Application of spatial-omics to the classification of kidney biopsy samples in transplantation

Improvement of long-term outcomes through targeted treatment is a primary concern in kidney transplant medicine. Currently, the validation of a rejection diagnosis and subsequent treatment depends on the histological assessment of allograft biopsy samples, according to the Banff classification system. However, the lack of (early) disease-specific tissue markers hinders accurate diagnosis and thus timely intervention. This challenge mainly results from an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying late allograft failure. Integration of large-scale multimodal approaches for investigating allograft biopsy samples might offer new insights into this pathophysiology, which are necessary for the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the development of tailored immunotherapeutic interventions. Several omics technologies — including transcriptomic, proteomic, lipidomic and metabolomic tools (and multimodal data analysis strategies) — can be applied to allograft biopsy investigation. However, despite their successful application in research settings and their potential clinical value, several barriers limit the broad implementation of many of these tools into clinical practice. Among spatial-omics technologies, mass spectrometry imaging, which is under-represented in the transplant field, has the potential to enable multi-omics investigations that might expand the insights gained with current clinical analysis technologies. Technological advances continue to enhance the clinical value of kidney biopsies. Here, the authors consider the potential of using spatial-omics in transplantation, including the use of mass spectrometry imaging, as graft monitoring and diagnostic tools, to improve patient management and outcomes.