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Teshima T, Onishi Y, Kato K, Taniguchi S, Miyamura K, Fukushima K, Kato J, Ishikawa T, Doki N, Nakamae H, Maeda Y, Inamoto Y, Okada M, Maki A, Shimada F, Tajima T, Wroclawska M, Zeiser R, Onizuka M. Ruxolitinib in steroid-refractory acute graft-vs-host disease: Japanese subgroup analysis of the randomized REACH2 trial. Int J Hematol 2024:10.1007/s12185-024-03772-6. [PMID: 38796666 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-024-03772-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Japan and other countries. Nearly one-third of patients do not respond to standard systemic steroid therapy and no standard second-line treatment has been established in Japan. We report efficacy and safety findings of ruxolitinib versus best available therapy (BAT) from a subgroup analysis of the international, phase 3 REACH2 study in Japanese patients with steroid-refractory aGvHD. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) at day 28. Overall, 9 patients received ruxolitinib and 21 received BAT. The ORR at day 28 (88.9% vs 52.4%) and durable ORR at day 56 (66.7% vs 28.6%) were higher with ruxolitinib versus BAT. The estimated cumulative incidence of loss of response at 6 months was 12.5% with ruxolitinib and 18.2% with BAT. The median failure-free survival was longer with ruxolitinib versus BAT (2.73 vs 1.25 months). The most common adverse events up to day 28 in the ruxolitinib and BAT groups were anemia (55.6% vs 19.0%) and thrombocytopenia (44.4% vs 4.8%, respectively). Ruxolitinib showed better efficacy outcomes and a consistent safety profile compared with BAT in the Japanese subgroup, and the findings were consistent with overall study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Teshima
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Yasushi Onishi
- Department of Hematology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Koji Kato
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Koichi Miyamura
- Department of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Inuyama Chuo General Hospital, Inuyama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Fukushima
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Jun Kato
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ishikawa
- Department of Hematology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Noriko Doki
- Hematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Nakamae
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Maeda
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Inamoto
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Okada
- Hyogo College of Medicine, Kansai Medical University Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-Universi Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Makoto Onizuka
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
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2
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Zhou G, Zhan Q, Huang L, Dou X, Cui J, Xiang L, Qi Y, Wu S, Liu L, Xiao Q, Chen J, Tang X, Zhang H, Wang X, Luo X, Ren G, Yang Z, Liu L, Yan X, Luo Q, Pei C, Dai Y, Zhu Y, Zhou H, Ren G, Wang L. The dynamics of B-cell reconstitution post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A real-world study. J Intern Med 2024; 295:634-650. [PMID: 38439117 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is crucial for preventing infections and relapse and enhancing graft-versus-tumor effects. B cells play an important role in humoral immunity and immune regulation, but their reconstitution after allo-HSCT has not been well studied. METHODS In this study, we analyzed the dynamics of B cells in 252 patients who underwent allo-HSCT for 2 years and assessed the impact of factors on B-cell reconstitution and their correlations with survival outcomes, as well as the development stages of B cells in the bone marrow and the subsets in the peripheral blood. RESULTS We found that the B-cell reconstitution in the bone marrow was consistent with the peripheral blood (p = 0.232). B-cell reconstitution was delayed by the male gender, age >50, older donor age, the occurrence of chronic and acute graft-versus-host disease, and the infections of fungi and cytomegalovirus. The survival analysis revealed that patients with lower B cells had higher risks of death and relapse. More importantly, we used propensity score matching to obtain the conclusion that post-1-year B-cell reconstitution is better in females. Meanwhile, using mediation analysis, we proposed the age-B cells-survival axis and found that B-cell reconstitution at month 12 posttransplant mediated the effect of age on patient survival (p = 0.013). We also found that younger patients showed more immature B cells in the bone marrow after transplantation (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION Our findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the management of B-cell reconstitution and improving the efficacy and safety of allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Qian Zhan
- The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Lingle Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xi Dou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Jin Cui
- The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Lin Xiang
- The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yuhong Qi
- The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Sicen Wu
- Health Management Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Qing Xiao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Jianbin Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqiong Tang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Hongbin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohua Luo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zesong Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Lanxiang Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Yan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Qin Luo
- The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Caixia Pei
- The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yulian Dai
- The Center for Clinical Molecular Medical Detection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Guilin Ren
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
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Zhang X, Zhao X, Chen S, Hao M, Zhang L, Gong M, Shi Y, Wei J, Zhang P, Feng S, He Y, Jiang E, Han M. Addition of ruxolitinib to standard graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis for allogeneic stem cell transplantation in aplastic anemia patients. Bone Marrow Transplant 2024:10.1038/s41409-024-02266-7. [PMID: 38580777 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-024-02266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) offers rapid hematopoietic and immune reconstitution for aplastic anemia (AA). As a non-malignant disorder, attenuation of GVHD remains a clinical priority in AA patients. Our study sought to investigate the safety and efficacy of the prophylactic use of ruxolitinib in allogeneic HSCT. A total of 35 AA patients were retrospectively consecutively treated with allo-HSCT whereby ruxolitinib was added to the standard GVHD prophylaxis regimen (rux group). The addition of peri-transplant ruxolitinib did not impact the engraftment and graft function, while better recovery of CD4+ Tregs in the rux group was observed. Interestingly, the rux group demonstrated significantly lower incidence of bacterial/fungal infections (17.14% vs 45.71%). Compared to the control group, the rux group exhibited significantly lower incidence of moderate to severe aGVHD (17.1% vs 48.6%) with a trend toward lower severe aGVHD (8.6% vs 20%) and cGVHD (26.2 vs 38.3). The rux group also demonstrated a trend toward higher GVHD and failure-free survival (GFFS: 85.7% vs 68.6%) and lower TRM (2.9% vs 14.3%). Addition of ruxolitinib to standard GVHD prophylaxis regimen, thus, represents a safe and highly efficient method for the attenuation of GVHD with better outcome of allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Shulian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Mengze Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Lining Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Ming Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Jialin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Sizhou Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Yi He
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China.
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China.
| | - Erlie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China.
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China.
| | - Mingzhe Han
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
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4
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Cheng Q, Tang Y, Liu F, Li X, Fang D. Efficacy and Safety in Early application of Ruxolinitib for high-risk: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia to prevent GVHD and recurrence after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Transpl Immunol 2024; 83:101978. [PMID: 38302005 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has been identified as the potentially curative treatment for high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adult patients. However, relapse of the disease and/or development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remain to be the most common barriers for successful allo-HSCT. Preclinical studies showed that ruxolitinib, a Janus tyrosine kinase (Jak)1 and Jak2 inhibitor, has a selective anti-GVHD effects while preserving a potent graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety in early application of ruxolitinib for the high-risk ALL patients to prevent GVHD. METHODS There were eight patients undergoing allo-HSCT at the Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between April 2020 and April 2021. Ruxolitinib (5-10 mg twice daily) was administered early (median time: 45 days) after stem cell infusion. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 14 months (range from 8 to 18 months), the ALL disease relapse occurred in two cases. Among all eight patients, two of them developed grade I/II acute (a) GVHD, while no patient developed grade III/IV aGVHD, and one patient developed chronic (c) GVHD. As for the virus activation, no patient developed EBV activation or EBV related lymphoproliferative disease, and three patients developed CMV activation. Our results suggest that the early application of ruxolitinib could safely and effectively prevent the occurrence of GVHD after allo-HSCT for the high-risk ALL patients. However, it may have a limited effect on preventing the recurrence of high-risk ALL and thus may require additional therapy with other anti-relapse drugs. CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary observations suggest that an early application of ruxolitinib can safely and effectively prevent the occurrence of GVHD after allo-HSCT for the high-risk ALL patients. However, ruxolitinib may have a limited effect on preventing the ALL recurrence of high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yishu Tang
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyang Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Hematology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dan Fang
- Department of Hematology, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (The first people's hospital of Changde city), Changde, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Jiang H, Fan W. Research progress on CD8+ T cell immune regulation in allogenic transplantation. Transpl Immunol 2023; 81:101945. [PMID: 37871888 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
With advances in tissue typing, organ preservation techniques, and clinical surgery, organ transplantation has gained popularity as a treatment option for various end-stage diseases. Allogeneic transplantation has been widely adopted and extensively researched in clinical practice. Despite significant breakthroughs and progress in immunosuppression, this procedure is still associated with several adverse reactions and complications. Therefore, there is a continuing need to explore new immunological approaches to provide fresh insights and guidance for clinical transplantation. CD8+ T cells, traditionally known for their cytotoxic function and their ability to recognize transplanted organs as "non-self" entities, display cytotoxicity. However, recent studies have unveiled that CD8+ T cells have various subtypes and functions that extend beyond conventional cytotoxicity. These CD8+ T cell subtypes include Effector CD8+ T cells, Memory CD8+ T cells, and CD8Treg cells. This review examines the immune regulatory mechanisms of CD8+ T cells in allogeneic transplantation and discusses the potential applications of CD8+ T cells in treating tumors in transplant recipients who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy. These findings offer theoretical guidance for reducing post-transplant rejection reactions and improving adverse prognoses, offering new hope for improved clinical survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Jiang
