Reduced T-Cell stemness underlies Th17 expansion and graft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing worldwide, and although kidney transplantation improves survival, long-term graft loss-driven mainly by immune-mediated rejection-remains common. We aimed to delineate immune mechanisms that distinguish recipients with stable versus impaired graft function.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from kidney-transplant recipients with normal (n = 10) or impaired (n = 10) renal function were profiled by single-cell RNA sequencing. Fourteen immune populations were identified; CD4⁺ T-cell "stemness" was quantified using mRNAsi and EREG_mRNAsi indices, lineage trajectories were reconstructed with Monocle, and ligand-receptor communication was inferred with iTalk. Findings were validated in an independent bul

SUBMITTER: Liu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12202220 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature