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Cuvelier GDE, Li A, Drissler S, Kariminia A, Abdossamadi S, Rozmus J, Chanoine JP, Ng B, Mostafavi S, Brinkman RR, Schultz KR. "Age Related Differences in the Biology of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation". Front Immunol 2020; 11:571884. [PMID: 33193355 PMCID: PMC7641628 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.571884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is established that pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients have a lower rate of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) compared to adults. Our group has previously published immune profiles changes associated with cGvHD of clinically well-defined adult and pediatric HSCT cohorts. Since all analyses were performed by the same research group and analyzed using identical methodology, we first compared our previous immune profile analyses between adults and children. We then performed additional analyses comparing the T cell populations across age groups, and a sub-analysis of the impact of the estimated pubertal status at time of HSCT in our pediatric cohort. In all analyses, we corrected for clinical covariates including total body irradiation and time of onset of cGvHD. Three consistent findings were seen in both children and adults, including elevations of ST2 and naive helper T (Th) cells and depression of NKreg cells. However, significant differences exist between children and adults in certain cytokines, B cell, and Treg populations. In children, we saw a broad suppression of newly formed B (NF-B) cells, whereas adults exhibited an increase in T1-CD21lo B cells and a decrease in T1-CD24hiCD38hi B cells. Prepubertal children had elevations of aminopeptidase N (sCD13) and ICAM-1. Treg abnormalities in children appeared to be primarily in memory Treg cells, whereas in adults the abnormalities were in naïve Treg cells. In adults, the loss of PD1 expression in naïve Treg and naïve Th cells was associated with cGvHD. We discuss the possible mechanisms for these age-related differences, and how they might theoretically impact on different therapeutic approaches to cGvHD between children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff D. E. Cuvelier
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Amanda Li
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sibyl Drissler
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Department of Medical Genetics UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amina Kariminia
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sayeh Abdossamadi
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jacob Rozmus
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Chanoine
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bernard Ng
- Department of Statistics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Department of Statistics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan R. Brinkman
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Department of Medical Genetics UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kirk R. Schultz
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Whangbo JS, Antin JH, Koreth J. The role of regulatory T cells in graft-versus-host disease management. Expert Rev Hematol 2020; 13:141-154. [PMID: 31874061 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2020.1709436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite improvements in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching algorithms and supportive care, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains the leading cause of non-relapse morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Acute GVHD, typically occurring in the first 100 days post-HSCT, is mediated by mature effector T cells from the donor (graft) that become activated after encountering alloantigens in the recipient (host). Chronic GVHD, characterized by aberrant immune responses to both autoantigens and alloantigens, occurs later and arises from a failure to develop tolerance after HSCT. CD4+ CD25+ CD127- FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) function to suppress auto- and alloreactive immune responses and are key mediators of immune tolerance.Areas covered: In this review, authors discuss the biologic and therapeutic roles of Tregs in acute and chronic GVHD, including in vivo and ex vivo strategies for Treg expansion and adoptive Treg cellular therapy.Expert opinion: Although they comprise only a small subset of circulating CD4 + T cells, Tregs play an important role in establishing and maintaining immune tolerance following allogeneic HSCT. The development of GVHD has been associated with reduced Treg frequency or numbers. Consequently, the immunosuppressive properties of Tregs are being harnessed in clinical trials for GVHD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Whangbo
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph H Antin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Koreth
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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The case for plerixafor to replace filgrastim as the optimal agent to mobilize peripheral blood donors for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Exp Hematol 2018; 70:1-9. [PMID: 30428338 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-stimulated peripheral blood progenitor cells (G-PBs) from either a related or unrelated donor continue to be the preferred donor source for most allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Recently, the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation has recommended marrow instead of G-PBs as an unrelated graft source due to its lower rate of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). However, the use of marrow is limited by both clinical considerations (slower rate of engraftment and increased donor morbidity) and logistical considerations (use of operating room resources and increased physician utilization), so this recommendation has not been widely adopted. An optimal donor source would include the rapid engraftment characteristic and the low donor morbidity associated with G-PBs and a rate of cGVHD similar to or lower than that of marrow. Recent data suggest that plerixafor mobilized PBs (P-PBs) have the rapid engraftment characteristics of G-PBs in allogeneic HCT with less cGVHD. The biologic mechanism of the lower rate of cGVHD appears to be through mobilization of regulator natural killer cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors that are associated with lower acute and chronic GVHD compared with G-PBs and rapid engraftment characterized by rapid myeloid-repopulating capacity. We suggest that, based on the experience of the two Phase II clinical trials and the unique biology of plerixafor-mobilized donor product, it should be evaluated in Phase III trials as an approach to replacing G-CSF mobilization for allogeneic HCT.