- Institute of Urology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Wenmei Fan
- Institute of Urology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
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6
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Traunero A, Peri F, Badina L, Amaddeo A, Zuliani E, Maschio M, Barbi E, Ghirardo S. Hematopoietic Stem Cells Transplant (HSCT)-Related Chronic Pulmonary Diseases: An Overview. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1535. [PMID: 37761496 PMCID: PMC10530143 DOI: 10.3390/children10091535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Recipients of HSCT have a high risk of infective and non-infective pulmonary diseases. Most patients with pulmonary involvement present multiple pathogenetic mechanisms simultaneously with complex interactions. Therefore, it can be difficult to distinguish the contributions of each one and to perform studies on this subject. In this opinion article, we discuss only chronic pulmonary manifestations, focusing on LONIPCs (late-onset non-infectious pulmonary complications). This term embraces drug-related toxicity, allergies, and chronic pulmonary graft versus host disease (GvHD) in all its recently identified clinical variants. Among LONIPCs, GvHD represents the most critical in terms of morbidity and mortality, despite the rapid development of new treatment options. A recently emerging perspective suggests that pulmonary lung rejection in transplant patients shares striking similarities with the pathogenesis of GvHD. In a pulmonary transplant, the donor organ is damaged by the host immune system, whereas in GvHD, the donor immune system damages the host organs. It constitutes the most significant breakthrough in recent years and is highly promising for both hematologists and thoracic transplant surgeons. The number of patients with LONIPCs is scarce, with heterogenous clinical characteristics often involving several pathogenetic mechanisms, making it challenging to conduct randomized controlled trials. Therefore, the body of evidence in this field is scarce and generally of low quality, leading to jeopardized choices in terms of immunosuppressive treatment. Moreover, it risks being outdated by common practice due to the quick evolution of knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of LONIPCs. The literature is even more pitiful for children with pulmonary involvement related to HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Traunero
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34126 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Peri
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34126 Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Badina
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Amaddeo
- Emergency Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Elettra Zuliani
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34126 Trieste, Italy
| | - Massimo Maschio
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34126 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sergio Ghirardo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34126 Trieste, Italy
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Abboud R, Kim S, Staser K, Jayasinghe RG, Lim S, Amatya P, Frye CC, Kopecky B, Ritchey J, Gao F, Lavine K, Kreisel D, DiPersio JF, Choi J. Baricitinib with cyclosporine eliminates acute graft rejection in fully mismatched skin and heart transplant models. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264496. [PMID: 37744381 PMCID: PMC10511772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid organ transplant represents a potentially lifesaving procedure for patients suffering from end-stage heart, lung, liver, and kidney failure. However, rejection remains a significant source of morbidity and immunosuppressive medications have significant toxicities. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are effective immunosuppressants in autoimmune diseases and graft versus host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Here we examine the role of JAK inhibition in preclinical fully major histocompatibility mismatched skin and heart allograft models. Baricitinib combined with cyclosporine A (CsA) preserved fully major histocompatibility mismatched skin grafts for the entirety of a 111-day experimental period. In baricitinib plus CsA treated mice, circulating CD4+T-bet+ T cells, CD8+T-bet+ T cells, and CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells were reduced. Single cell RNA sequencing revealed a unique expression profile in immune cells in the skin of baricitinib plus CsA treated mice, including decreased inflammatory neutrophils and increased CCR2- macrophages. In a fully major histocompatibility mismatched mismatched heart allograft model, baricitinib plus CsA prevented graft rejection for the entire 28-day treatment period compared with 9 days in controls. Our findings establish that the combination of baricitinib and CsA prevents rejection in allogeneic skin and heart graft models and supports the study of JAK inhibitors in human solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Abboud
- Division of Oncology, Section of Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Sena Kim
- Division of Oncology, Section of Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Karl Staser
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Reyka G. Jayasinghe
- Division of Oncology, Section of Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Sora Lim
- Division of Oncology, Section of Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Parmeshwar Amatya
- Division of Oncology, Section of Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - C. Corbin Frye
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Benjamin Kopecky
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Julie Ritchey
- Division of Oncology, Section of Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Feng Gao
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kory Lavine
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Daniel Kreisel
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - John F. DiPersio
- Division of Oncology, Section of Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jaebok Choi
- Division of Oncology, Section of Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Yan WL, Zhao FY, Gu ME, Liu N, Guo XP, Xu XJ. Ruxolitinib Treatment of Steroid-Refractory Graft-versus-Host Disease in Children: A Case Series and Review of the Literature. Paediatr Drugs 2023; 25:577-584. [PMID: 37284944 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-023-00577-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ruxolitinib has been increasingly used in the treatment of steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease (SR-GVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients. However, there are limited data on the use of ruxolitinib in children. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of ruxolitinib in the treatment of SR-GVHD in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data of patients who suffered from SR-GVHD after allo-HSCT and received ruxolitinib treatment between June 2018 and December 2020 at our center were analyzed retrospectively. The characteristics of patients, the dosage of ruxolitinib, the response, toxicity, and the survival data were collected. RESULTS A total of 14 pediatric patients were diagnosed with SR-GVHD after allo-HSCT and received ruxolitinib. The age of the patients ranged from 3 months to 12 years old. The dosage of ruxolitinib ranged from 2.5 mg twice daily to 7.5 mg twice daily, mainly according to patient weight. The total overall response rate (ORR) was 64.3% (9/14), with 63.6% (7/11) in aGVHD and 67% (2/3) in cGVHD. Of the 14 patients, adverse effects were observed in 9 patients (64.3%), including cytopenia, infection, and elevated alanine aminotransferase. In addition, seven reports on the treatment of SR-GVHD in children with ruxolitinib were included for systematic analysis, with the ORR ranging from 45 to 87% in aGVHD and 70-91% in cGVHD. CONCLUSION Given its effectiveness and safety, ruxolitinib could be used to treat SR-GVHD in children after HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ling Yan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 57 Zhugan Lane, Yan-an Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fen-Ying Zhao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 57 Zhugan Lane, Yan-an Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min-Er Gu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 57 Zhugan Lane, Yan-an Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 57 Zhugan Lane, Yan-an Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Guo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 57 Zhugan Lane, Yan-an Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 57 Zhugan Lane, Yan-an Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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9
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Freund L, Oehrl S, Schwingen J, Haeberle S, Döbel T, Lee PDH, Meisel S, Mihalceanu S, Rußwurm M, Luft T, Schäkel K. IFNγ Causes Keratinocyte Necroptosis in Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1746-1756.e9. [PMID: 36889661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal keratinocytes form the first-line cellular barrier of the skin for protection against external injuries and maintenance of local tissue homeostasis. Expression of ZBP1 was shown to cause necroptotic keratinocyte cell death and skin inflammation in mice. We sought to characterize the relevance of ZBP1 and necroptosis in human keratinocytes and type 1-driven cutaneous acute graft-versus-host disease. in this study, we identify ZBP1 expression, necroptosis, and interface dermatitis as being the hallmarks of acute graft-versus-host disease. ZBP1 expression was dependent on leukocyte-derived IFNγ, and interference with IFNγ signaling by Jak inhibition prevented cell death. In predominantly IL-17-driven psoriasis, both ZBP1 expression and necroptosis could not be detected. Of note, in contrast to the signaling in mice, ZBP1 signaling in human keratinocytes was not affected by RIPK1's presence. These findings show that ZBP1 drives inflammation in IFNγ-dominant type 1 immune responses in human skin and may further point to a general role of ZBP1-mediated necroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Freund
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Oehrl
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julius Schwingen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Haeberle
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Döbel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul D H Lee
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Meisel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Mihalceanu
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Rußwurm
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Luft
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Knut Schäkel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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10
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Algeri M, Becilli M, Locatelli F. Ruxolitinib as the first post-steroid treatment for acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:1299-1313. [PMID: 37606511 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2249230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) are potentially life-threatening complications occurring after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Although steroids represent the first-line treatment for both conditions, in those patients who do not adequately benefit from steroid therapy, standardized treatment algorithms are lacking. In recent years, ruxolitinib has emerged as the most promising agent for the second-line therapy of steroid-refractory (SR)-GvHD. AREAS COVERED This review will summarize the biological properties and the mechanistic aspects that justify the therapeutic role of ruxolitinib in GvHD. In addition, current treatment options for SR-GvHD will be briefly discussed. Finally, results of the most relevant clinical trials on the use of ruxolitinib for SR-GvHD will be analyzed, with a particular focus on two phase-III randomized trials in which ruxolitinib demonstrated its superiority in comparison with the best available therapy. EXPERT OPINION Ruxolitinib has considerably improved the outcome of patients with SR-acute/chronic-GvHD and should be regarded as the standard-of-care option when corticosteroids fail or cannot be tapered. Nevertheless, a number of questions still remain unanswered and significant room for improvement exists. Additional observations derived from a longer follow-up will certainly increase our expertise in the management of this powerful therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Algeri
