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Koenig M, Huenecke S, Salzmann-Manrique E, Esser R, Quaritsch R, Steinhilber D, Radeke HH, Martin H, Bader P, Klingebiel T, Schwabe D, Schneider G, Lehrnbecher T, Orth A, Koehl U. Multivariate analyses of immune reconstitution in children after allo-SCT: risk-estimation based on age-matched leukocyte sub-populations. Bone Marrow Transplant 2009; 45:613-21. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2009.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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102
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Meyer-Monard S, Passweg J, Siegler U, Kalberer C, Koehl U, Rovó A, Halter J, Stern M, Heim D, Alois Gratwohl JR, Tichelli A. Clinical-grade purification of natural killer cells in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Transfusion 2009; 49:362-71. [PMID: 19389215 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2008.01969.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of a high risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), donor lymphocyte infusions with unmodified lymphapheresis products are not used after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Natural killer (NK) cells have antitumor activity and may consolidate engraftment without inducing GVHD. Production of NK cells under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions in a sufficient number is difficult. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-four apheresis procedures and subsequent NK-cell enrichment from 14 haploidentical donors were performed. NK-cell enrichment was performed using a GMP suitable immunomagnetic procedure. Factors influencing the NK-cell recovery, purity, and NK-cell dose were analyzed. RESULTS A median number of 4.9 x 10(8) NK cells were obtained and median NK-cell recovery was 58 percent. Median T-cell depletion was 4.32 log. The absolute NK-cell number in the final product after processing significantly correlated with the preharvest NK-cell content of the peripheral blood (p = 0.002, r = 0.867). The NK-cell recovery was inversely correlated to the absolute NK-cell number in the apheresis product (p = 0.01, r = -0.51). The NK-cell dose per kg of body weight of the patient was inversely correlated to the weight of the patient (p = 0.007, r = -0.533). CONCLUSION Donors with a high NK-cell count in peripheral blood are likely to provide NK-cell products with the highest cell number. However, maximal NK-cell dose is limited and high NK-cell doses may only be obtained for patients with a low body weight, making children and young adults the best candidates for NK-cell therapy.
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Willasch A, Eing S, Weber G, Kuçi S, Schneider G, Soerensen J, Jarisch A, Rettinger E, Koehl U, Klingebiel T, Kreyenberg H, Bader P. Enrichment of cell subpopulations applying automated MACS technique: purity, recovery and applicability for PCR-based chimerism analysis. Bone Marrow Transplant 2009; 45:181-9. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2009.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Meyer C, Kowarz E, Hofmann J, Renneville A, Zuna J, Trka J, Ben Abdelali R, Macintyre E, De Braekeleer E, De Braekeleer M, Delabesse E, de Oliveira MP, Cavé H, Clappier E, van Dongen JJM, Balgobind BV, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Beverloo HB, Panzer-Grümayer R, Teigler-Schlegel A, Harbott J, Kjeldsen E, Schnittger S, Koehl U, Gruhn B, Heidenreich O, Chan LC, Yip SF, Krzywinski M, Eckert C, Möricke A, Schrappe M, Alonso CN, Schäfer BW, Krauter J, Lee DA, Zur Stadt U, Te Kronnie G, Sutton R, Izraeli S, Trakhtenbrot L, Lo Nigro L, Tsaur G, Fechina L, Szczepanski T, Strehl S, Ilencikova D, Molkentin M, Burmeister T, Dingermann T, Klingebiel T, Marschalek R. New insights to the MLL recombinome of acute leukemias. Leukemia 2009; 23:1490-9. [PMID: 19262598 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2009.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements of the human MLL gene are associated with high-risk pediatric, adult and therapy-associated acute leukemias. These patients need to be identified, treated appropriately and minimal residual disease was monitored by quantitative PCR techniques. Genomic DNA was isolated from individual acute leukemia patients to identify and characterize chromosomal rearrangements involving the human MLL gene. A total of 760 MLL-rearranged biopsy samples obtained from 384 pediatric and 376 adult leukemia patients were characterized at the molecular level. The distribution of MLL breakpoints for clinical subtypes (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, pediatric and adult) and fused translocation partner genes (TPGs) will be presented, including novel MLL fusion genes. Combined data of our study and recently published data revealed 104 different MLL rearrangements of which 64 TPGs are now characterized on the molecular level. Nine TPGs seem to be predominantly involved in genetic recombinations of MLL: AFF1/AF4, MLLT3/AF9, MLLT1/ENL, MLLT10/AF10, MLLT4/AF6, ELL, EPS15/AF1P, MLLT6/AF17 and SEPT6, respectively. Moreover, we describe for the first time the genetic network of reciprocal MLL gene fusions deriving from complex rearrangements.