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Lu Z, Xu N, Zhou X, Gao G, Li L, Huang J, Li Y, Lu Q, He B, Pan C, Liu X. Therapeutic immune monitoring of CD4 +CD25 + T cells in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:1363-1372. [PMID: 28808483 PMCID: PMC5542035 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib, are effective forms of therapy for various types of solid cancers and Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia. A number of TKIs have been known to have strong effects on T cells, particularly cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+CD25+ T cells, also known as regulatory T cells (Tregs). There is currently a deficit in the available clinical data regarding this area of study. In the present study, a total of 108 peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) at diagnosis (n=31), and at 3 and 6 months following treatment with TKI [imatinib (n=12), dasatinib (n=11) and nilotinib groups (n=8)] and healthy controls (n=15). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from the patients prior to and following TKI treatment. The subtype and number of T lymphocytes in patients and healthy donors were analyzed using flow cytometry. Additionally, flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect the proliferation and suppression of Tregs. Expression of cytokines and other molecules [forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4)] were also analyzed at 3 and 6 months following treatment with TKIs. It was indicated that, at diagnosis, a similar number of lymphocytes were detected in patients and control. However, following treatment with a TKI, the number of total T cells, Tregs, CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells decreased to various degrees in patients. Furthermore, the decrease in the number of Tregs was more significant with time. Although treatment with imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib demonstrated similar inhibitory effects on the quantity of Tregs in vivo, the TKIs exhibited differential effects on the function of Tregs in vitro. Proliferation, suppression and expression of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β] and molecules (FOXP3, GITR and CTLA-4) decreased significantly in treatment groups with imatinib and dasatinib. The decrease was not significant in the nilotinib treatment group. Imatinib and dasatinib may exert more marked inhibitory roles compared with nilotinib on regulating the number and function of Tregs. These results suggest that personalized treatment and follow-up of CML patients during TKI treatment, particularly for those who received post-transplant TKI treatment may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyuan Lu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Na Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Guanlun Gao
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jixian Huang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yuling Li
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Qisi Lu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Bolin He
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Chengyun Pan
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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5
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Cooke KR, Luznik L, Sarantopoulos S, Hakim FT, Jagasia M, Fowler DH, van den Brink MRM, Hansen JA, Parkman R, Miklos DB, Martin PJ, Paczesny S, Vogelsang G, Pavletic S, Ritz J, Schultz KR, Blazar BR. The Biology of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease: A Task Force Report from the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Project on Criteria for Clinical Trials in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2017; 23:211-234. [PMID: 27713092 PMCID: PMC6020045 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2016.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the leading cause of late, nonrelapse mortality and disability in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients and a major obstacle to improving outcomes. The biology of chronic GVHD remains enigmatic, but understanding the underpinnings of the immunologic mechanisms responsible for the initiation and progression of disease is fundamental to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. The goals of this task force review are as follows: This document is intended as a review of our understanding of chronic GVHD biology and therapies resulting from preclinical studies, and as a platform for developing innovative clinical strategies to prevent and treat chronic GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Cooke
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Leo Luznik
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stefanie Sarantopoulos
- Division of Hematological Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology and Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Frances T Hakim
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Madan Jagasia
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Daniel H Fowler
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marcel R M van den Brink
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - John A Hansen
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Robertson Parkman
- Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - David B Miklos
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Paul J Martin
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sophie Paczesny
- Departments of Pediatrics and Immunology, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Georgia Vogelsang
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Steven Pavletic
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jerome Ritz
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kirk R Schultz
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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6
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Greinix HT, Kuzmina Z, Weigl R, Körmoczi U, Rottal A, Wolff D, Kralj M, Kalhs P, Mitterbauer M, Rabitsch W, Edinger M, Holler E, Pickl WF. CD19+CD21low B cells and CD4+CD45RA+CD31+ T cells correlate with first diagnosis of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2014; 21:250-8. [PMID: 25460358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a serious and frequent complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Currently, no biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of cGVHD are available. We performed a large prospective study focusing on noninvasive biomarkers for National Institutes of Health-defined cGVHD patients (n = 163) in comparison to time-matched HCT recipients who never experienced cGVHD (n = 64), analyzed from day 100 after HCT. In logistic regression analysis, CD19(+)CD21(low) B cells (P = .002; hazard ratio [HR], 3.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53 to 7.17) and CD4(+)CD45RA(+)CD31(+) T cells (P < .001; HR, 3.88; 95% CI, 1.88 to 7.99) assessed on day 100 after HCT were significantly associated with subsequent development of cGVHD, independent of clinical parameters. A significant association with diagnosis of cGVHD was only observed for CD19(+)CD21(low) B cells (P = .008; HR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.33 to 6.75) and CD4(+)CD45RA(+)CD31(+) T cells (P = .017; HR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.19 to 6.55). CD19(+)CD21(low) B cells were found to have the highest discriminatory value with an area under the receiver operating curve of .77 (95% CI, .64 to .90). Our results demonstrate that CD19(+)CD21(low) B cells and CD4(+)CD45RA(+)CD31(+) T cells are significantly elevated in patients with newly diagnosed cGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard T Greinix
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Zoya Kuzmina
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roman Weigl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Körmoczi
- Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arno Rottal
- Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Wolff
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mateja Kralj
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Kalhs
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margit Mitterbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Rabitsch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Edinger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ernst Holler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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7
