Innovative Kidney Transplant Matching Method Promises Improved Long-Term Success

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a groundbreaking technique to better predict compatibility between kidney donors and recipients, potentially enhancing transplant longevity. Traditionally, kidney matching relies heavily on assessing human leukocyte antigens (HLA), which serve as genetic fingerprints that help the immune system distinguish between self and non-self. While good HLA matching reduces rejection risk, it does not eliminate the need for lifelong immunosuppression and has limited progress in advancing transplant outcomes.

The new approach focuses on the role of a cell surface receptor called SIRP-alpha, found on innate immune cells called monocytes. Building on earlier animal studies, scientists have identified that mismatches in SIRP-alpha variants between donor and recipient can increase the likelihood of early rejection, scarring, and overall graft failure. This finding was confirmed through extensive genomic analysis of thousands of human donor-recipient pairs, demonstrating that mismatched SIRP-alpha types, labeled as A and B, correlate with poorer transplant results.

Implementing SIRP-alpha testing alongside traditional HLA matching could serve as an additional tool to assess rejection risks more accurately. This personalized method may help identify patients who could benefit from intensified immunosuppressive therapies, ultimately aiming to extend the lifespan of kidney transplants. The research team at Pitt is now exploring whether targeting monocytes with specific therapeutics, such as corticosteroids, may mitigate rejection risks associated with SIRP-alpha mismatches.

These advancements move closer to the goal of achieving transplanted kidney longevity and reducing organ scarcity by improving success rates. The findings were published in Science Translational Medicine and underscore the importance of personalized immunosuppression strategies in transplant medicine.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-approach-kidney-transplant-term-outcomes.html