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Schmidt S, Tramsen L, Hanisch M, Huenecke S, Koehl U, Lehrnbecher T. Natural Killer cells exhibit direct activity against medical important fungi. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2009. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1222679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Seidel D, Huebener N, Pferdmenges D, Müller T, Wels W, Koehl U, Esser R, Bleeke M, Shibina A, Stermann A, Gaedicke G, Lode HN. NK cells engineered to express the chimeric receptor scFv(ch14.18)-zeta-specifically lyse GD2 expressing neuroectodermal tumors. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2009. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1222682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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107
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Warzecha J, Bonke L, Koehl U, Munkelt D, Göttig S, Percic D, Arabmotlagh M, Kurth A. The hedgehog inhibitor cyclopamine induces apoptosis in leukemic cells in vitro. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 49:2383-6. [PMID: 19052992 DOI: 10.1080/10428190802510315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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108
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Koehl U, Dirkwinkel E, Koenig M, Erben S, Soerensen J, Bader P, Doerr HW, Preiser W, Weissinger E, Klingebiel T, Martin H, Lehrnbecher T. Reconstitution of cytomegalovirus specific T cells after pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation: results from a pilot study using a multi-allele CMV tetramer group. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2008; 220:348-52. [PMID: 18949669 DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1086029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T cell mediated immunity after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is critical for protection against CMV disease. Tetramer-based technologies have been shown to be a sensitive tool in the enumeration of specific T cells, but have the disadvantage of HLA-restriction of the peptides. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this pilot study, we tested the feasibility of a panel of 6 CMV-specific tetrameric HLA/CMV-peptide complexes to enumerate CMV-specific CD8 +T cells (CTLs). The reconstitution of CMV-specific CTLs was assessed in 16 children in the first year after allogeneic SCT (median age, 8 years). RESULTS The presented assay covered more than 85% of our patients transplanted in the last 3 years. During CMV-reactivation, all 4 of the 16 analyzed patients with a high virus-load showed less than 10 CMV-specific CTLs/microl; out of these, three had not any detectable CMV-CTLs. On the other hand, five of the children with less than 10 CMV-specific CTLs/microl did not develop CMV reactivation. When enumeration of T cells was performed by means of different tetrameric HLA/CMV-peptide complexes simultaneously, the numbers of CMV-specific CTLs cells widely differed according to the HLA-type. CONCLUSIONS Our pilot study suggests that enumeration of CMV-specific T cells by means of a panel of 6 tetramers might be a useful tool in the risk assessment for CMV reactivation in the majority of patients undergoing allogeneic SCT, but future trials have to evaluate whether this method is appropriate in tailoring antiviral therapy in the individual patient.
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Funke S, Maisner A, Mühlebach MD, Koehl U, Grez M, Cattaneo R, Cichutek K, Buchholz CJ. Targeted cell entry of lentiviral vectors. Mol Ther 2008; 16:1427-36. [PMID: 18578012 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Retargeting of lentiviral vector entry to cell types of interest is a key factor in improving the safety and efficacy of gene transfer. In this study we show that the retargetable envelope glycoproteins of measles virus (MV), namely, the hemagglutinin (H) responsible for receptor recognition and the fusion protein (F), can pseudotype human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) vectors when their cytoplasmic tails are truncated. We then pseudotyped HIV-1 vectors with MV glycoproteins displaying on H either the epidermal growth factor or a single-chain antibody directed against CD20, but without the ability to recognize their native receptors. Gene transfer into cells that expressed the targeted receptor was several orders of magnitude more efficient than into cells that did not. High-target versus nontarget cell discrimination was demonstrated in mixed cell populations, where the targeting vector selectively eliminated CD20-positive cells after suicide gene transfer. Remarkably, primary human CD20-positive B lymphocytes were transduced more efficiently by the CD20-targeted vector than by a vector pseudotyped with the vesicular stomatitis virus G (VSV-G) protein. In addition, the CD20-targeted vector was able to transduce even unstimulated primary B cells, whereas VSV-G pseudotyped vectors were unable to do so. Because MV enters cells through direct fusion at the cell membrane, this novel targeting system should be widely applicable.
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Lehrnbecher T, Beck O, Koehl U, Tramsen L. Cultivated anti-Aspergillus T(H)1 cells. Med Mycol 2008; 47 Suppl 1:S170-4. [PMID: 18651313 DOI: 10.1080/13693780802169120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis remains a serious complication in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Since it became clear that lymphocytes provide a critical secondary defense against fungi, adoptive transfer of functionally active anti-Aspergillus T cells might be an option to restore adaptive immune effector mechanisms. Using the interferon (IFN)-gamma secretion assay, we isolated human activated T cells upon stimulation with a cellular extract of Aspergillus fumigatus. After a culturing period for 14 days, we could characterize these cells as T(H)1 cells, which also proliferated upon restimulation. The generated cells responded upon stimulation with antigens of A. flavus, A. niger and Penicillium chrysogenum, but not upon activation with Alternaria alternata and Candida albicans. In addition, the cultivated T cells were able to induce damage to A. fumigatus hyphae and showed a reduced alloreactivity compared to unselected CD4+ T cells. We further established a clinical-scale generation of anti-Aspergillus T cells. However, before performing clinical trials, open questions such as which patient population will benefit from adoptive immunotherapy with anti-Aspergillus T cells have to be addressed.
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Beck O, Koehl U, Tramsen L, Mousset S, Latgé JP, Müller K, Schwabe D, Bader P, Klingebiel T, Lehrnbecher T. Enumeration of functionally active anti-Aspergillus T-cells in human peripheral blood. J Immunol Methods 2008; 335:41-5. [PMID: 18395221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2008.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2007] [Revised: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis remains a life-threatening complication in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Since CD4(+) T-cells provide a critical secondary defense against Aspergillus spp., the quantification of "functional" anti-Aspergillus T-cells might be important in the clinical care of allogeneic transplant patients. We present a rapid, simple and reproducible method to enumerate functionally active, cytokine-producing anti-Aspergillus T-cells in peripheral blood by means of flow cytometry, by which these cells were also phenotypically characterized as memory CD4(+) T-cells. When using 100,000 PBMCs and requiring a minimum of 50 events, at least one anti-Aspergillus T-cell among 1000 CD4(+) T-cells can be detected. Compared to healthy individuals, the number of anti-Aspergillus T-cells in patients up to one year after SCT was significantly lower. The presented method might help to define hematopoietic transplant recipients who will benefit from adoptive transfer of anti-Aspergillus T cells.