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Filippini P, Rutella S. Recent advances on cellular therapies and immune modulators for graft-versus-host disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 10:1357-74. [PMID: 25196777 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2014.955475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is counterbalanced by the occurrence of life-threatening immune-mediated complications, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a multistep disease which is reportedly fatal to approximately 15% of transplant recipients. It is now established that T-cell-dendritic cell interactions, T-cell activation, release of proinflammatory cytokines and T-cell trafficking partake in GVHD pathogenesis. This article will focus on the most recent strategies aimed at preventing/treating GVHD by manipulating components of the innate and adaptive immune response from both the donor and the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Filippini
- Department of Systems Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
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8
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Baum CE, Mierzejewska B, Schroder PM, Khattar M, Stepkowski S. Optimizing the use of regulatory T cells in allotransplantation: recent advances and future perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 9:1303-14. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2013.849573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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9
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Podgorny PJ, Liu Y, Dharmani-Khan P, Pratt LM, Jamani K, Luider J, Auer-Grzesiak I, Mansoor A, Williamson TS, Ugarte-Torres A, Hoegh-Petersen M, Stewart DA, Daly A, Khan FM, Russell JA, Storek J. Immune cell subset counts associated with graft-versus-host disease. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2014; 20:450-62. [PMID: 24406506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major transplantation complication. The purpose of this study was to measure immune cell subsets by flow cytometry early after transplantation (before median day of GVHD onset) to identify subsets that may play a role in GVHD pathogenesis. We also measured the subsets later after transplantation to determine which subsets may be influenced by GVHD or its treatment. We studied 219 patients. We found that acute GVHD (aGVHD) was preceded by high counts of CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells. It was followed by low counts of total and naive B cells, total and cytolytic NK cells, and myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was preceded by low counts of memory B cells. In conclusion, both CD4 and CD8 T cells appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of aGVHD. Generation of B cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells may be hampered by aGVHD and/or its treatment. Memory B cells may inhibit the development of cGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Podgorny
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Yiping Liu
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Poonam Dharmani-Khan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laura M Pratt
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kareem Jamani
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joanne Luider
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Iwona Auer-Grzesiak
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Adnan Mansoor
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tyler S Williamson
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alejandra Ugarte-Torres
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mette Hoegh-Petersen
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Douglas A Stewart
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew Daly
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Faisal M Khan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - James A Russell
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jan Storek
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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10
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Duggleby RC, Madrigal JA. Methods of detection of immune reconstitution and T regulatory cells by flow cytometry. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1109:159-86. [PMID: 24473784 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9437-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell therapy (HSCT) remains one of the few curative treatments for high-risk hematological malignancies (high-risk leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, advanced myeloproliferative disorders, high-risk lymphomas, and multiple myeloma) and is currently applied in more than 15,000 patients per year in Europe. Following HSCT, patients experience a period of reconstitution of the immune system, which seems to be highly dependent on conditioning, immunosuppression regimes, and the level of adverse events the patients experience. During this reconstitution period, the patient is immune compromised and susceptible to opportunistic infections and disease relapse. Consequently, a large number of clinical studies have been devoted to monitoring the recovery of the immune system following HSCT in the hopes of determining which cellular subsets are indicative of a favorable outcome. In this chapter we review the methods that have been employed to monitor the immune reconstitution and what clinical observations have been made. Of particular interest is the regulatory T cell (Treg) subset, which has been associated with tolerance and has been the subject of recent clinical trials as a possible cellular therapy for rejection reactions. Finally we will detail a proposed methodology for the flow cytometric assessment of cellular reconstitution post-HSCT.
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11
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Yu Y, Wang D, Kaosaard K, Liu C, Fu J, Haarberg K, Anasetti C, Beg AA, Yu XZ. c-Rel is an essential transcription factor for the development of acute graft-versus-host disease in mice. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:2327-37. [PMID: 23716202 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201243282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors of the Rel/NF-κB family are known to play different roles in immunity and inflammation, although the putative role of c-Rel in transplant tolerance and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains elusive. We report here that T cells deficient for c-Rel have a dramatically reduced ability to cause acute GVHD after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation using major and minor histocompatibility mismatched murine models. In the study to understand the underlying mechanisms, we found that c-Rel(-/-) T cells had a reduced ability to expand in lymphoid organs and to infiltrate in GVHD target organs in allogeneic recipients. c-Rel(-/-) T cells were defective in the differentiation into Th1 cells after encountering alloantigens, but were enhanced in the differentiation toward Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells. Furthermore, c-Rel(-/-) T cells had largely preserved activity to mediate graft-versus-leukemia response. Taken together, our findings indicate that c-Rel plays an essential role in T cells in the induction of acute GVHD, and suggest that c-Rel can be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yu
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA; Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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12
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Biomarkery choroby przeszczep-przeciw-gospodarzowi – współczesny stan wiedzy i nadzieje na przyszłość. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.achaem.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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13
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Horch M, Nguyen VH. Regulatory T-cell immunotherapy for allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Ther Adv Hematol 2013; 3:29-44. [PMID: 23556110 DOI: 10.1177/2040620711422266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
From mouse studies to recently published clinical trials, evidence has accumulated on the potential use of regulatory T cells (Treg) in preventing and treating graft-versus-host disease following hematopoietic-cell transplantation (HCT). However, controversies remain as to the phenotype and stability of various Treg subsets and their respective roles in vivo, the requirement of antigen-specificity of Treg to reduce promiscuous suppression, and the molecular mechanisms by which Treg suppress, particularly in humans. In this review, we discuss recent findings that support a heterogeneous population of human Treg, address advances in understanding how Treg function in the context of HCT, and present data on recent clinical trials that highlight the feasibility and limitations on Treg immunotherapy for graft-versus-host disease.
