Inhibition of C‑X‑C motif chemokine 10 reduces graft loss mediated by memory CD8+ T cells in a rat cardiac re‑transplant model

The interaction of chemokine (C‑X‑C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) with its receptor (CXCR3) is a critical process in recruiting donor reactive T cells to a graft and alloantigen‑specific memory T (Tm) cells exert a principal function in promoting graft dysfunction during accelerated cardiac rejection. However, whether CXCL10 chemokine exerts any effects on acute accelerated rejection mediated by CD8+ Tm cells in a re‑transplant model has remained elusive. The present study established a cardiac transplant model by advanced microsurgery technology and improved organ storage. A novel rat model of cardiac re‑transplantation was established at 40 days following primary heart transplant. The experiment included two parts, and when models were established, the rats were divided into two groups: Primary cardiac transplant (HTx) and re‑transplantation without treatment (HRTx). In part 1, recipients from part 2, including re‑transplantation without treatment (HRTx+NS) and re‑transplantation treated with anti‑CXCL10 antibodies (500 µg every other day by intraperitoneal injection; HRTx+CXCL10 Abs group). The graft survival time was observed and graft infiltration by inflammatory cells was assessed via histology of cardiac graft sections; in addition, the gene expression and the serum concentration of CXCL10 in each group was assessed. Indexes such as rejection‑associated cytokines were assayed by reverse‑transcription quantitative PCR and ELISA kits, and flow cytometry of splenocytes was used to detect Tm cells in the re‑transplantation groups. The results demonstrated that level of CXCL10 was significantly increased and the graft mean survival time was shortened accompanied with aggravated lymphocyte cell infiltration in the HRTx group when compared that in the HTx group; in addition, the serum levels and mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)‑2 and interferon (IFN)‑γ were increased, while transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β was decreased in the HRTx group. Furthermore, neutralization of CXCL10 prolonged the graft mean survival time and delayed accelerated rejection. Compared with that in the HRTx+NS group, serum levels and graft tissue mRNA expression of IFN‑γ and IL‑2 were decreased in the HRTx+CXCL10 Abs group, while TGF‑β mRNA was significantly increased but the serum concentration was not significantly affected. In addition, there was no difference in IL‑10 between the two groups, while delayed accelerated rejection paralleled with inflammatory cell infiltration decreased and the proliferation and differentiation of CD8+ Tm cells in secondary lymphoid organs were reduced in the HRTx+CXCL10 Abs group vs. those in the HRTx+NS group. The present study demonstrated that CXCL10 had a crucial role in cardiac transplantation and re‑transplantation, and that treatment with CXCL10 antibodies delays accelerated acute rejection mediated by Tm cells in a rat model of cardiac re‑transplantation.