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112
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Vogler I, Koehl U, Grez M. Bicistronic vectors for adoptive immunotherapy in pediatric leukemia patients. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2007.10.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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113
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Lehrnbecher T, Koehl U, Wittekindt B, Bochennek K, Tramsen L, Klingebiel T, Chanock SJ. Changes in host defence induced by malignancies and antineoplastic treatment: implication for immunotherapeutic strategies. Lancet Oncol 2008; 9:269-78. [DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(08)70071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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114
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Huenecke S, Behl M, Fadler C, Zimmermann SY, Bochennek K, Tramsen L, Esser R, Klarmann D, Kamper M, Sattler A, von Laer D, Klingebiel T, Lehrnbecher T, Koehl U. Age-matched lymphocyte subpopulation reference values in childhood and adolescence: application of exponential regression analysis. Eur J Haematol 2008; 80:532-9. [PMID: 18284628 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2008.01052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normal values of lymphocyte subpopulations for healthy children and adults have been published in defined age groups exclusively, which results in difficult data interpretation for patients close to the limit of contiguous age group ranges. In addition, normal values for a number of lymphocyte subpopulations have not been established to date. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a model which provides continuous age-dependent reference values. This model was applied for lymphocyte subpopulations such as naïve and memory T cells as well as their activation profile with diagnostic relevance in children and adults. STUDY DESIGN A total of 100 blood samples, obtained from 80 healthy children and 20 adults were analysed by means of four colour-flow cytometry. Continuous age-dependent reference values were computed based on the residual values in an exponential regression model. RESULTS We calculated a continuous age-related regression model for both, absolute cell counts and percentages of CD3(+)CD4(+) T helper (T(H)) cells, CD3(+)CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells, CD56(+)CD3(-) natural killer (NK) cells, CD56(+)CD3(+) T cells, CD3(+)CD4(+)CD45RA(+) naïve T(H) cells, CD3(+)CD4(+)CD45RO(+) memory T(H) cells, CD3(+)CD8(+)CD45RA(+)CD28(+) naïve cytotoxic T cells, CD3(+)CD8(+)CD45RO(+) memory cytotoxic T cells, CD3(+)CD8(+)CD69(+) early activated cytotoxic T cells and CD3(+)CD8(+)HLA-DR(+) late activated cytotoxic T cells, respectively, to obtain reference values. CONCLUSION Based on an exponential regression model, the obtained reference values reflect the continuous maturation of lymphocyte subsets during childhood.
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Munkelt D, Koehl U, Kloess S, Zimmermann SY, Kalaäoui RE, Wehner S, Schwabe D, Lehrnbecher T, Schubert R, Kreuter J, Klingebiel T, Esser R. Cytotoxic effects of treosulfan and busulfan against leukemic cells of pediatric patients. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2008; 62:821-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-007-0669-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2007] [Accepted: 12/21/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Bader P, Soerensen J, Koehl U, Kreyenberg H, Jarisch A, Weber G, Sach G, Willasch A, Kuci S, Tonn T, Esser R, Klingebiel T. 66: Excellent Engraftment and Rapid Immune Recovery in Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation Using CD3/CD19 Depleted Peripheral Stem Cell Grafts After Reduced Intensity Conditioning. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2007.12.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Koehl U, Bochennek K, Esser R, Brinkmann A, Quaritsch R, Becker M, Soerensen J, Bader P, Schwabe D, Klingebiel T, Fischer J, Zimmermann SY. ISHAGE-based single-platform flowcytometric analysis for measurement of absolute viable T cells in fresh or cryopreserved products: CD34/CD133 selected or CD3/CD19 depleted stem cells, DLI and purified CD56+CD3− NK cells. Int J Hematol 2007; 87:98-105. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-007-0018-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2007] [Revised: 08/27/2007] [Accepted: 09/27/2007] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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118
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Hollatz G, Grez M, Mastaglio S, Quaritsch R, Huenecke S, Ciceri F, Bonini C, Esser R, Klingebiel T, Kreuter J, Koehl U. T cells for suicide gene therapy: activation, functionality and clinical relevance. J Immunol Methods 2007; 331:69-81. [PMID: 18155021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2007.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2007] [Revised: 09/16/2007] [Accepted: 11/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In order to control graft-versus-host disease after donor lymphocyte infusion, T cells can be retrovirally transduced with a suicide gene. However, the immune competence of activated T cells appears compromised, responsible for reduced alloreactivity. The present study compared different activation protocols using soluble or bead-coupled antibodies regarding T-cell subtype expansion capacity and functionality. T cells were purified on a laboratory and clinical scale using both CD3 and CD4/CD8 antibodies for selection, leading to a mean purity of 96%. Transductions were performed with a GMP-grade CD34/HSV-TK vector. Activation with soluble CD3/CD28-antibodies +1000 U/ml IL-2 induced a 50-fold expansion of T cells over 14 days, whereas T cells activated with bead-coupled antibodies only expanded 2-4-fold restricted to the first week. Apart from using soluble antibodies, proliferation was highly IL-2 dependent. Expansion of CMV-specific T cells coincided with the expansion of whole CD3(+) cells. Soluble antibodies and higher IL-2 concentrations preferentially stimulated CD8(+) T cells, while bead-coupled antibodies +20 U/ml IL-2 preserved the CD4/CD8 ratio. Irrespective of the activation protocol, there was a shift from a naive to memory phenotype. When activated with soluble antibodies, mainly CD8(+) T cells were transduced. Furthermore, Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion was reduced. In contrast, CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells activated with bead-coupled antibodies were rather homogenously transduced and cytokine secretion did not appear to be affected.
