Role of blood transfusions on the induction of antibodies against recognition sites on T lymphocytes in renal transplant patients.

We have tested sera from 23 renal allograft recipients to study the effects of blood transfusions on the induction of antibodies directed against recognition sites on T lymphocytes. The results demonstrate that antibodies capable of inhibiting responses in MLC could be induced by blood transfusion. This inhibition in MLC is observed by treatment of responder lymphocytes with serum plus rabbit complement and is mediated by IgG antibodies. Also, the inhibitory effect is specific for certain responder cells and is not mediated by antibodies against common surface antigens of either the responder or the stimulator lymphocytes. The antibodies inhibiting proliferative responses in MLC against antigens present on the kidney donor were demonstrable in renal transplant recipients with functional allografts, but not in patients who had rejected the graft. The data suggest that antibodies directed against recognition sites on T lymphocytes could be induced by blood transfusions and these antibodies may be associated with prolonged graft survival.