Immune monitoring of pancreatic islet graft: towards a better understanding, detection and treatment of harmful events

Abstract

Importance of the field: Long-term clinical outcomes of islet transplantation are hampered by rejection and recurrence of autoimmunity, which lead to a gradual decrease in islet function usually taking place over the first five years after transplantation. An accurate monitoring strategy could allow for the detection and treatment of harmful immune events, potentially resulting in higher rates of insulin-independence.

Areas covered in this review: This article provides a critical review of the various assays currently available for the assessment of allo- and autoimmunity both prior to and after islet transplantation. The accuracy in predicting clinical outcome is specifically addressed.

What the reader will gain: Most current tests based on the assessment of allo- and auto-immune antibody are of minimal help in clinical practice. Cell-based tests (including the assessment of cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors, proliferation tests, enzyme-linked immunospot) have the potential to allow earlier and more accurate detection of harmful events.

Take home message: A specific and accurate immune monitoring has the potential to significantly improve islet transplant outcomes. The development and use of such tests (favouring cell-based tests) should be promoted.