. Notch1 and Delta-like 4 were significantly positively correlated with Th17 cells (r = 0.893, P < 0.01 and r = 0.893, P < 0.01, respectively).ConclusionThe detection of Notch1 and Delta-like 4 expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes of renal transplant recipients can serve as a positive indicator for evaluating the diagnosis and treatment efficacy of the AR reaction.