New treatment for antibody-mediated rejection: interleukin-6 inhibitors

Following kidney transplantation, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) occurs when the antibodies of the immune system attack the transplanted organ, leading to damage of the kidney tissue.De novo human leukocyte antigen donor-specific antibodies (HLA-DSAs) play a key role in AMR.Current therapeutic approaches include intravenous immunoglobulin, anti-CD20 antibodies, and plasmapheresis.In cases resistant to treatment, proteasome inhibitors and C5 inhibitors may be employed.Nevertheless, a pressing need exists for new medications to improve transplant survival and reduce complications.In the context of AMR, interleukin (IL)-6 is instrumental in the development and maturation of B cells into plasma cells, which then produce HLA-DSAs targeting the allograft.IL-6 inhibitors are currently under investigation and show promise due to the essential role of IL-6 in the immune response; however, additional research is necessary.