Selective decrease of donor-reactive Tregs after liver transplantation limits Treg therapy for promoting allograft tolerance in humans

Promoting immune tolerance to transplanted organs can minimize the amount of immunosuppressive drugs that patients need to take, reducing lifetime risks of mortality and morbidity. Regulatory T cells (T-regs) are essential for immune tolerance, and preclinical studies have shown their therapeutic efficacy in inducing transplantation tolerance. Here, we report the results of a phase 1/2 trial (ARTEMIS, NCT02474199) of autologous donor alloantigen-reactive T-reg (darT(reg)) therapy in individuals 2 to 6 years after receiving a living donor liver transplant. The primary efficacy endpoint was calcineurin inhibitor dose reduction by 75% with stable liver function tests for at least 12 weeks. Among 10 individuals who initiated immunosuppression withdrawal, 1 experienced rejection before planned darTreg infusion, 5 received darT(regs), and 4 were not infused because of failure to manufacture the minimal infusible dose of 100 x 10(6) cells. darT(reg) infusion was not associated with adverse events. Two darT(reg)-infused participants reached the primary endpoint, but an insufficient number of recipients were treated for assessing the efficacy of darT(regs). Mechanistic studies revealed generalized T-reg activation, senescence, and selective reduction of donor reactivity after liver transplantation. Overall, the ARTEMIS trial features a design concept for evaluating the efficacy of T-reg therapy in transplantation. The mechanistic insight gained from the study may help guide the design of future trials.

Automated summary

Promoting immune tolerance to transplanted organs can reduce the amount of immunosuppressive drugs needed, lowering risks. Testing showed the potential of autologous donor alloantigen-reactive T-reg therapy in inducing transplantation tolerance.