- Department of Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Magna Grecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Becilli
- Department of Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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11
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Harris R, Karimi M. Dissecting the regulatory network of transcription factors in T cell phenotype/functioning during GVHD and GVT. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1194984. [PMID: 37441063 PMCID: PMC10333690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1194984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors play a major role in regulation and orchestration of immune responses. The immunological context of the response can alter the regulatory networks required for proper functioning. While these networks have been well-studied in canonical immune contexts like infection, the transcription factor landscape during alloactivation remains unclear. This review addresses how transcription factors contribute to the functioning of mature alloactivated T cells. This review will also examine how these factors form a regulatory network to control alloresponses, with a focus specifically on those factors expressed by and controlling activity of T cells of the various subsets involved in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Harris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Mobin Karimi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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12
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Luo C, Huang X, Wei L, Wu G, Huang Y, Ding Y, Huang Z, Chen J, Li X, Zou Y, Xu S. Second-line therapy for patients with steroid-refractory aGVHD: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1211171. [PMID: 37409129 PMCID: PMC10318925 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1211171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Steroids-refractory (SR) acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a life-threatening condition in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), but the optimal second-line therapy still has not been established. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy and safety of different second-line therapy regimens. Methods Literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and China Biology Medicine databases were performed to retrieve RCTs comparing the efficacy and safety of different therapy regimens for patients with SR aGVHD. Meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager version 5.3. The primary outcome is the overall response rate (ORR) at day 28. Pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with the Mantel-Haenszel method. Results Eight eligible RCTs were included, involving 1127 patients with SR aGVHD and a broad range of second-line therapy regimens. Meta-analysis of 3 trials investigating the effects of adding mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs) to other second-line therapy regimens suggested that the addition of MSCs is associated with significantly improvement in ORR at day 28 (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01-1.32, P = 0.04), especially in patients with severe (grade III-IV or grade C-D) aGVHD (RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.04-1.52, P = 0.02) and patients with multiorgan involved (RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.05-1.55, P = 0.01). No significant difference was observed betwwen the MSCs group and control group in consideration of overall survival and serious adverse events. Treatment outcomes of the other trials were comprehensively reviewed, ruxolitinib showed significantly higher ORR and complete response rate at day 28, higher durable overall response at day 56 and longer failure-free survival in comparison with other regimens; inolimomab shows similar 1-year therapy success rate but superior long-term overall survial in comparison with anti-thymocyte globulin, other comparisons did not show significant differences in efficacy. Conclusions Adding MSCs to other second-line therapy regimens is associated with significantly improved ORR, ruxolitinib showed significantly better efficacy outcomes in comparison with other regimens in patients with SR aGVHD. Further well-designed RCTs and integrated studies are required to determine the optimal treatment. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022342487.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxin Luo
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangtao Huang
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Wei
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
| | - Guixian Wu
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
| | - Yarui Huang
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaqun Ding
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
| | - Jieping Chen
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Hematology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunding Zou
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuangnian Xu
- Center for Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Chongqing Science & Technology Commission, Chongqing, China
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13
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Pagliuca S, Gurnari C, Hercus C, Hergalant S, Hong S, Dhuyser A, D'Aveni M, Aarnink A, Rubio MT, Feugier P, Ferraro F, Carraway HE, Sobecks R, Hamilton BK, Majhail NS, Visconte V, Maciejewski JP. Leukemia relapse via genetic immune escape after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3153. [PMID: 37258544 PMCID: PMC10232425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) reactions are responsible for the effectiveness of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation as a treatment modality for myeloid neoplasia, whereby donor T- effector cells recognize leukemia neoantigens. However, a substantial fraction of patients experiences relapses because of the failure of the immunological responses to control leukemic outgrowth. Here, through a broad immunogenetic study, we demonstrate that germline and somatic reduction of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) heterogeneity enhances the risk of leukemic recurrence. We show that preexistent germline-encoded low evolutionary divergence of class II HLA genotypes constitutes an independent factor associated with disease relapse and that acquisition of clonal somatic defects in HLA alleles may lead to escape from GvL control. Both class I and II HLA genes are targeted by somatic mutations as clonal selection factors potentially impairing cellular immune responses and response to immunomodulatory strategies. These findings define key molecular modes of post-transplant leukemia escape contributing to relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pagliuca
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Hematology, CHRU de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- CNRS UMR 7365, IMoPA, Biopole of University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Carmelo Gurnari
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Colin Hercus
- Novocraft Technologies Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sébastien Hergalant
- Inserm UMR-S 1256 Nutrition-Genetics-Environmental Risk Exposure, University of Lorraine, 54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sanghee Hong
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Adele Dhuyser
- CNRS UMR 7365, IMoPA, Biopole of University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Histocompatibility Department, CHRU de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Maud D'Aveni
- Department of Hematology, CHRU de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- CNRS UMR 7365, IMoPA, Biopole of University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Alice Aarnink
- CNRS UMR 7365, IMoPA, Biopole of University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Histocompatibility Department, CHRU de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Marie Thérèse Rubio
- Department of Hematology, CHRU de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- CNRS UMR 7365, IMoPA, Biopole of University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Pierre Feugier
- Department of Hematology, CHRU de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Francesca Ferraro
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hetty E Carraway
- Leukemia Program, Hematology Department, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ronald Sobecks
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Betty K Hamilton
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Navneet S Majhail
- Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Valeria Visconte
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jaroslaw P Maciejewski
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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14
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Patel DA, Crain M, Pusic I, Schroeder MA. Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease: An Update on New Treatment Options. Drugs 2023:10.1007/s40265-023-01889-2. [PMID: 37247105 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01889-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in approximately 50% of patients and remains a primary driver of non-relapse and transplant-related mortality. The best treatment remains prevention with either in vivo or ex vivo T-cell depletion, with multiple strategies used worldwide based on factors such as institution preference, ability to perform graft manipulation, and ongoing clinical trials. Predicting patients at high risk for developing severe acute GVHD based on clinical and biomarker-based criteria allows for escalation or potential de-escalation of therapy. Modern therapies for treatment of the disease include JAK/STAT pathway inhibitors, which are standard of care in the second-line setting and are being investigated for upfront management of non-severe risk based on biomarkers. Salvage therapies beyond the second-line remain suboptimal. In this review, we will focus on the most clinically used GVHD prevention and treatment strategies, including the accumulating data on JAK inhibitors in both settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilan A Patel
- Section of BMT & Leukemia, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mallory Crain
- Section of BMT & Leukemia, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Iskra Pusic
- Section of BMT & Leukemia, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mark A Schroeder
- Section of BMT & Leukemia, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
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15
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Pagliuca S, Gurnari C, Hercus C, Hergalant S, Hong S, Dhuyser A, D'Aveni M, Aarnink A, Rubio MT, Feugier P, Ferraro F, Carraway HE, Sobecks R, Hamilton BK, Majhail NS, Visconte V, Maciejewski JP. Leukemia relapse via genetic immune escape after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2773498. [PMID: 37066269 PMCID: PMC10104200 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2773498/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) reactions are responsible for the effectiveness of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation as a treatment modality for myeloid neoplasia, whereby donor T- effector cells recognize leukemia neoantigens. However, a substantial fraction of patients experience relapses because of the failure of the immunological responses to control leukemic outgrowth. Here, through a broad immunogenetic study, we demonstrate that germline and somatic reduction of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) heterogeneity enhances the risk of leukemic recurrence. We show that preexistent germline-encoded low evolutionary divergence of class II HLA genotypes constitutes an independent factor associated with disease relapse and that acquisition of clonal somatic defects in HLA alleles may lead to escape from GvL control. Both class I and II HLA genes are targeted by somatic mutations as clonal selection factors potentially impairing cellular immune reactions and response to immunomodulatory strategies. These findings define key molecular modes of post-transplant leukemia escape contributing to relapse.
