Acute Cellular Rejection (ACR) occurs when the recipient’s immune system attacks/reject cell from the transplanted organ and is common after liver transplantation (LTx). Diagnosis typically requires an invasive liver biopsy and has a limited prognostic window prior to rejection occurring.

Noninvasive Diagnosis

Noninvasive Diagnosis of ACR following LTx is a significant advancement in personalized recipient care. Liquid biopsy of a blood sample and analysis of cell-free microRNAs (miRNAs) are attractive minimally invasive biomarkers for diagnosing ACR.

Allo-Rejection Liver Monitor Test

Our research has revealed a panel of miRNA markers that can predict ACR and differentiate ACR from non-ACR with high specificity and sensitivity. Our miRNA panel has shown diagnostic utility in predicting ACR up to 40 days before biopsy proven rejection. Given the prognostic ability of miRNAs to predict ACR prior to liver biochemistry elevation, using miRNA testing for routine surveillance of liver allograft health, rather than just at times of suspected allograft dysfunction, is also an attractive clinical application.

Reference: Shaked A, et al. An ectopically expressed serum miRNA signature is prognostic, diagnostic, and biologically related to liver allograft rejection. Hepatology. 2017 Jan;65(1):269-280. doi: 10.1002/hep.28786. Epub 2016 Oct 5. PMID: 27533743.