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Behrens F, Himsel A, Rehart S, Stanczyk J, Beutel B, Zimmermann SY, Koehl U, Möller B, Gay S, Kaltwasser JP, Pfeilschifter JM, Radeke HH. Imbalance in distribution of functional autologous regulatory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2007; 66:1151-6. [PMID: 17392348 PMCID: PMC1955165 DOI: 10.1136/ard.2006.068320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert their anti-inflammatory activity predominantly by cell contact-dependent mechanisms. A study was undertaken to investigate the regulatory capacity of autologous peripheral blood Tregs in contact with synovial tissue cell cultures, and to evaluate their presence in peripheral blood, synovial tissue and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS 44 patients with RA and 5 with osteoarthritis were included in the study. The frequency of interferon (IFN)gamma-secreting cells was quantified in synovial tissue cell cultures, CD3-depleted synovial tissue cell cultures, synovial tissue cultures co-cultured with autologous CD4+ and with CD4+CD25+ peripheral blood T cells by ELISPOT. Total CD3+, Th1 polarised and Tregs were quantified by real-time PCR for CD3epsilon, T-bet and FoxP3 mRNA, and by immunohistochemistry for FoxP3 protein. RESULTS RA synovial tissue cell cultures exhibited spontaneous expression of IFNgamma which was abrogated by depletion of CD3+ T cells and specifically reduced by co-culture with autologous peripheral blood Treg. The presence of Treg in RA synovitis was indicated by FoxP3 mRNA expression and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The amount of FoxP3 transcripts, however, was lower in the synovial membrane than in peripheral blood or synovial fluid. The T-bet/FoxP3 ratio correlated with both a higher grade of synovial tissue lymphocyte infiltration and higher disease activity. CONCLUSION This study has shown, for the first time in human RA, the efficacy of autologous Tregs in reducing the inflammatory activity of synovial tissue cell cultures ex vivo, while in the synovium FoxP3+ Tregs of patients with RA are reduced compared with peripheral blood and synovial fluid. This local imbalance of Th1 and Treg may be responsible for repeated rheumatic flares and thus will be of interest as a target for future treatments.
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Glienke W, Maute L, Koehl U, Esser R, Milz E, Bergmann L. Effective treatment of leukemic cell lines with wt1 siRNA. Leukemia 2007; 21:2164-70. [PMID: 17690705 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2404878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The expression of wt1 and bcl-2 is considered to have a proliferating and survival supporting effect in leukemia blast cells. Here we describe the use of siRNA against wt1 and bcl-2 in leukemic cell lines for successful growth inhibition. We have used two different sequences designated as siRNA-A and siRNA-B corresponding to positions within the wt1 coding sequence to downregulate wt1 and a commercially available siRNA kit to downregulate bcl-2. WT1 and bcl-2 gene expression in transfected leukemic cell lines were evaluated with RT-PCR and western blot analyses. MTT assay was used to measure the cell viability and flow cytometry using annexin V/PI-staining for apoptosis. K562 and HL-60 cell lines transfected with siRNA-A targeted to wt1 had greatly decreased levels of both wt1 mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, siRNA-B and control siRNA led almost to no effect on wt1 mRNA and protein expression. siRNA-A-reduced wt1 mRNA expression was associated with a decreased cell proliferation and increased number of apoptotic cells in K562 and HL-60 cells by 24 and 48 h after transfection. Combined treatment with wt1 siRNA and bcl-2 siRNA simultaneously was not able to override the cell growth and apoptosis effects compared to single treatment with wt1 siRNA. siRNAs targeted against human wt1 might be a valuable tool as antiproliferative agent against wt1 expressing leukemic cells.