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Fujioka T, Tamaki H, Ikegame K, Yoshihara S, Taniguchi K, Kaida K, Kato R, Inoue T, Nakata J, Ishii S, Soma T, Okada M, Ogawa H. Frequency of CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells at early stages after HLA-mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic SCT predicts the incidence of acute GVHD. Bone Marrow Transplant 2012; 48:859-64. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2012.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Fozza C, Dazzi F. Regulatory T cells in stem cell transplantation: Main characters or walk-on actors? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2012; 84:18-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Successful immune reconstitution is important for decreasing posthematopoietic cell transplant (post-HCT) infections, relapse, and secondary malignancy, without increasing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Here we review how different parts of the immune system recover, and the relationship between recovery and clinical outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Innate immunity (e.g., neutrophils, natural killer cells) recovers within weeks, whereas adaptive immunity (B and T cells) recovers within months to years. This has been known for years; however, more recently, the pattern of recovery of additional immune cell subsets has been described. The role of these subsets in transplant complications like infections, GVHD and relapse is becoming increasingly recognized, as gleaned from studies of the association between subset counts or function and complications/outcomes, and from studies depleting or adoptively transferring various subsets. SUMMARY Lessons learned from observational studies on immune reconstitution are leading to new strategies to prevent or treat posttransplant infections. Additional knowledge is needed to develop effective strategies to prevent or treat relapse, second malignancies and GVHD.
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Impaired regulatory T cell reconstitution in patients with acute graft-versus-host disease and cytomegalovirus infection after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Int J Hematol 2011; 95:86-94. [PMID: 22160825 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-011-0976-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate the correlation between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) or cytomegalovirus infection following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT), we evaluated either CD4⁺CD25(high) or FOXP3⁺ Treg-enriched cells in peripheral blood (PB) from 20 patients who received allo-BMT, and in biopsies of skin with aGVHD. Proportions of CD4⁺CD25(high)FOXP3⁺ cells in total lymphocytes, but not other types of T cells, were lower in patients who eventually developed grades II-IV aGVHD (n = 13) than in others (n = 7, P < 0.001). Proportions of CD62L⁺ cells in CD4⁺CD25(high) cells at day +30 were lower (P < 0.01) in patients who eventually showed cytomegalovirus viremia (n = 6) than in others (n = 14). Incidence of aGVHD (P < 0.05) or cytomegalovirus viremia (P < 0.05) was higher in patients without these complications, but with lower proportions of PB CD4⁺CD25(high)FOXP3⁺ cells at day +30 (n = 8) than in others (n = 8). However, in skin with aGVHD (n = 5), there was marked or slightly increased infiltration of CD8⁺ cells (P < 0.001) or CD3⁺FOXP3⁺ cells (P < 0.05), respectively, when compared with control (n = 5), resulting in threefold higher ratio of CD8⁺/CD3⁺FOXP3⁺ cells in aGVHD relative to controls (P < 0.05). Thus, impaired reconstitution of Tregs may be associated with aGVHD and CMV infection. Moreover, imbalance of Tregs and CD8⁺ cells may play a role in aGVHD tissue.
