REACTIVITY OF AUTOLYMPHOCYTOTOXIC ANTIBODIES FROM DIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH LYMPHOCYTES FROM CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA (CLL) PATIENTS

Abstract

SUMMARY Autolymphocytotoxic antibodies are found commonly in dialysis patients and these autoantibodies may be directed against T and B lymphocytes or just B lymphocytes. However, these autoantibodies react with a low frequency or not at all against chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, and are not absorbed by autologous erythrocytes. Thus, a number of positive crossmatches between donor and recipient may be attributable to autoantibodies. Six renal transplants have been carried out in the presence of such a positive crossmatch against donor B lymphocytes, including one against donor T lymphocytes, with a successful graft outcome. Thus, the indications for renal transplantation in the presence of a positive cross-match between donor and recipient are becoming better defined.