Donor‐specific HLA antibodies after fresh decellularized vs cryopreserved native allograft implantation

This study aims to compare the immunogenicity of fresh decellularized with cryopreserved native heart valve allografts to identify potential immunological risks in subsequent organ transplantations. We measured the induction of allogeneic HLA class I and II specific antibodies and characterized donor‐specific antibodies by Luminex‐based single beads assay in both groups. Serum samples were collected before valve replacement, at 3 and 24 months postoperatively. Donor‐specific HLA antibodies were assessed positive if the mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) was >1000. Between November 2016 and April 2017 patients with fresh decellularized homografts (n = 4) and cryopreserved native homografts (n = 4) were analyzed. Patients receiving cryopreserved native allografts reacted with broad HLA‐specific antibody response. Antibodies were directed against mismatched HLA antigens of the donors but also against HLA specificities not present on the homograft with many antibodies having mean fluorescence intensity values >10 000. While HLA class I specific antibodies showed a significant increase (P = .002) in their MFI values on day 90, HLA class II specific antibodies did not show a significant increase (P = .069). In the fresh decellularized homografts group, no significant antibody induction was observed. Consequently, the native group presented significantly higher MFIs for HLA antibodies on day 90 compared with the patients receiving decellularized allografts (P = .021). No detectable HLA antibody response was observed after implantation of decellularized in comparison with cryopreserved native allografts. Lower immunogenicity as compared with native homografts might increase the chance of receiving a transplant if will be required later in the life of the patients.