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Roncarolo MG, Gregori S, Lucarelli B, Ciceri F, Bacchetta R. Clinical tolerance in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Immunol Rev 2011; 241:145-63. [PMID: 21488896 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2011.01010.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been a curative therapeutic option for a wide range of immune hematologic malignant and non-malignant disorders including genetic diseases and inborn errors. Once in the host, allogeneic transplanted cells have not only to ensure myeloid repopulation and immunological reconstitution but also to acquire tolerance to host human leukocyte antigens via central or peripheral mechanisms. Peripheral tolerance after allogeneic HSCT depends on several regulatory mechanisms aimed at blocking alloimmune reactivity while preserving immune responses to pathogens and tumor antigens. Patients transplanted with HSCT represent an ideal model system in humans to identify and characterize the key cellular and molecular players underlying these mechanisms. The knowledge gained from these studies has allowed the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at inducing long-term peripheral tolerance, which can be applicable not only in allogeneic HSCT but also in autoimmune diseases and solid-organ transplantation. In the present review, we describe Type 1 regulatory T cells, initially discovered and characterized in chimeric patients transplanted with human leukocyte antigen-mismatched HSCT, and how their presence correlates to tolerance induction and maintenance. Furthermore, we summarize different cell therapy approaches with regulatory T cells, designed to facilitate tolerance induction, minimizing pharmaceutical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Grazia Roncarolo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (HSR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD ) is a leading cause of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation-related mortality and morbidity. It is an immune-mediated disorder that can target almost any organ in the body, often with devastating consequences. The immune-suppressive medications currently used to treat it are equally toxic and are often not very effective. At this time, our understanding of its pathophysiology is limited. The discovery of potential biomarkers offers new possibilities in the clinical management of cGVHD. They could potentially be used for diagnosing cGVHD, for predicting or evaluating response to therapy and for unique insights into the pathophysiology underlying the clinical manifestations of cGVHD. Understanding the biological origins of these biomarkers can help us construct a more comprehensive and clinically relevant model for the pathogenesis of this disease. In this article, we review existing evidence for candidate biomarkers that have been identified in the framework of how they may contribute to the pathophysiology of cGVHD. Issues regarding the discovery and application of biomarkers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Rozmus
- Division of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children’s Hospital/University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kirk R Schultz
- Division of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children’s Hospital/University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Rozmus J, Schultz KR, Wynne K, Kariminia A, Satyanarayana P, Krailo M, Grupp SA, Gilman AL, Goldman FD. Early and late extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease in children is characterized by different Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles: findings of the Children's Oncology Group Study ASCT0031. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2011; 17:1804-13. [PMID: 21669298 PMCID: PMC3190042 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Numerous mechanisms underlie chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), including skewing of Th1/Th2 cytokine expression. There are biological differences between early-onset and late-onset cGVHD. To test whether different Th1/Th2 cytokines are associated with early- or late-onset cGVHD, peripheral blood was collected from 63 children enrolled on the Children's Oncology Group Phase III trial ASCT0031 evaluating hydroxychloroquine therapy for newly diagnosed extensive cGVHD. mRNA expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-2, -4, and -10 from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Early-onset cGVHD (n = 33) was characterized by decreased expression of IFN-γ and IL-2 mRNA after nonspecific phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-ionomycin stimulation. In contrast, late-onset cGVHD (n = 11) was characterized by decreased expression of IL-4 and IL-2 mRNA after anti-CD3 stimulation of T cells. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that IFN-γ expression was correlated with the absence of early cGVHD (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.77) and that IL-4 (AUC = 0.89) and IL-2 (AUC = 0.84) expression was correlated with the absence of late cGVHD. There was no correlation between cytokine expression and a specific immune cell subset. Increased expression of Foxp3 mRNA was seen in early-onset cGVHD and late controls. The different time-dependent cytokine profiles in patients with newly diagnosed cGVHD suggests that the mechanisms underlying cGVHD are temporally regulated. Although larger validation studies are needed, our data suggest that cytokine profiles have a potential use as biomarkers for the diagnosis of cGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Rozmus
- Children’s Oncology Group, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, BC Children’s Hospital/University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Kirk R. Schultz
- Children’s Oncology Group, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, BC Children’s Hospital/University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- Children’s Oncology Group, Dept. Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Kristin Wynne
- Children’s Oncology Group, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, BC Children’s Hospital/University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Amina Kariminia
- Children’s Oncology Group, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, BC Children’s Hospital/University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Preeti Satyanarayana
- Children’s Oncology Group, Department of Family Medicine, Sacred Heart HealthCare System, Allentown, PA
| | - Mark Krailo
- Children’s Oncology Group, Department of Preventative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Stephan A. Grupp
- Children’s Oncology Group, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia/University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, PA
| | - Andrew L. Gilman
- Children’s Oncology Group, Levine Children’s Hospital, Charlotte, NC
| | - Frederick D. Goldman
- Children’s Oncology Group, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
