C4d, rather than C3d and C5b-9, is associated with graft loss in recurrent IgA deposition after kidney transplantation.

Introduction: Recurrent IgA deposition is common after kidney transplantation. However, it is difficult to define whether IgA deposition is innocuous or contributes to organ damage. Next, although complement is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), its involvement has not been studied systematically in kidney transplant recipients (KTR).

Methods: KTR with biopsy-proven native IgAN who underwent kidney biopsy after transplantation between 1995 and 2020 were included. Recurrent IgA deposition was defined as IgA deposit in the glomerulus. Staining of complement factors C4d, C3d, and C5b-9 were quantitatively evaluated using ImageScope.

Results: Sixty-seven KTR (85% male, 46±13 years old, 12 [6-24] months after transplantation, 58% with indication biopsy) were included in the analyses. Of them, 25 (37%) had recurrent IgA deposition. There were no clinical differences between KTR with and without recurrent IgA deposition. C3d and C5b-9 were always present in biopsies with IgA deposition, while C4d was present in 48% of the biopsies. During a median follow-up of 9.6 [4.8-14] years, 18 (27%) KTR developed death-censored graft failure. Recurrent IgA deposition was not associated with graft failure. Of the evaluated complement factors, only C4d staining was associated with graft failure in KTR with recurrent IgA deposition (Hazard ratio = 2.55, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-6.03, p = 0.034).

Conclusions: Recurrent IgA deposition was not associated with graft failure in itself. C4d, when present, is strongly associated with graft loss in KTR with recurrent IgA deposition, suggesting a pathogenic role for the lectin pathway in recurrent IgAN.