Purpose:

BK virus (BKV) is known to be associated with nephropathy (BKAN). Here, we investigated the relationships between BKV levels, T-cell activation, cytokines and kidney function in kidney transplant recipients.

Materials and Methods:

In renal transplant patients and controls, urine BKV levels were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, the percentage of activated T lymphocytes in blood was determined by flow cytometry and the cytokines including interferon gamma (IFN r), interleukin (IL), and gramzyme were detected by real-time PCR.The correlations between viral load, activated T-cell percentage, IL, IFN r and renal function were determined.

Results:

Urine BKV viral loads and the activated T-cell percentage were significantly elevated in transplant recipients. Correlational analysis indicated that transplant recipients that had BKV levels of more than 106 copies/ml and an activated T lymphocyte percentage of less than 20% were likely to have poor renal function. At the same time, high IFN r, IL but low gramzyme were also noted.

Conclusion:

Urine BKV levels , the percentage of activated T lymphocytes, IL, and gramzymes can be used as clinical indices to obtain appropriate diagnosis and optimize the dosage of immunosuppressive drugs.

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