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Klöss S, Bochennek K, Huenecke S, Zimmermann SY, Kuçi S, Müller T, Wels WS, Klingebiel T, Esser R, Koehl U. A novel five-colour flow cytometric assay to determine NK cell cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma and other adherent tumour cells. J Immunol Methods 2007; 325:140-7. [PMID: 17663991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2007.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2007] [Revised: 06/10/2007] [Accepted: 06/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
For the evaluation of novel therapies, and for initial in vitro testing of potential in vivo graft-versus-tumour-effects (GvT), cytotoxicity of effector cells against target tumour cells needs to be determined in a reliable fashion. Recently Zimmermann et al. [Zimmermann, S.Y., Esser, R., Rohrbach, E., Klingebiel, T., Koehl, U., 2005. A novel four-colour flow cytometric assay to determine natural killer cell or T-cell-mediated cellular cytotoxicity against leukaemia cells in peripheral or bone marrow specimens containing greater than 20% of normal cells. J. Immunol. Methods. 296(1-2), 63-76] introduced a single platform, no-wash flow cytometric assay to quantify natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity against leukaemia cells. Here we have optimised this method introducing a novel five-colour flow cytometric assay for the evaluation of NK cell activity against adherent tumour cells, in particular neuroblastoma cells (NB cells). Beside an enhanced cytotoxic activity corresponding to increasing effector/target (E:T) ratios, we could demonstrate an increasing cytotoxicity in a time-dependent manner over a time period of 8 h. The usefulness of this novel method was also confirmed with human tumour cells lines of various other origin including breast and ovarian carcinoma and Wilms tumour cells freshly isolated from a patient after surgery. In addition to flow cytometric analysis, we monitored NK-cell-mediated induction of target cell apoptosis via the caspase cascade in attacked NB cells by fluorescence microscopy after immunofluorescence staining of activated Caspase-3 (Casp-3) in combination with detection of CD45(+) and CD9(+) for discrimination between NK and NB cells. In summary, this novel flow cytometric cytotoxicity assay enables efficient quantification of the phenotype of both, effector and adherent target tumour cells, and therefore represents a useful tool for research on immunotherapies that rely on cytotoxic effector cells.
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Tramsen L, Beck O, Schuster FR, Hunfeld KP, Latgé JP, Sarfati J, Röger F, Klingebiel T, Koehl U, Lehrnbecher T. Generation and characterization of anti-Candida T cells as potential immunotherapy in patients with Candida infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant. J Infect Dis 2007; 196:485-92. [PMID: 17597464 DOI: 10.1086/519389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2006] [Accepted: 03/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Because lymphocytes play a major role in the host response to Candida infection, adoptive transfer of anti-Candida T cells might be a therapeutic option in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (alloHSCT) who have invasive Candida infection. Using the interferon (IFN)- gamma secretion assay, we isolated human anti-Candida T cells after stimulation with a cellular extract of C. albicans. These cells were expanded within 4 weeks to an average number of 2.6x107 T helper 1 type lymphocytes and significantly lost their alloreactive potential, compared with the original cell population. The generated cells were also stimulated by antigens of C. tropicalis but not by antigens of C. glabrata or various molds. In addition, generated anti-Candida T cells were able to induce damage to C. albicans hyphae and significantly increased hyphal damage induced by human neutrophils. Our data suggest that the generation of functionally active anti-Candida T cells is feasible and may be a promising treatment option for patients undergoing alloHSCT.