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16
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Etra A, Capellini A, Alousi A, Al Malki MM, Choe H, DeFilipp Z, Hogan WJ, Kitko CL, Ayuk F, Baez J, Gandhi I, Kasikis S, Gleich S, Hexner E, Hoepting M, Kapoor U, Kowalyk S, Kwon D, Langston A, Mielcarek M, Morales G, Özbek U, Qayed M, Reshef R, Rösler W, Spyrou N, Young R, Chen YB, Ferrara JLM, Levine JE. Effective treatment of low-risk acute GVHD with itacitinib monotherapy. Blood 2023; 141:481-489. [PMID: 36095841 PMCID: PMC9936304 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard primary treatment for acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) requires prolonged, high-dose systemic corticosteroids (SCSs) that delay reconstitution of the immune system. We used validated clinical and biomarker staging criteria to identify a group of patients with low-risk (LR) GVHD that is very likely to respond to SCS. We hypothesized that itacitinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor, would effectively treat LR GVHD without SCS. We treated 70 patients with LR GVHD in a multicenter, phase 2 trial (NCT03846479) with 28 days of itacitinib 200 mg/d (responders could receive a second 28-day cycle), and we compared their outcomes to those of 140 contemporaneous, matched control patients treated with SCSs. More patients responded to itacitinib within 7 days (81% vs 66%, P = .02), and response rates at day 28 were very high for both groups (89% vs 86%, P = .67), with few symptomatic flares (11% vs 12%, P = .88). Fewer itacitinib-treated patients developed a serious infection within 90 days (27% vs 42%, P = .04) due to fewer viral and fungal infections. Grade ≥3 cytopenias were similar between groups except for less severe leukopenia with itacitinib (16% vs 31%, P = .02). No other grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in >10% of itacitinib-treated patients. There were no significant differences between groups at 1 year for nonrelapse mortality (4% vs 11%, P = .21), relapse (18% vs 21%, P = .64), chronic GVHD (28% vs 33%, P = .33), or survival (88% vs 80%, P = .11). Itacitinib monotherapy seems to be a safe and effective alternative to SCS treatment for LR GVHD and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Etra
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Alexandra Capellini
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Amin Alousi
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Monzr M. Al Malki
- Hematology/Hematopoietic Cell Transplant, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Hannah Choe
- Division of Hematology, James Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Zachariah DeFilipp
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Carrie L. Kitko
- Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Francis Ayuk
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janna Baez
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Isha Gandhi
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Stelios Kasikis
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Sigrun Gleich
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine III, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Hexner
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Matthias Hoepting
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine III, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Urvi Kapoor
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Steven Kowalyk
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Deukwoo Kwon
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Marco Mielcarek
- Adult Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - George Morales
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Umut Özbek
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Muna Qayed
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ran Reshef
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Wolf Rösler
- Med. Klinik III/Poliklinik, Universitatsklinik Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Spyrou
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Rachel Young
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Yi-Bin Chen
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - James L. M. Ferrara
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - John E. Levine
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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17
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Flinn AM, Gennery AR. Recent advances in graft-versus-host disease. Fac Rev 2023; 12:4. [PMID: 36923700 PMCID: PMC10009889 DOI: 10.12703/r/12-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) continue to present a significant challenge to physicians, accounting for considerable haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)-related morbidity and mortality, particularly those patients with steroid-refractory disease. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the underlying pathophysiology, prevention and management of acute and chronic GVHD. Barriers to progress include the difficulty in obtaining high-quality evidence with sufficient patient numbers to identify optimal preventative and treatment strategies, with the heterogeneity of multiple patient, donor, graft and transplant-related factors, in addition to limited availability of human tissue to study the underlying pathophysiology, particularly in steroid-refractory disease. Continued collaborative efforts to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology involved, particularly in steroid-refractory disease, identification of biomarkers to permit risk stratification, and further well-designed randomised clinical trials are essential to help physicians determine optimal GVHD preventative and treatment strategies for each individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling M Flinn
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
- Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew R Gennery
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
- Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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18
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Kurya AU, Aliyu U, Tudu AI, Usman A, Yusuf M, Gupta S, Ali A, Gulfishan M, Singh SK, Hussain I, Abubakar MG. Graft-versus-host disease: Therapeutic prospects of improving the long-term post-transplant outcomes. TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tpr.2022.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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19
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Gagliardi TA, Milner J, Cairo MS, Steinberg A. Concomitant Ruxolitinib and Ibrutinib for Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD): The First Reported Use in Pediatric Patients. Cureus 2022; 14:e29195. [PMID: 36258935 PMCID: PMC9573080 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) can be a life-saving treatment for patients with hematological disorders but far too often carries the feared complication of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The first-line treatment of GVHD is typically corticosteroids, but steroid-refractory chronic GVHD (cGVHD) has led to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of ruxolitinib (Jakafi), ibrutinib (Imbruvica), and belumosudil (Rezurock). Patient 1 was a four-year-old female diagnosed with natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction who underwent alloHSCT with cells from a 9/10 National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) donor and subsequently developed chronic GVHD (cGVHD) of the skin and gut. This cGVHD was refractory to steroids and ibrutinib but improved with the administration of concomitant ibrutinib and ruxolitinib. Patient 2 was a one-year-old male with sickle cell anemia. The patient was transplanted under a haploidentical protocol from the mother but developed bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) and pathology-confirmed GVHD. This cGVHD was steroid-refractory and resolved with the administration of concomitant ibrutinib and ruxolitinib. To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of concomitant ruxolitinib and ibrutinib in pediatric patients. The combination was well tolerated with no significant adverse events. Neither patient had to discontinue these drugs. We propose a further investigation into this dual therapy in cGVHD either compared to steroids or as a second-line option.
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20
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Novel and Promising Strategies for Therapy of Post-Transplant Chronic GVHD. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091100. [PMID: 36145321 PMCID: PMC9503665 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the achievements that have increased viability after the transplantation of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (aHSCT), chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) remains the main cause of late complications and post-transplant deaths. At the moment, therapy alternatives demonstrate limited effectiveness in steroid-refractory illness; in addition, we have no reliable data on the mechanism of this condition. The lack of drugs of choice for the treatment of GVHD underscores the significance of the design of new therapies. Improved understanding of the mechanism of chronic GVHD has secured new therapy goals, and organized diagnostic recommendations and the development of medical tests have ensured a general language and routes for studies in this field. These factors, combined with the rapid development of pharmacology, have helped speed up the search of medicines and medical studies regarding chronic GVHD. At present, we can hope for success in curing this formidable complication. This review summarizes the latest clinical developments in new treatments for chronic GVHD.
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21
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Fan S, Huo WX, Yang Y, Shen MZ, Mo XD. Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease: A meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:954268. [PMID: 35990629 PMCID: PMC9386528 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.954268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruxolitinib is an important treatment for steroid refractory graft-versus-host disease (SR-GVHD). Therefore, we reported the updated results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of ruxolitinib as treatment for SR-GVHD. In addition, we wanted to compare the efficacy and safety between children and adults with SR-GVHD. Overall response rate (ORR) after ruxolitinib treatment was chosen as the primary end point. Complete response rate (CRR), infection, myelosuppression, and overall survival (OS) were chosen as secondary end points. A total of 37 studies were included in this meta-analysis, and 1,580 patients were enrolled. ORR at any time after ruxolitinib treatment was 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68–0.84] and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74–0.81), respectively, for SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD. CRR at any time after ruxolitinib treatment was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.40–0.57) and 0.15 (95% CI: 0.10–0.23), respectively, for SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD. The ORRs at any time after treatment was highest in mouth SR-cGVHD, followed by skin, gut, joints and fascia, liver, eyes, esophagus, and lung SR-cGVHD. The incidence rate of infections after ruxolitinib treatment was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.45–0.76) and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.31–0.63), respectively, for SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD. The incidence rates of overall (grades I–IV) and severe (grades III–IV) cytopenia were 53.2% (95% CI: 16.0%–90.4%) and 31.0% (95% CI: 0.0–100.0%), respectively, for SR-aGVHD, and were 28.8% (95% CI:13.0%–44.6%) and 10.4% (95% CI: 0.0–27.9%), respectively, for SR-cGVHD. The probability rate of OS at 6 months after treatment was 63.9% (95% CI: 52.5%–75.2%) for SR-aGVHD. The probability rates of OS at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment were 95% (95% CI: 79.5%–100.0%), 78.7% (95% CI: 67.2%–90.1%), and 75.3% (95% CI: 68.0%–82.7%), respectively, for SR-cGVHD. The ORR, CRR, infection events, and myelosuppression were all comparable between children and adults with SR-GVHD. In summary, this study suggests that ruxolitinib is an effective and safe treatment for SR-GVHD, and both children and adults with SR-GVHD could benefit from ruxolitinib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Fan
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Huo
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Zhu Shen
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Dong Mo, ; Meng-Zhu Shen,
| | - Xiao-Dong Mo
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU029, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Dong Mo, ; Meng-Zhu Shen,
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22
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Zhang X, Zhao X, Shen Y, Shi Y, Zhang L, Hao M, Zhao F, Zhang R, Wei J, Feng S, He Y, Jiang E, Han M. Ruxolitinib as an Effective and Steroid-Sparing First-Line Treatment in Newly Diagnosed BOS Patients After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:916472. [PMID: 35865938 PMCID: PMC9294627 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.916472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a life-threatening pulmonary complication of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In this study, we retrospectively identified seven patients newly diagnosed with BOS post HSCT and analyzed the outcomes in those patients treated with ruxolitinib as a first-line treatment. All seven patients achieved symptom responses within 2 weeks after ruxolitinib administration. Three months after treatment, five patients (71.43%) achieved a CR, and two (28.57%) achieved a PR. The overall response rate (ORR) was 100%. In addition, the steroid therapy was determined within 2 months after ruxolitinib treatment, indicating ruxolitinib as a steroid-sparing agent. We also found that ruxolitinib was well-tolerated and safe in treating newly diagnosed BOS. According to our results, ruxolitinib would be a promising and safe option in newly diagnosed BOS post HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi He
- *Correspondence: Yi He, ; Erlie Jiang,
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23
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Dou L, Peng B, Li X, Wang L, Jia M, Xu L, Li F, Liu D. Ruxolitinib-corticosteroid as first-line therapy for newly diagnosed high-risk acute graft versus host disease: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, phase II controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:470. [PMID: 35668528 PMCID: PMC9169300 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06426-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The response rate of the first-line therapy with corticosteroid for acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) is about 50%, and steroid-refractory disease is associated with high mortality. The improved response rate to the first-line therapy of newly diagnosed aGVHD patients would result in therapeutic benefits. Ruxolitinib, a selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute GVHD. The addition of ruxolitinib to the first-line therapy may improve the efficacy of corticosteroids. METHODS This investigator-initiated, open-label, multicenter, prospective randomized, and controlled two-arm phase II study compares the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib combined with 1 mg/kg methylprednisolone versus 2 mg/kg methylprednisolone alone in newly diagnosed aGVHD patients. Patients with intermediate or high-risk aGVHD, as defined by the Minnesota aGVHD high-risk score and biomarker algorithm, are eligible for this study. A total of 198 patients will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio and assigned a GVHD risk (intermediate versus high risk) and disease status before transplantation (complete remission versus no complete remission). The primary endpoint is the overall response rate on day 28, which is defined as an improvement of at least one stage in the severity of aGVHD in one organ without deterioration in any other organ or disappearance of any GVHD signs from all organs without requiring new systemic immunosuppressive treatment. The secondary objectives consist of response time, response duration, overall survival, disease-free survival, non-relapse mortality, failure-free survival, and changes in serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and GVHD-related biomarkers. DISCUSSION This open-label, multicenter, two-arm randomized trial will evaluate whether the addition of ruxolitinib combined with corticosteroid is superior to corticosteroid alone in newly diagnosed high-risk aGVHD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04061876 (version number: 2019.5.18). Registered on July 16, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Dou
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China.,The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Quality Control, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Mingyu Jia
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lingmin Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Daihong Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China. .,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China.
