Understanding how gut bacteria affect kidney transplant rejection

Impact of the Microbiota on the Likelihood of Renal Graft Rejection

Observational Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France · NCT04736381

This study is trying to see if certain gut bacteria in kidney transplant patients can help predict if they will experience rejection of their new kidney during the first year after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorInstitut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France Government
Locations9 sites (Besançon and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04736381 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify a specific bacterial signature in the blood or stool of kidney transplant patients that may be linked to acute rejection during their first year post-transplant. Researchers will analyze the gut microbiota and the presence of 16S plasma bacterial DNA and metabolites at the time of transplantation and throughout the first year. Additionally, the study will examine the phenotype of the patients' T lymphocytes to correlate these findings with instances of acute cell rejection. The approach focuses on patients treated with Nulojix as part of their immunosuppressive regimen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients scheduled for a kidney transplant who will receive Nulojix as part of their immunosuppressive therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple grafts, those undergoing induction therapy with polyclonal antibodies, or those with active infections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring and prevention strategies for kidney transplant rejection based on microbiota profiles.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of microbiota in transplant outcomes is an emerging field, this specific approach to correlating microbiota signatures with kidney transplant rejection is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients called for a kidney transplant
* Induction therapy with Simulect, maintenance therapy with Nulojix, mycophenolate acid and steroids
* Patient having signed the informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Multiple grafts combined or sequential
* Induction therapy with polyclonal antibodies
* HIV or active viral infection such as hepatitis B or C
* Active bacterial infection
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding at time of inclusion
* Patient unable to express their consent

Where this trial is running

Besançon and 8 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Kidney Transplant RejectionMicrobiotaBelataceptSecond signal inhibitor
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.