Calcineurin Inhibitors, but not Rapamycin, Reduce Percentages of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells in Renal Transplant Recipients

Abstract

CNI, but not Rapa, induce a decrease of circulating Tregs in stable renal transplant recipients. Thus, Rapa might be further explored in strategies using preservation of Tregs for transplant tolerance. Furthermore, quantification of blood Tregs may be a suitable tool to identify renal transplant recipients who may be candidates for reduced immunosuppression.