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24
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Grafanaki K, Lygeros S, Spyridonidis A, Liga M. Tongue graft-versus-host disease: remission with ruxolitinib. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e247888. [PMID: 35606043 PMCID: PMC9174827 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a potentially life-threatening and commonly encountered event of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Here, we present a young adult male with primary refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma who received a transplant and developed cutaneous GvHD after donor lymphocyte infusion, which was managed with cyclosporine and steroids. However, while the patient was under immunosuppressive treatment, diffuse confluent whitish patches on the patient's tongue were observed. A biopsy of the tongue lesions revealed lichenoid, hyperkeratotic tissue changes and intraepithelial T-cell infiltration consistent with chronic GvHD. He was treated with mycophenolate mofetil for 6 months with minimal improvement. Janus-associated kinase inhibitor (ruxolitinib) treatment was commenced, with complete resolution of the tongue lesions and treatment discontinuation 5 months later. Currently, 5 years after allogeneic transplantation, he is in remission and does not need immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Grafanaki
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Patras, School of Medicine, Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - Spyridon Lygeros
- Ear, Nose, Throat Department, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - Alexandros Spyridonidis
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - Maria Liga
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Rion, Greece
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25
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Biliński J, Jasiński M, Basak GW. The Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in the Treatment of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040837. [PMID: 35453587 PMCID: PMC9027325 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations conducted worldwide is constantly rising. Together with that, the absolute number of complications after the procedure is increasing, with graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) being one of the most common. The standard treatment is steroid administration, but only 40–60% of patients will respond to the therapy and some others will be steroid-dependent. There is still no consensus regarding the best second-line option, but fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown encouraging preliminary and first clinically relevant results in recent years and seems to offer great hope for patients. The reason for treatment of steroid-resistant acute GvHD using this method derives from studies showing the significant immunomodulatory role played by the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of GvHD. Depletion of commensal microbes is accountable for aggravation of the disease and is associated with decreased overall survival. In this review, we present the pathogenesis of GvHD, with special focus on the special role of the gut microbiota and its crosstalk with immune cells. Moreover, we show the results of studies and case reports to date regarding the use of FMT in the treatment of steroid-resistant acute GvHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Biliński
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (M.J.); (G.W.B.)
- Human Biome Institute, 80-137 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Marcin Jasiński
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (M.J.); (G.W.B.)
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz W. Basak
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (M.J.); (G.W.B.)
- Human Biome Institute, 80-137 Gdansk, Poland
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26
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Link-Rachner CS, Sockel K, Schuetz C. Established and Emerging Treatments of Skin GvHD. Front Immunol 2022; 13:838494. [PMID: 35185931 PMCID: PMC8847139 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.838494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) of the skin is a severe allo-immune reaction and complication following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Over the past years, intensive pre-clinical research has led to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of acute and to a lesser extend chronic GvHD. This has translated into the approval of several new agents for the treatment of both forms of GvHD. This review summarizes the most recent advances in underlying pathomechanisms, clinical trials and newly approved agents for GvHD, with a special focus on skin involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia S Link-Rachner
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Sockel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Catharina Schuetz
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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27
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Early Use of Low-Dose Ruxolitinib: A Promising Strategy for the Treatment of Acute and Chronic GVHD. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030374. [PMID: 35337171 PMCID: PMC8955311 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Janus kinases (JAK) are a family of tyrosine kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2) that transduce cytokine-mediated signals through the JAK–STAT metabolic pathway. These kinases act by regulating the transcription of specific genes capable of inducing biological responses in several immune cell subsets. Inhibition of Janus kinases interferes with the JAK–STAT signaling pathway. Besides being used in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, in recent years, they have also been used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and cytokine release syndrome as complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapy. Recently, the FDA approved the use of ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, in the treatment of acute steroid-refractory GVHD (SR-aGVHD), highlighting the role of JAK inhibition in this immune deregulation. Ruxolitinib was initially used to treat myelofibrosis and true polycythemia in a high-dose treatment and caused hematological toxicity. Since a lower dosage often could not be effective, the use of ruxolitinib was suspended. Subsequently, ruxolitinib was evaluated in adult patients with SR-aGVHD and was found to achieve a rapid and effective response. In addition, its early low-dose use in pediatric patients affected by GVHD has proved effective, safe, and reasonably preventive. The review aims to describe the potential properties of ruxolitinib to identify new therapeutic strategies.
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28
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Saha A, Hyzy S, Lamothe T, Hammond K, Clark N, Lanieri L, Bhattarai P, Palchaudhuri R, Gillard GO, Proctor J, Riddle MJ, Panoskaltsis-Mortari A, MacMillan ML, Wagner JE, Kiem HP, Olson LM, Blazar BR. A CD45-targeted antibody-drug conjugate successfully conditions for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in mice. Blood 2022; 139:1743-1759. [PMID: 34986233 PMCID: PMC8931510 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021012366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment of patients with nonmalignant or malignant blood disorders. Its success has been limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Current systemic nontargeted conditioning regimens mediate tissue injury and potentially incite and amplify GVHD, limiting the use of this potentially curative treatment beyond malignant disorders. Minimizing systemic nontargeted conditioning while achieving alloengraftment without global immune suppression is highly desirable. Antibody-drug-conjugates (ADCs) targeting hematopoietic cells can specifically deplete host stem and immune cells and enable alloengraftment. We report an anti-mouse CD45-targeted-ADC (CD45-ADC) that facilitates stable murine multilineage donor cell engraftment. Conditioning with CD45-ADC (3 mg/kg) was effective as a single agent in both congenic and minor-mismatch transplant models resulting in full donor chimerism comparable to lethal total body irradiation (TBI). In an MHC-disparate allo-HSCT model, pretransplant CD45-ADC (3 mg/kg) combined with low-dose TBI (150 cGy) and a short course of costimulatory blockade with anti-CD40 ligand antibody enabled 89% of recipients to achieve stable alloengraftment (mean value: 72%). When CD45-ADC was combined with pretransplant TBI (50 cGy) and posttransplant rapamycin, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), or a JAK inhibitor, 90% to 100% of recipients achieved stable chimerism (mean: 77%, 59%, 78%, respectively). At a higher dose (5 mg/kg), CD45-ADC as a single agent was sufficient for rapid, high-level multilineage chimerism sustained through the 22 weeks observation period. Therefore, CD45-ADC has the potential utility to confer the benefit of fully myeloablative conditioning but with substantially reduced toxicity when given as a single agent or at lower doses in conjunction with reduced-intensity conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Saha
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Megan J Riddle
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Margaret L MacMillan
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - John E Wagner
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Bruce R Blazar
- Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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29
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Mirfakhraie R, Ardakani MT, Hajifathali A, Karami S, Moshari MR, Hassani M, Firouz SM, Roshandel E. Highlighting the interaction between immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells and signaling pathways contribute to Graft Versus Host Disease management. Transpl Immunol 2022; 71:101524. [PMID: 34990789 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) has been increasingly used as a therapeutic approach for hematological malignancies. Several potential strategies have been developed for treating or preventing allo-HSCT complications, specifically graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD could significantly affect the morbidity and mortality of patients after allo-HSCT. Curative treatment and prophylaxis regimens for GVHD could reduce GVHD incidence and improve survival rate. Among these therapeutic strategies, mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) mediated immunomodulation has been explored widely in clinical trials. MSCs immunomodulation ability in GVHD correlates with the interactions of MSCs with innate and adaptive immune cells. However, signaling pathways responsible for MSCs' impact on GVHD regulation, like JAK/STAT, NOTCH, MAPK/ERK, and NFκβ signaling pathways, have not been clearly described yet. This review aims to illuminate the effect of MSCs-mediated immunomodulation in GVHD management after allo-HSCT representing the role of MSCs therapy on signaling pathways in GVHD. Conclusion MSCs could potentially modulate immune responses, prevent GVHD, and improve survival after allo-HSCT. Previous studies have investigated different signaling pathways' contributions to MSCs immunoregulatory ability. Accordingly, targeting signaling pathways components involved in MSCs related GVHD regulation is proven to be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mirfakhraie
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maria Tavakoli Ardakani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Karami
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Moshari
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassani
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Mashayekhi Firouz
- Department of Immunology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Roshandel
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Patel DA, Schroeder MA, Choi J, DiPersio JF. Mouse models of graft-versus-host disease. Methods Cell Biol 2022; 168:41-66. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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31
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Paczesny S. Graft-versus-host disease treatment beyond corticosteroids in newly diagnosed patients? Lancet Haematol 2022; 9:e2-e3. [PMID: 34971578 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(21)00376-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Paczesny
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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32