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Lord JD, Hackman RC, Gooley TA, Wood BL, Moklebust AC, Hockenbery DM, Steinbach G, Ziegler SF, McDonald GB. Blood and gastric FOXP3+ T cells are not decreased in human gastric graft-versus-host disease. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2010; 17:486-96. [PMID: 20870026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies suggest regulatory T cells (Tregs) inhibit graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in mouse and human hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. As the gastrointestinal tract represents one of the most common and severe sites of GVHD-related tissue damage, we sought to determine whether a deficit in circulating or gastric mucosal Treg numbers correlates with the clinical onset of gastric GVHD. We used the marker FOXP3 to quantify Tregs in blood and in gastric antral biopsies in a cohort of 60 allogeneic HCT recipients undergoing endoscopy at a single center to evaluate symptoms suspicious for gastrointestinal GVHD. We show for the first time in the gastric mucosa and, contrary to existing reports, in the blood, that the percent of T cells expressing FOXP3 is at least as high in the presence as in the absence of GVHD involving the upper gut. There was no correlation of Treg frequency with the histologic or clinical severity of gastrointestinal GVHD. We conclude that Treg depletion is not a central feature in the pathogenesis of gastric GVHD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Lord
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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Fowler D, Hoffmann P, Edinger M. Functionally defined T cell subsets in transplantation biology and therapy: regulatory T cells and Th2 cells. Cancer Treat Res 2010; 144:155-86. [PMID: 19779870 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-78580-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fowler
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Gagliani N, Ferraro A, Roncarolo MG, Battaglia M. Autoimmune diabetic patients undergoing allogeneic islet transplantation: are we ready for a regulatory T-cell therapy? Immunol Lett 2009; 127:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2009.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Revised: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Fondi C, Nozzoli C, Benemei S, Baroni G, Saccardi R, Guidi S, Nicoletti P, Bartolozzi B, Pimpinelli N, Santucci M, Bosi A, Massi D. Increase in FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in GVHD skin biopsies is associated with lower disease severity and treatment response. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2009; 15:938-47. [PMID: 19589483 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2009.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In animal models, CD4+/CD25+ T-regulatory cells (Tregs) have been reported to prevent/delay the onset of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Recently, an insufficient upregulation of Tregs was found in target organ (intestinal) biopsies from patients with GVHD. We have analyzed by immunohistochemistry the number of CD3+ T lymphocytes and FOXP3+ Tregs in skin biopsies from (1) recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT, n = 26), (2) nontransplanted patients diagnosed with cutaneous drug reaction (n = 12), and (3) healthy donors (n = 10). Infiltrating CD3+ cells were significantly higher in both transplanted patients showing acute GVHD (aGVHD) and drug reaction when compared to healthy donors and patients without GVHD. Tregs number in aGVHD was higher than in patients without GVHD or healthy subjects and lower than in drug reaction. Interestingly, the number of infiltrating FOXP3+ Tregs was significantly higher in patients responding to GVHD treatment and with a low GVHD grade. Increase in FOXP3+ Tregs in GVHD skin biopsies correlates with less severe GVHD and is associated with response to GVHD treatment. Larger studies are required to confirm that evaluation of Tregs in minimally invasive skin biopsies assists the diagnosis and prognosis of GVHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fondi
- Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Matthews K, Lim Z, Afzali B, Pearce L, Abdallah A, Kordasti S, Pagliuca A, Lombardi G, Madrigal JA, Mufti GJ, Barber LD. Imbalance of effector and regulatory CD4 T cells is associated with graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using a reduced intensity conditioning regimen and alemtuzumab. Haematologica 2009; 94:956-66. [PMID: 19491336 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2008.003103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of immune pathways can lead to graft-versus-host disease. A better understanding of the type of immune response causing graft-versus-host disease in defined clinical hematopoietic stem cell transplant settings is required to inform development of methods for monitoring patients and providing them tailored care. DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-five patients were recruited presenting with myeloid malignancies and treated with a reduced intensity conditioning transplant regimen with graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis comprising in vivo lymphocyte depletion with alemtuzumab and cyclosporin. A prospective study was performed of lymphocyte subset reconstitution in peripheral blood in relation to the incidence of graft-versus-host disease. RESULTS Acute graft-versus-host disease was associated with significantly higher numbers of natural killer cells and donor-derived effector CD4 T cells (CD45RO(+) CD27(-)) early (day 30) after transplantation (p=0.04 and p=0.02, respectively). This association was evident before the emergence of clinical pathology in six out of seven patients. Although numbers of regulatory CD4 T cells (CD25(high) Foxp3(+)) were similar at day 30 in all patients, a significant deficit in those who developed acute graft-versus-host disease was apparent relative to effector CD4 T cells (median of 41 effectors per regulatory cell compared to 12 to 1 for patients without graft-versus-host disease) (p=0.03). By day 180, a functional regulatory CD4 T-cell population had expanded significantly in patients who developed chronic graft-versus-host disease, reversing the imbalance (median of 3 effectors per regulatory cell compared to 9.6 to 1 for patients without graft-versus-host disease) (p=0.018) suggesting no overt absence of immune regulation in the late onset form of the disease. CONCLUSIONS Imbalance of effector and regulatory CD4 T cells is a signature of graft-versus-host disease in this transplantation protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Matthews
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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26
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Cao T, Soto A, Zhou W, Wang W, Eck S, Walker M, Harriman G, Li L. Ex vivo expanded human CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells prevent lethal xenogenic graft versus host disease (GVHD). Cell Immunol 2009; 258:65-71. [PMID: 19410243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2009.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2009] [Revised: 03/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mouse studies demonstrated that infusion of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevented graft versus host disease (GVHD) lethality after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). But the potential impact of human Tregs on GVHD has not been well demonstrated. In this study, we demonstrated that human Tregs enriched from peripheral blood of healthy donors could be expanded ex vivo to clinically relevant cell numbers in 2-3 weeks while maintaining Foxp3, CD25, CTLA-4, and CD62L expression as well as in vitro suppressive function. Furthermore, injection of human PBL into NOD/SCID mice induced lethal xenogenic GVHD, but co-transfer of expanded human Tregs with human PBL significantly enhanced survival, reduced GVHD symptoms, and inhibited human IgG/IgM production in the NOD/SCID mice. These results demonstrated that ex vivo expanded human Tregs retained their in vivo suppressive activity and prevented lethal xenogeneic GVHD, revealing the therapeutic potential of expanded human Tregs for GVHD.
