IMMUNE-ACTIVATION GENE EXPRESSION IN CLINICALLY STABLE RENAL ALLOGRAFT BIOPSIES: MOLECULAR EVIDENCE FOR SUBCLINICAL REJECTION1,2

Abstract

These results demonstrate that histologic features of rejection are often accompanied by enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory gene transcripts, despite the absence of clinically overt graft dysfunction. As this state of subclinical rejection could prove detrimental to long-term graft function, a role for surveillance biopsies of stable grafts with intent to treat subclinical rejection should be considered.