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Zeiser R, Socié G, Schroeder MA, Abhyankar S, Vaz CP, Kwon M, Clausen J, Volodin L, Giebel S, Chacon MJ, Meyers G, Ghosh M, Deeren D, Sanz J, Morariu-Zamfir R, Arbushites M, Lakshminarayanan M, Barbour AM, Chen YB. Efficacy and safety of itacitinib versus placebo in combination with corticosteroids for initial treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease (GRAVITAS-301): a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, phase 3 trial. Lancet Haematol 2022; 9:e14-e25. [DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(21)00367-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Braun LM, Zeiser R. Kinase Inhibition as Treatment for Acute and Chronic Graft- Versus-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:760199. [PMID: 34868001 PMCID: PMC8635802 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.760199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a potentially curative therapy for patients suffering from hematological malignancies via the donor immune system driven graft-versus-leukemia effect. However, the therapy is mainly limited by severe acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), both being life-threatening complications after allo-HCT. GvHD develops when donor T cells do not only recognize remaining tumor cells as foreign, but also the recipient’s tissue, leading to a severe inflammatory disease. Typical GvHD target organs include the skin, liver and intestinal tract. Currently all approved strategies for GvHD treatment are immunosuppressive therapies, with the first-line therapy being glucocorticoids. However, therapeutic options for glucocorticoid-refractory patients are still limited. Novel therapeutic approaches, which reduce GvHD severity while preserving GvL activity, are urgently needed. Targeting kinase activity with small molecule inhibitors has shown promising results in preclinical animal models and clinical trials. Well-studied kinase targets in GvHD include Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinase 2 (ROCK2), spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) and interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) to control B- and T-cell activation in acute and chronic GvHD. Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) and 2 (JAK2) are among the most intensively studied kinases in GvHD due to their importance in cytokine production and inflammatory cell activation and migration. Here, we discuss the role of kinase inhibition as novel treatment strategies for acute and chronic GvHD after allo-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas M Braun
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS) and Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies (CIBSS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Jiang H, Fu D, Bidgoli A, Paczesny S. T Cell Subsets in Graft Versus Host Disease and Graft Versus Tumor. Front Immunol 2021; 12:761448. [PMID: 34675938 PMCID: PMC8525316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.761448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is an essential therapeutic modality for patients with hematological malignancies and other blood disorders. Unfortunately, acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality following allo-HCT, which limits its use in a broader spectrum of patients. Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) also remains the most common long-term complication of allo-HCT, occurring in reportedly 30-70% of patients surviving more than 100 days. Chronic GVHD is also the leading cause of non-relapse mortality (NRM) occurring more than 2 years after HCT for malignant disease. Graft versus tumor (GVT) is a major component of the overall beneficial effects of allogeneic HCT in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Better understanding of GVHD pathogenesis is important to identify new therapeutic targets for GVHD prevention and therapy. Emerging data suggest opposing roles for different T cell subsets, e.g., IFN-γ producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (Th1 and Tc1), IL-4 producing T cells (Th2 and Tc2), IL-17 producing T cells (Th17 and Tc17), IL-9 producing T cells (Th9 and Tc9), IL-22 producing T cells (Th22), T follicular helper cells (Tfh), regulatory T-cells (Treg) and tissue resident memory T cells (Trm) in GVHD and GVT etiology. In this review, we first summarize the general description of the cytokine signals that promote the differentiation of T cell subsets and the roles of these T cell subsets in the pathogenesis of GVHD. Next, we extensively explore preclinical findings of T cell subsets in both GVHD/GVT animal models and humans. Finally, we address recent findings about the roles of T-cell subsets in clinical GVHD and current strategies to modulate T-cell differentiation for treating and preventing GVHD in patients. Further exploring and outlining the immune biology of T-cell differentiation in GVHD that will provide more therapeutic options for maintaining success of allo-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Denggang Fu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Alan Bidgoli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Sophie Paczesny
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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35
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He H, Yang T, Li F, Zhang L, Ling X. A novel study on the immunomodulatory effect of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with traditional Chinese medicine Asarinin. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 100:108054. [PMID: 34492537 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the key for the treatment of malignant hematological diseases, and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) that might occur after allogenic transplantation can be life threatening and promote disease recurrence. GVHD damages the various parts of the body by upregulating T helper 1 cytokines (Th1) cytokines and stimulating CD4、CD8 + T cells. GVHD can exhibit significant immunoregulatory effects, but could be easily affected by the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) environment, and hence the MSC immunosuppressive effects on GVHD remain unpredictable. Hence, to better understand the role of MSC in the prevention and treatment of GVHD, umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) were pre-treated with Chinese medicine Asarinin and IFN-γ. In the mix lymphocyte reaction, we found that Asarinin pre-treated UC-MSC can exert significantly greater inhibition towards the proliferation of CD4 and CD8 + T cells, down-regulate Th1 type cytokines, up-regulate Th2 type cytokines, and reduce the inflammatory damage to liver, lung and intestine of aGVHD mice model. Moreover, Asarinin can cooperate with IFN-γto promote UC-MSC to secrete indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Our findings establish that Asarinin pre-treated UC-MSC can significantly promote the immunosuppressive effects of MSC on aGVHD after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiping He
- Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Clinical Medical Center, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Hospital, Kunming, China; Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China.
| | - Tonghua Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Clinical Medical Center, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Clinical Medical Center, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Hospital, Kunming, China; Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Clinical Medical Center, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Hospital, Kunming, China; Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaosui Ling
- Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Clinical Medical Center, Kunming, China; Yunnan Blood Disease Hospital, Kunming, China; Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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Hess NJ, Brown ME, Capitini CM. GVHD Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment: Lessons From Humanized Mouse Transplant Models. Front Immunol 2021; 12:723544. [PMID: 34394131 PMCID: PMC8358790 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.723544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is the most common cause of non-relapse mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) despite advances in conditioning regimens, HLA genotyping and immune suppression. While murine studies have yielded important insights into the cellular responses of GVHD, differences between murine and human biology has hindered the translation of novel therapies into the clinic. Recently, the field has expanded the ability to investigate primary human T cell responses through the transplantation of human T cells into immunodeficient mice. These xenogeneic HSCT models benefit from the human T cell receptors, CD4 and CD8 proteins having cross-reactivity to murine MHC in addition to several cytokines and co-stimulatory proteins. This has allowed for the direct assessment of key factors in GVHD pathogenesis to be investigated prior to entering clinical trials. In this review, we will summarize the current state of clinical GVHD research and discuss how xenogeneic HSCT models will aid in advancing the current pipeline of novel GVHD prophylaxis therapies into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Hess
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Matthew E. Brown
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Christian M. Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, United States
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37
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Huarte E, Peel M, Juvekar A, Dubé P, Sarah S, Stephens L, Stewart B, Long B, Czerniak P, Oliver J, Smith P. Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 selective inhibitor, ameliorates acute and chronic steroid-refractory GvHD mouse models. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:977-987. [PMID: 34184542 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a major complication arising in patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Material & methods: We tested ruxolitinib (a selective JAK1/2 inhibitor) efficacy in three different preclinical models of GvHD. Results: Ruxolitinib, at doses that mimic clinically achievable human JAK/signal transducers and activators of transcription target inhibition, significantly reduced alloreactive T-cell activation and infiltration in the lung and skin, leading to improved outcomes in two experimental models of steroid-refractory acute and chronic GvHD. Additionally, we describe a novel humanized GvHD model in which immunodeficient NOG animals are engineered to produce human IL-15 to facilitate enhanced T- and NK cell engraftment, leading to severe GvHD. Conclusion: Ruxolitinib treatment ameliorated disease symptoms resulting from targeted immune modulation via JAK/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Huarte
- Incyte Research Institute, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Michael Peel
- Incyte Research Institute, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Ashish Juvekar
- Incyte Research Institute, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Philip Dubé
- Taconic Biosciences, 1 Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Sarala Sarah
- Taconic Biosciences, 1 Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Lynn Stephens
- Incyte Research Institute, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Becky Stewart
- Incyte Research Institute, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Brian Long
- Incyte Research Institute, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Philip Czerniak
- Incyte Research Institute, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Julian Oliver
- Incyte Research Institute, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Paul Smith
- Incyte Research Institute, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
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38
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Itacitinib prevents xenogeneic GVHD in humanized mice. Bone Marrow Transplant 2021; 56:2672-2681. [PMID: 34172892 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-021-01363-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the impact of the Janus Kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitor itacitinib on xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (xGVHD). XGVHD was induced by i.v. injection 20 × 106 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) in NSG mice on day 0. Itacitinib (3 mg, ≈120 mg/kg) or methylcellulose was administered by force-feeding twice a day from day 3 to day 28. Mice were followed for xGVHD score and survival. In addition, human T-cell engraftment and as well as human T-cell subtypes were monitored in blood on days 14, 21, and 28 after transplantation. We observed that itacitinib-treated mice had significantly longer survival than control mice (median 45 versus 33 days; P < 0.001). Further, they also had lower absolute numbers of human CD4+ T cells on days 21 and 28 after transplantation as well as of human CD8+ T cells on days 14, 21, and 28 after transplantation. In addition, itacitinib-treated mice had higher frequencies of human regulatory T cells (Treg) on days 21 and 28 after transplantation. In summary, our data indicate that itacitinib decreases human T-cell engraftment, increases Treg frequencies and attenuates xGVHD in NSG mice transplanted with hPBMC.
