Background/Aims: Growth of T cell lines from kidney graft biopsy specimens that suppress
the antidonor response, either directly or through a soluble factor, both specific
and nonspecific to donor, has been reported. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy sample
cultures synthesize a large array of cytokines/chemokines with significant differences
between stable versus acute rejection transplants. We hypothesize that the products
of such cultures may be endowed with antidonor response modulation abilities in kidney
transplantation. Methods: From 46 patients, 21 rejection free (group A) and 25 developing
28 acute rejection crises (group B), samples were obtained on days 7 and 30 after
transplantation in group A and on day 7 and on acute rejection day in group B. The
supernatants obtained after 48 h of culture were studied for IL-1 receptor antagonist,
IL-4, IL-4 soluble receptor alpha, IL-12, IL-13, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, GM-CSF, and
PGE<sub>2</sub> and for their effects on mixed lymphocyte reactions, donor-recipient
and recipient-third-party combinations. At the end, analysis by flow cytometry of
donor-recipient cultures complemented the analysis done before cultures. Results:
Day 7 supernatants from group A specifically and significantly inhibited the antidonor
response; supernatants from group B nonspecifically stimulated the antidonor response.
The IL-1 receptor antagonist production was significantly higher by day 7 in group
A, and the PGE<sub>2</sub> production was significantly higher in group B. Flow cytometry
analysis did not disclose significant differences between inhibited versus stimulated
antidonor responses. Conclusions: Cultures of aspiration biopsy samples done early
after transplantation in rejection-free patients produce soluble suppression-specific
antidonor response factor(s), not present in cultures from biopsy specimens taken
before and during rejection. This was associated with IL-1 receptor antagonist synthesis.