Frontiers in TransplantationLiver transplantationCD152 and PD-1 Down-Regulation on CD8 T Cells Is Associated With Human Acute Liver Allograft Rejection

PurposeTo investigate CD152 and PD-1 expression on T lymphocytes and the function of CD152- and PD-1-positive CD8 T cells in human acute liver allograft rejection.Materials and methodsSixty-three patients undergoing liver transplantation were enrolled in this study, including 26 cases with acute allograft rejection (Gr-AR) and 37 cases with stable allograft liver function (Gr-SF). The expression of CD152 and PD-1 on T lymphocytes and the expression of granzyme and perforin on CD152- and PD-1-positive CD8 T cells in peripheral blood were analyzed using flow cytometry.ResultsThe peripheral CD4/CD8 ratio in Gr-AR was significantly lower than that in Gr-SF (P < .01). The expression of CD152 and PD-1 on CD8 and CD4 T cells was significantly lower in Gr-AR than in Gr-SF (all P < .01). The expression of granzyme B and perforin was significantly higher in Gr-AR than in Gr-SF (P < .01).ConclusionsDown-regulation of the expression of negative costimulatory molecules such as CD152 and PD-1 on CD8 T cells may be associated with human acute liver allograft rejection.