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Amubieya O, Ramsey A, DerHovanessian A, Fishbein GA, Lynch JP, Belperio JA, Weigt SS. Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction: Evolving Concepts and Therapies. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 42:392-410. [PMID: 34030202 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The primary factor that limits long-term survival after lung transplantation is chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). CLAD also impairs quality of life and increases the costs of medical care. Our understanding of CLAD continues to evolve. Consensus definitions of CLAD and the major CLAD phenotypes were recently updated and clarified, but it remains to be seen whether the current definitions will lead to advances in management or impact care. Understanding the potential differences in pathogenesis for each CLAD phenotype may lead to novel therapeutic strategies, including precision medicine. Recognition of CLAD risk factors may lead to earlier interventions to mitigate risk, or to avoid risk factors all together, to prevent the development of CLAD. Unfortunately, currently available therapies for CLAD are usually not effective. However, novel therapeutics aimed at both prevention and treatment are currently under investigation. We provide an overview of the updates to CLAD-related terminology, clinical phenotypes and their diagnosis, natural history, pathogenesis, and potential strategies to treat and prevent CLAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olawale Amubieya
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Allison Ramsey
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ariss DerHovanessian
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gregory A Fishbein
- Department of Pathology, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joseph P Lynch
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - John A Belperio
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - S Samuel Weigt
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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The development of ruxolitinib for glucocorticoid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease. Blood Adv 2021; 4:3789-3794. [PMID: 32780849 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Despite the use of prophylactic immunosuppression including calcineurin inhibitors, antimetabolites, antithymocyte globulin, or posttransplant cyclophosphamide, patients still develop severe aGVHD. In particular, patients with glucocorticoid-refractory GVHD (SR-GVHD) have a dismal prognosis with a low 1-year post-allo-HCT survival rate. Most classical drugs used to prevent or treat aGVHD target 1 specific pathway such as calcineurin inhibitors or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, or they interfere with fast-dividing activated cells (eg, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and cyclophosphamide). In contrast to these drugs, inhibition-of-signaling molecules, used by multiple immune cells and critical for signal transduction of multiple proinflammatory cytokines, could be more efficacious at blocking GVHD. Ruxolitinib blocks Janus kinases 1 and 2, which are required to mediate the downstream signaling of multiple cytokine receptors. Recently, a multicenter phase 3 clinical trial showed that ruxolitinib led to significant improvements in efficacy outcomes compared to best available therapy, which will lead to a paradigm shift in the treatment of SR-GVHD.
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Abstract
Graft-vs. host disease (GVHD), both acute and chronic are among the chief non-relapse complications of allogeneic transplantation which still cause substantial morbidity and mortality despite significant advances in supportive care over the last few decades. The prevention of GVHD therefore remains critical to the success of allogeneic transplantation. In this review we briefly discuss the pathophysiology and immunobiology of GVHD and the current standards in the field which remain centered around calcineurin inhibitors. We then discuss important translational advances in GVHD prophylaxis, approaching these various platforms from a mechanistic standpoint based on the pathophysiology of GVHD including in-vivo and ex-vivo T-cell depletion alongwith methods of selective T-cell depletion, modulation of T-cell co-stimulatory pathways (checkpoints), enhancing regulatory T-cells (Tregs), targeting T-cell trafficking as well as cytokine pathways. Finally we highlight exciting novel pre-clinical research that has the potential to translate to the clinic successfully. We approach these methods from a pathophysiology based perspective as well and touch upon strategies targeting the interaction between tissue damage induced antigens and T-cells, regimen related endothelial toxicity, T-cell co-stimulatory pathways and other T-cell modulatory approaches, T-cell trafficking, and cytokine pathways. We end this review with a critical discussion of existing data and novel therapies that may be transformative in the field in the near future as a comprehensive picture of GVHD prophylaxis in 2020. While calcineurin inhibitors remain the standard, post-transplant eparinsphamide originally developed to facilitate haploidentical transplantation is becoming an attractive alternative to traditional calcinuerin inhibitor based prophylaxis due to its ability to reduce severe forms of acute and chronic GVHD without compromising other outcomes, even in the HLA-matched setting. In addition T-cell modulation, particularly targeting some important T-cell co-stimulatory pathways have resulted in promising outcomes and may be a part of GVHD prophylaxis in the future. Novel approaches including targeting early events in GVHD pathogenesis such as interactions bvetween tissue damage associated antigens and T-cells, endothelial toxicity, and T-cell trafficking are also promising and discussed in this review. GVHD prophylaxis in 2020 continues to evolve with novel exicitng therapies on the horizon based on a more sophisticated understanding of the immunobiology of GVHD.
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Ryu DB, Lim JY, Kim TW, Shin S, Lee SE, Park G, Min CK. Preclinical evaluation of JAK1/2 inhibition by ruxolitinib in a murine model of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Exp Hematol 2021; 98:36-46.e2. [PMID: 33811972 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the therapeutic effect of ruxolitinib, an orally administered selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor, on chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) using a murine model of sclerodermatous GVHD (scl-GVHD). Compared with scl-GVHD controls, ruxolitinib-treated recipients had scl-GVHD of significantly attenuated clinical and pathological severity in the skin and decreased frequencies of effector cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD11b+ macrophage/monocytes. Regulatory CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells were expanded whereas interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing CD4+ T cells were significantly decreased in ruxolitinib-treated recipients. Ruxolitinib suppressed not only the production of IFN-γ from CD4+ T cells and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) from CD11b+ macrophage/monocytes, but also the proliferation of these cells in vitro. Levels of both cytokines (IFN-γ and MCP-1) were also reduced in the spleen and skin of ruxolitinib-treated recipients in vivo. IFN-γ-induced MCP-1 production and migration of RAW 264.7 cells, a macrophage cell line, were inhibited by ruxolitinib. However, supplementation with MCP-1 restored this effect of ruxolitinib. In addition, blocking JAK-STAT signaling using ruxolitinib reduced the activation of STAT1 in stimulated immune effector cells. Taken together, these results suggest that ruxolitinib can prevent scl-GVHD by suppressing IFN-γ produced by T cells and MCP-1 expression in macrophage/monocytes via inhibition of JAK-STAT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Bin Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Young Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Woo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seoho Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyeongsin Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang-Ki Min
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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43
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Ruxolitinib for the treatment of chronic GVHD and overlap syndrome in children and young adults. Transplantation 2021; 106:412-419. [PMID: 33795598 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, is used to treat chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) in adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients, but experience in children is limited, perhaps due to lack of pediatric dosing information. In this report we describe our pediatric and young adult dosing strategy experience in cGVHD. METHODS Ruxolitinib was administered orally at 5mg twice daily for children ≥25kg or 2.5mg twice daily if <25kg. The dose was halved with concurrent azole administration and increased to a maximum of 10mg twice daily if tolerated. Responses were evaluated using the 2014 NIH consensus criteria. Phosphorylation of lymphocyte STAT5 following dosing, a surrogate of JAK inhibition, was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Twenty patients with a median age 14.6 years (range 5-26 years) received ruxolitinib for severe (n=9) and moderate (n=11) cGVHD. Median steroid dose was 0.5mg/kg/day (range 0.08-1.5mg/kg/day) at ruxolitinib initiation. Two patients with moderate cGVHD achieved a complete response (CR), while 12 patients achieved a partial response (PR) at a median of 48 days (range 17-98 days) from first ruxolitinib dose, for an overall response rate of 70%. Eleven patients are maintaining their PRs. pSTAT5 on lymphocytes was absent or decreased (0-6% events) in 5 evaluated patients, suggesting adequate inhibition. Three patients discontinued ruxolitinib due to neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or elevated alanine aminotransferase. Four patients developed bacterial infections, and three experienced symptomatic viral infections. Two patients died from complications related to progressive severe cGVHD. CONCLUSION Ruxolitinib using our dosing strategy demonstrates promise for treating cGVHD in children.Supplemental Visual Abstract; http://links.lww.com/TP/C202.
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An intestinal organoid-based platform that recreates susceptibility to T-cell-mediated tissue injury. Blood 2021; 135:2388-2401. [PMID: 32232483 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A goal in precision medicine is to use patient-derived material to predict disease course and intervention outcomes. Here, we use mechanistic observations in a preclinical animal model to design an ex vivo platform that recreates genetic susceptibility to T-cell-mediated damage. Intestinal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. We found that intestinal GVHD in mice deficient in Atg16L1, an autophagy gene that is polymorphic in humans, is reversed by inhibiting necroptosis. We further show that cocultured allogeneic T cells kill Atg16L1-mutant intestinal organoids from mice, which was associated with an aberrant epithelial interferon signature. Using this information, we demonstrate that pharmacologically inhibiting necroptosis or interferon signaling protects human organoids derived from individuals harboring a common ATG16L1 variant from allogeneic T-cell attack. Our study provides a roadmap for applying findings in animal models to individualized therapy that targets affected tissues.
