Single-cell RNA sequencing highlights the role of epithelial-immune dual features of proximal tubule cells in BK polyomavirus nephropathy.

ABSTRACT: Up to 10% of renal allograft failures are caused by BK polyomavirus nephropathy (BKPyVN). However, there is no specific antiviral agent for BKPyVN. The only treatment is to reduce the levels of immunosuppression, which is not always practical and increases the risk of rejection. Since targeting the microenvironment is a promising approach, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on BKPyVN samples and stable allografts to obtain BKPyVN microenvironmental atlases. Interestingly, we identified a novel subpopulation of proximal tubule cells (annotated as IGKC+ PT) with epithelial-immune dual features that may contribute to the progression of BKPyVN through T-cell exhaustion. Additionally, we determined that the IGKC+ PT subpopulation might serve as a non-invasive diagnostic marker

SUBMITTER: Yang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12645914 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature