Background

Lung allograft rejection (AR) is thought to involve T-helper-1 (Th-1) lymphocytes mediating both cellular immunity and alloantibody production. Th-1 lymphocytes produce gamma interferon (gamma IFN) and induce IgG2 production, suggesting that increased IgG2 production might occur during AR. The purpose of this study was to determine if locally altered bronchoalveolar IgG2/IgG1 ratios might correlate with AR.

Methods

Eighteen recipients of lung allografts underwent a total of 25 bronchoscopies for surveillance or at times of suspected infection or AR. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), serum collection, and transbronchial biopsy (TB) were performed on all patients. gamma IFN, IgG1, IgG2 levels, and the ratio of IgG2/IgG1 were determined in serum and BAL and matched with TB histology. Five nonsmoking normal volunteers undergoing bronchoscopy, BAL, and serum collection served as controls.

Results

IgG2 was upregulated in allograft BAL during AR as determined by the ratio IgG2/IgG1 (2.91+/-0.79 SEM vs 0.62+/-SEM, p< 0.019, IgG2/IgG1, AR BAL vs non-AR BAL, respectively). An IgG2/IgG1> or= 1 in allograft BAL (95% confidence intervals 1.26 to 4.56) was 80% specific and 91% sensitive for the diagnosis of AR with a positive predictive value of 92%. A BAL IgG2/IgG1< 1 (95% confidence interval 0.27 to 0.97) had a negative predictive value of 77%. After therapy in two patients the elevated IgG2/IgG1 ratio reversed to normal (ie,< 1) with histologic resolution of AR.

Conclusions

Human lung AR is associated with a locally increased IgG2/IgG1 ratio suggesting locally upregulated Th-1 lymphocyte activity during lung AR.