P16.07: Association Between SARS-CoV-2 Infection and de Novo HLA Donor Specific Antibody Production in Lung Transplant Recipients: Single-Center Study

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant morbidity and mortality in lung transplant recipients. Respiratory viral infections may be associated with de-novo HLA donor-specific antibody production and impacting lung transplant outcome. Methods: Since one of the immunomodulation strategies post-SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung transplant recipients include decreasing or holding anti-metabolites, concerns have been raised for higher incidence of de-novo HLA donor specific antibody production in lung transplant recipients. We performed a retrospective chart review of 24 consecutive lung transplant recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 to investigate this concern. Results: We observed no significant association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunomodulation on pre-existing or de novo HLA donor specific antibodies. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection was not associated with a significant increase in de-novo HLA DSA production or MFI levels of pre-existing HLA DSA compared to pre-COVID-19 diagnosis in lung transplant recipients. These results provide a valuable insight on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on immunogenicity in lung transplant recipients.