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Wu H, Shi J, Luo Y, Tan Y, Zhang M, Lai X, Yu J, Liu L, Fu H, Huang H, Zhao Y. Evaluation of Ruxolitinib for Steroid-Refractory Chronic Graft-vs-Host Disease After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2034750. [PMID: 33502484 PMCID: PMC7841467 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.34750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Ruxolitinib, a selective inhibitor of the Janus kinases 1/2 signaling pathway, has shown a significant response in steroid-refractory chronic graft-vs-host disease (SR-cGVHD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). OBJECTIVES To investigate the clinical response to ruxolitinib in patients with SR-cGVHD after allogeneic HSCT and to evaluate its safety profile during the treatment course. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This single-center case series included 41 consecutive patients who were treated with ruxolitinib for SR-cGVHD after allogeneic HSCT between August 2017 and December 2019. Data were collected from each patient's medical record at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Data analysis was conducted from March to May 2020. EXPOSURE Ruxolitinib. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Treatment responses, factors associated with response, and adverse effects during ruxolitinib administration. FINDINGS Overall, 41 patients (median [range] age, 31 [17-56] years; 14 [34.1%] women) were treated with ruxolitinib and included in this study. A total of 15 patients (36.6%) had a complete remission, and 14 (34.1%) had a partial remission, with an overall response rate of 70.7% (29 patients; 95% CI, 56.2%-85.3%). Lung involvement (odds ratio, 0.112; 95% CI, 0.020-0.639; P = .01) and matched related donors (odds ratio, 0.149; 95% CI, 0.022-0.981; P = .048) were associated with less favorable treatment response. Major adverse events associated with ruxolitinib were cytopenias and infectious complications. The median (range) follow-up for this cohort was 14.9 (1.4-32.5) months. Prolonged survival was observed in patients with a male donor (P = .006), complete remission before transplantation (P = .02), baseline moderate cGVHD (P = .02), and skin cGVHD (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this small, single-site case series, ruxolitinib demonstrated a significant response in heavily pretreated patients with SR-cGVHD and a reasonably well-tolerated safety profile. The results add to the body of literature suggesting ruxolitinib as a promising treatment option in SR-cGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengwei Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jimin Shi
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Luo
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yamin Tan
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Lai
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Yu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lizhen Liu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huarui Fu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanmin Zhao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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Wölfl M, Qayed M, Benitez Carabante MI, Sykora T, Bonig H, Lawitschka A, Diaz-de-Heredia C. Current Prophylaxis and Treatment Approaches for Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:784377. [PMID: 35071133 PMCID: PMC8771910 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.784377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, higher event-free survival (EFS) was observed in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and grade II aGvHD vs. patients with no or grade I GvHD in the randomised, controlled, open-label, international, multicentre Phase III For Omitting Radiation Under Majority age (FORUM) trial. This finding suggests that moderate-severity aGvHD is associated with a graft-versus-leukaemia effect which protects against leukaemia recurrence. In order to optimise the benefits of HSCT for leukaemia patients, reduction of non-relapse mortality-which is predominantly caused by severe GvHD-is of utmost importance. Herein, we review contemporary prophylaxis and treatment options for aGvHD in children with ALL and the key challenges of aGvHD management, focusing on maintaining the graft-versus-leukaemia effect without increasing the severity of GvHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wölfl
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Muna Qayed
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Maria Isabel Benitez Carabante
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomas Sykora
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, Comenius University Children's Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Halvard Bonig
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Red Cross Blood Service BaWüHe, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anita Lawitschka
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Anna Kinderspital and Children's Cancer Research Institute, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cristina Diaz-de-Heredia
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
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Ruxolitinib for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute GVHD (REACH1): a multicenter, open-label phase 2 trial. Blood 2020; 135:1739-1749. [PMID: 32160294 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020004823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients who develop steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation have poor prognosis, highlighting an unmet therapeutic need. In this open-label phase 2 study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02953678), patients aged at least 12 years with grades II to IV steroid-refractory aGVHD were eligible to receive ruxolitinib orally, starting at 5 mg twice daily plus corticosteroids, until treatment failure, unacceptable toxicity, or death. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR) at day 28; the key secondary end point was duration of response (DOR) at 6 months. As of 2 July 2018, 71 patients received at least 1 dose of ruxolitinib. Forty-eight of those patients (67.6%) had grade III/IV aGVHD at enrollment. At day 28, 39 patients (54.9%; 95% confidence interval, 42.7%-66.8%) had an overall response, including 19 (26.8%) with complete responses. Best ORR at any time was 73.2% (complete response, 56.3%). Responses were observed across skin (61.1%), upper (45.5%) and lower (46.0%) gastrointestinal tract, and liver (26.7%). Median DOR was 345 days. Overall survival estimate at 6 months was 51.0%. At day 28, 24 (55.8%) of 43 patients receiving ruxolitinib and corticosteroids had a 50% or greater corticosteroid dose reduction from baseline. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were anemia (64.8%), thrombocytopenia (62.0%), hypokalemia (49.3%), neutropenia (47.9%), and peripheral edema (45.1%). Ruxolitinib produced durable responses and encouraging survival compared with historical data in patients with steroid-refractory aGVHD who otherwise have dismal outcomes. The safety profile was consistent with expectations for ruxolitinib and this patient population.
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Zhao JY, Liu SN, Xu LP, Zhang XH, Wang Y, Chen YH, Liu KY, Huang XJ, Mo XD. Ruxolitinib is an effective salvage treatment for multidrug-resistant graft-versus-host disease after haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation without posttransplant cyclophosphamide. Ann Hematol 2020; 100:169-180. [PMID: 33159239 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-020-04273-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of our study is to identify the efficacy of ruxolitinib in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) recipients with multidrug-resistant (MDR)-graft-versus-host disease (GVHD, n = 34). MDR-GVHD was defined as GVHD showing no improvement after at least 3 types of treatments. The median number of previous GVHD-therapies was 4 for both MDR-acute GVHD (aGVHD) and MDR-chronic GVHD (cGVHD). For MDR-aGVHD (n = 15), the median time to response was 10 days (range 2 to 65), and the overall response rate (ORR) was 60.0% (9/15), including 40.0% (6/15) complete response (CR) and 20.0% (3/15) partial response (PR). The 1-year probability of overall survival after ruxolitinib was 66.7%. The rates of hematologic and infectious toxicities were 73.3% and 46.7% after ruxolitinib treatment. For MDR-cGVHD (n = 19), the median time to response was 29 days (range 6 to 175), and the ORR was 89.5% (17/19), including 26.3% (5/19) CR and 63.2% (12/19) PR. All patients remained alive until our last follow-up. The rates of hematologic and infectious toxicities were 36.8% and 47.4% after ruxolitinib treatment. Ruxolitinib is an effective salvage treatment for MDR-GVHD in haplo-HSCT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Yu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Department of Hematology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Si-Ning Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Ping Xu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 2019RU029, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Hong Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Kai-Yan Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 2019RU029, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Mo
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China. .,Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 2019RU029, China.
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Resolution of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis after treatment with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. Blood Adv 2020; 3:4131-4135. [PMID: 31821455 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Points
Ruxolitinib was an effective salvage therapy for relapsed/refractory secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Prolonged maintenance with a ruxolitinib taper obviated the need for intensive chemotherapy or allogeneic transplant in secondary HLH.
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50
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Covington M, He X, Scuron M, Li J, Collins R, Juvekar A, Shin N, Favata M, Gallagher K, Sarah S, Xue CB, Peel M, Burke K, Oliver J, Fay B, Yao W, Huang T, Scherle P, Diamond S, Newton R, Zhang Y, Smith P. Preclinical characterization of itacitinib (INCB039110), a novel selective inhibitor of JAK1, for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 885:173505. [PMID: 32861662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological modulation of the Janus kinase (JAK) family has achieved clinically meaningful therapeutic outcomes for the treatment of inflammatory and hematopoietic diseases. Several JAK1 selective compounds are being investigated clinically to determine their anti-inflammatory potential. We used recombinant enzymes and primary human lymphocytes to assess the JAK1 specificity of itacitinib (INCB039110) and study inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling. Rodent models of arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease were subsequently explored to elucidate the efficacy of orally administered itacitinib on inflammatory pathogenesis. Itacitinib is a potent and selective JAK1 inhibitor when profiled against the other JAK family members. Upon oral administration in rodents, itacitinib achieved dose-dependent pharmacokinetic exposures that highly correlated with STAT3 pharmacodynamic pathway inhibition. Itacitinib ameliorated symptoms and pathology of established experimentally-induced arthritis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, itacitinib effectively delayed disease onset, reduced symptom severity, and accelerated recovery in three distinct mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease. Low dose itacitinib administered via cannula directly into the colon was highly efficacious in TNBS-induced colitis but with minimal systemic drug exposure, suggesting localized JAK1 inhibition is sufficient for disease amelioration. Itacitinib treatment in an acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) model rapidly reduced inflammatory markers within lymphocytes and target tissue, resulting in a marked improvement in disease symptoms. This is the first manuscript describing itacitinib as a potent and selective JAK1 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory activity across multiple preclinical disease models. These data support the scientific rationale for ongoing clinical trials studying itacitinib in select GvHD patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin He
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | - Jun Li
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | | | - Niu Shin
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | | | - Sarala Sarah
- Taconic Biosciences Incorporated, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yan Zhang
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Paul Smith
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA.
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