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Tran DQ, Shevach EM. Therapeutic potential of FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells and their interactions with dendritic cells. Hum Immunol 2009; 70:294-9. [PMID: 19236900 PMCID: PMC11007672 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2009.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2008] [Revised: 02/09/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells, a unique subset of T cells, are critical for orchestrating an immune response and preventing self-reactivity. With the increasing prevalence and unsatisfactory treatment of autoimmunity, allergic diseases, cancer and chronic infections, much attention has been focused on understanding their mechanisms of action in order to manipulate their function. One goal is to develop drugs or biologics that can enhance or abrogate their functions. Another approach is to utilize Tregs in adoptive cell-based therapy to treat autoimmune diseases or transplant-related complications. This review will focus on their therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action, particularly their interaction with dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dat Q. Tran
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ethan M. Shevach
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Kinetics of Th1/Th2 cytokines and lymphocyte subsets to predict chronic GVHD after allo-SCT: results of a prospective study. Bone Marrow Transplant 2009; 44:729-37. [PMID: 19398965 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2009.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of different cytokines and cells of immune system in the pathogenesis of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) is still controversial. Earlier studies, which were either retrospective or analysed one or a few factors, did not show unequivocal results. We prospectively evaluated cytokine levels and lymphocyte subsets in 30 patients who underwent Allo-SCT to investigate their possible correlation with cGVHD. Levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and its soluble receptors were assessed by ELISA in 30 patients at different times after SCT. Lymphocyte subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry in peripheral blood at the same times as cytokines. A multivariate analysis was performed using principal component analysis and multi-factor ANOVA (analysis of variance). Eighteen patients developed cGVHD at a median time of 6 months (range, 5-9) after SCT. In multivariate analysis, we observed a correlation between cGVHD and clusters of cytokines and lymphocyte subsets from the third to the sixth month after SCT. These clusters changed their composition over time, but they constantly included natural killer (NK) and CD152+ T cells as negative predictors of cGVHD. TNF-alpha prevailed among other cytokines before the onset of cGVHD. This prevalence could be related partly to the defect of immunoregulatory cells.
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29
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Martin
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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30
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Diagnostic Value of Regulatory T Cells: A New Facet of a Much Studied Cell Population. Transplantation 2008; 86:1485-91. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e31818f3d2a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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31
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Toubai T, Sun Y, Reddy P. GVHD pathophysiology: is acute different from chronic? Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2008; 21:101-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2008.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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A second prophylactic MHC-mismatched bone marrow transplantation protects against rat acute myeloid leukemia (BNML) without lethal graft-versus-host disease. Transplantation 2008; 85:102-11. [PMID: 18192919 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000296856.53493.1f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have employed a rat model for human acute myeloid leukemia, a promyelocytic leukemia in the BN rat strain (BNML), to develop new protocols for immunotherapy in combination with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (alloBMT). The status of mixed chimerism in allotransplanted rats provided an opportunity for immunotherapy using alloreactive donor cells. In addition to T or natural killer (NK) cells, we introduced a second infusion of bone marrow cells as prophylactic donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) to test whether an effective graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) response could be obtained without clinical graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). METHODS BN rats were sublethally irradiated and transplanted with T-cell depleted bone marrow cells from either fully major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched (PVG) donor rats or MHC-matched (PVG.1N) as controls. Seven days after transplantation, rats were given 500 leukemic cells to mimic minimal residual disease. Additional cellular therapy was given at day +7. The efficiency of DLI was monitored by chimerism analysis in peripheral blood. RESULTS Rats receiving infusions of NK cells succumbed to leukemia. T-DLI induced complete donor T-cell chimerism and lethal GVHD. A second alloBMT protected against leukemia. This effect was dependent on an MHC incompatibility between the donor and host and also on the presence of alloreactive T cells in the second bone marrow inoculum, resulting in an increased, mixed donor T-cell chimerism. CONCLUSION A second prophylactic transplantation influenced the degree of T-cell chimerism to balance favorably between GVL and GVHD. If applicable to humans, repeated alloBMT may provide a novel approach to leukemia therapy.