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Koehl U, Bochennek K, Zimmermann SY, Lehrnbecher T, Sörensen J, Esser R, Andreas C, Kramm C, Grüttner HP, Falkenberg E, Orth A, Bader P, Schwabe D, Klingebiel T. Immune recovery in children undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation: absolute CD8+CD3+ count reconstitution is associated with survival. Bone Marrow Transplant 2007; 39:269-78. [PMID: 17311085 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the correlation between kinetics of immune reconstitution and survival, we prospectively evaluated lymphocyte subsets in 32 paediatric patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for haematological malignancies. Four-colour flow cytometric analysis was performed at short intervals with a median follow-up of 4 years post SCT. A total of 50% of patients reached age-matched 5th percentile of natural killer, cytotoxic T, B and helper T cells 4, 9, 20 and 28 weeks after SCT, respectively, which increased to more than 80% within 1 year after SCT. Transplantation of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) seemed to elicit the fastest reconstitution of CD3+, CD4+ CD3+, CD8+ CD3+ and naïve T cells compared to bone marrow (BM) or CD34-selected PBSC, which did not differ. Most importantly, we observed a significantly higher number of survivors among patients whose CD8+ CD3+ absolute counts rose above the 5th percentile of age-matched normal levels during the first year post SCT compared to patients who never reached these levels (19/25 vs 0/7, P<0.001). This was still present in both subgroups, BM- and CD34-selected grafts (P=0.03, 0.02). These results from a small patient sample underline the importance of particular lymphocyte subsets for the outcome of children undergoing SCT. A larger study with detailed subset analysis is underway.
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Passweg JR, Koehl U, Uharek L, Meyer-Monard S, Tichelli A. Natural-killer-cell-based treatment in haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2006; 19:811-24. [PMID: 16997185 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2006.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy using natural killer (NK) cells is currently under investigation, especially in situations where anti-neoplastic effect is needed but infusion of T cells is considered hazardous, such as in recipients of haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) from haploidentical donors. NK-cell therapy is mainly but not exclusively investigated in the setting of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. NK cells may induce potent anti-leukaemic and possibly anti-rejection activity, and may even mitigate graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). It remains to be determined whether such effects are clinically important and whether or not they are mediated mainly or exclusively by KIR-HLA class I interactions. Recent advances in graft engineering has provided methods for isolating large numbers of purified NK cells. Several groups have shown that clinical-grade NK cells at doses up to 10(7)/kg may be collected and purified for the purpose of infusion to patients. Early results in a limited number of patients show that these cell doses may be administered without adverse events and possibly without inducing GvHD. Further study is required to determine whether such infusions will be useful in preventing graft rejection, exerting graft-versus-leukaemia effects, and/or hastening immune recovery.
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Koehl U, Hollatz G, Rohrbach E, Visschedyk K, Cinatl J, Kornhuber B, Kreuter J, Mutschler E, Schwabe D. Pharmacology of intracellular cytosine-arabinoside-5'-triphosphate in malignant cells of pediatric patients with initial or relapsed leukemia and in normal lymphocytes. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2006; 60:467-77. [PMID: 17171362 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-006-0386-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2006] [Accepted: 10/31/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The prodrug cytosinearabinoside (ara-C) is widely used in the treatment of acute leukemias. The active drug is the intracellular metabolite cytosine-arabinoside-5'-triphosphate (ara-CTP). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between sensitivity and pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, t1/2 and AUC of ara-CTP. The obtained results were compared to previous studies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Cmax, t1/2 and AUC of ara-CTP were assessed in leukemic cells of 17 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and in 6 lymphoblastic cell lines and compared with normal lymphocytes of 9 healthy donors by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The sensitivity of the cells against ara-C was determined by the MTT assay. RESULTS The intracellular accumulation of ara-CTP was significantly lower in normal lymphocytes (Cmax 47.7-60.9 pmol/10(6) cells) compared to leukemic cell lines (Cmax 11-1128 pmol/10(6) cells) and leukemic cells of our patients (Cmax 85.9-631 pmol/10(6) cells). Similar results were found for the AUC. There was no significant difference between initial and relapsed leukemias in our small cohort. A correlation between sensitivity in terms of IC50 values and the intracellular ara-CTP accumulation was observed in cell lines, but not in leukemic cells and normal lymphocytes from healthy donors. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacokinetic parameters varied tremendously in leukemic cells in contrast to normal lymphocytes without a difference in sensitivity. It is worthwhile to compare literature data to assess an optimal dosage of ara-C in pediatric patients.
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