The detailed distribution of T cell subpopulations in immune-stable renal allograft recipients: a single center study

BACKGROUND: Most renal allograft recipients reach a stable immune state (neither rejection nor infection) after transplantation. However, the detailed distribution of overall T lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of these immune-stable renal transplant recipients remains unclear. We aim to identify differences between this stable immune state and a healthy immune state. METHODS: In total, 103 recipients underwent renal transplantation from 2012 to 2016 and received regular follow-up in our clinic. A total of 88 of these 103 recipients were enrolled in our study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 47 patients were 1 year post-transplantation, and 41 were 5 years post-transplantation. In addition, 41 healthy volunteers were recruited from our physical examination clinic. Detailed T cell subpopulations from the peripheral blood were assessed via flow cytometry. The parental frequency of each subset was calculated and compared among the diverse groups. RESULTS: The demographics and baseline characteristics of every group were analyzed. The frequency of total T cells (CD3+) was decreased in the renal allograft recipients. No difference in the variation of the CD4+, CD8+, and activated (HLA-DR+) T cell subsets was noted among the diverse groups. Regarding T cell receptor (TCR) markers, significant reductions were found in the proportion of γδ T cells and their Vδ2 subset in the renal allograft recipients. The proportions of both CD4+ and CD8+ programmed cell death protein (PD) 1+ T cell subsets were increased in the renal allograft recipients. The CD27+CD28+ T cell proportions in both the CD4+ and CD8+ populations were significantly decreased in the allograft recipients, but the opposite results were found for both CD4+ and CD8+ CD27-CD28- T cells. An increased percentage of CD4+ effector memory T cells and a declined fraction of CD8+ central memory T cells were found in the renal allograft recipients. CONCLUSION: Limited differences in general T cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, and HLA-DR+) were noted. However, obvious differences between renal allograft recipients and healthy volunteers were identified with TCR, PD1, costimulatory molecules, and memory T cell markers.