Histologic and molecular features of antibody-mediated rejection.

Purpose of review: This review aims to summarize the highlights from recent research that involved pathological and molecular analysis of kidney allografts.

Recent findings: As the research on antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) continues to evolve, studies are focused on identification through transcript studies of pathogenetic pathways involved in the development of AMR as well as refinement of diagnostic methods either by correlating Banff pathologic lesions with clinical and molecular data or by machine learning. Of note, the past year has generated high impact research that underscore the importance of pathologic and molecular correlations and detection of transcripts or gene sets that would aid prognostication. The studies involving refinement of pathologic criteria also highlight the continuous efforts to achieve diagnostic accuracy and standardization.

Summary: Research involving histologic and molecular characteristics that define AMR are central to identification and understanding of pathogenetic pathways and remain critical in the development of diagnostic criteria.