Initial experience with the human anti-human CD154 monoclonal antibody, ABI793, in pig-to-baboon xenotransplantation

: Background: ABI793 (ABI) is a human monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for human CD154. To assess the suitability of ABI for baboon transplantation studies, we carried out in vitro studies to determine ABI's reactivity with baboon cells expressing CD154, performed in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in two baboons, and tested the effect of ABI administration on elicited antibody production in two baboons undergoing either pig hematopoietic progenitor cell (PBPC) or heterotopic heart transplantation. Methods: In vitro: Baboon peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated in vitro to upregulate CD154, and binding of ABI to CD154 was measured by flow cytometry. In vivo: Serum levels of ABI were measured immediately before and 15 min after the intravenous administration of ABI (20 mg/kg) to two baboons over 28 days. Subsequently, ABI (25 mg/kg on days 0, 1, 4 and 7, and then 20 mg/kg every 5 days) was included in the immunosuppressive regimen in two pig‐to‐baboon transplants (PBPC or heart transplantation). Results: In vitro: ABI was almost non‐reactive to baboon T cells before stimulation, but bound to activated T cells. In vivo: In the pharmacokinetic study, trough levels of ABI (before the next dose) ranged between 190 and 580 μg/ml, and the estimated half‐life was 10–15 days. There was no apparent toxicity. Following pig PBPC or heart transplantation, no elicited antibody was detected while ABI was being administered or during several weeks of follow‐up. Conclusions: ABI functions in baboons, is well‐tolerated, and prevents an elicited antibody response to pig antigens.