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Bergeron A, Feuillet S, Meignin V, Socie G, Tazi A. Les complications pulmonaires tardives non infectieuses après allogreffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques. Rev Mal Respir 2008; 25:173-83. [DOI: 10.1016/s0761-8425(08)71515-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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34
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Biology of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease: Implications for a Future Therapeutic Approach. Keio J Med 2008; 57:177-83. [DOI: 10.2302/kjm.57.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Teshima T, Wynn TA, Soiffer RJ, Matsuoka KI, Martin PJ. Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease: How Can We Release Prometheus? Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2008; 14:142-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2007.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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36
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Roncarolo MG, Battaglia M. Regulatory T-cell immunotherapy for tolerance to self antigens and alloantigens in humans. Nat Rev Immunol 2007; 7:585-98. [PMID: 17653126 DOI: 10.1038/nri2138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 411] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Substantial progress in understanding the biology of regulatory T cells and their roles in health and disease has been achieved in the past 10 years. This has led to an increasing interest in the possibility of using regulatory T cells as a biological therapy to preserve and restore tolerance to self antigens and alloantigens. Immunotherapy by the adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells may have several advantages over conventional treatments. However, several hurdles have to be overcome before such a therapy can enter clinical practice. This Review summarizes our current knowledge of regulatory T cells, illustrates the ongoing regulatory T-cell-based clinical trials, analyses the strengths and pitfalls of this new therapeutic approach, and highlights the future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Grazia Roncarolo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (HSR-TIGET), Via Olgettina-58, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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Chen X, Vodanovic-Jankovic S, Johnson B, Keller M, Komorowski R, Drobyski WR. Absence of regulatory T-cell control of TH1 and TH17 cells is responsible for the autoimmune-mediated pathology in chronic graft-versus-host disease. Blood 2007; 110:3804-13. [PMID: 17693581 PMCID: PMC2077325 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2007-05-091074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains the major complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The process whereby acute GVHD mediated by alloreactive donor T cells transitions into chronic GVHD, which is characterized by prominent features of auto-immunity, has long been unresolved. In this study, we demonstrate that GVHD-associated autoimmunity and, by extension, chronic GVHD is attributable to the progressive loss of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells during the course of acute GVHD. This leads to the expansion of donor-derived CD4(+) T cells with T(H)1 and T(H)17 cytokine phenotypes that release proinflammatory cytokines and cause autoimmune-mediated pathological damage. These T cells are present early after transplantation, indicating that the pathophysiological events that lead to chronic GVHD are set in motion during the acute phase of GVHD. We conclude that the absence of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells coupled with unregulated T(H)1 and T(H)17 cells leads to the development of autoimmunity and that donor-derived T(H)1 and T(H)17 cells serve as the nexus between acute and chronic GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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Wolf D, Wolf AM, Fong D, Rumpold H, Strasak A, Clausen J, Nachbaur D. Regulatory T-Cells in the Graft and the Risk of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Transplantation 2007; 83:1107-13. [PMID: 17452902 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000260140.04815.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells (Treg) are important regulators of allo-reactivity and may therefore represent an important predictor for the risk of graft versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. METHODS To determine the clinical significance of Treg-content in stem cell grafts, we analyzed 58 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical sibling donors (34 patients received myeloablative and 24 patients reduced intense conditioning regimens) and correlated the Treg frequency with clinical outcome after stem cell transplantation (SCT). RESULTS A mean value of 9.1 x 10(6) CD4+ FOXP3+ Treg per kg body weight (bw) of the recipient was transplanted (ranging from 0.7 to 33.7 x 10(6) Treg/kg bw). Graft content of Treg correlated with mononuclear cells and CD3+ T-cells. Patients receiving low numbers of Treg (Treg(low)) after myeloablative conditioning for SCT had a significantly increased cumulative incidence of 76% for acute GVHD when compared with 23% for individuals receiving high numbers of Treg (Treg(high)). This observation, however, was not made in patients after reduced intense conditioning-SCT. Notably, relapse rate was not significantly different between Treg(low) and Treg(high) patients in either patient group and overall survival was even increased in Treg(high) patients after myeloablative SCT. Finally, low Treg graft levels represent an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis for the appearance of acute GHVD. CONCLUSION Donor-derived Treg might be of particular significance for the development of acute GVHD after myeloablative SCT using HLA-identical sibling donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Wolf
- Clinical Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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39
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Nadal E, Garin M, Kaeda J, Apperley J, Lechler R, Dazzi F. Increased frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(high) T(regs) correlate with disease relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2007; 21:472-9. [PMID: 17215853 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2404522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic efficacy of allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) largely relies on the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect exerted by donor T cells. CD4(+)CD25(high) regulatory T cells (T(regs)) have been shown to downregulate antitumor responses but their role on GvL has not been evaluated. We performed a cross-sectional study in which we enumerated and characterized CD4(+)CD25(high) T(regs) in the peripheral blood of CML patients undergoing allogeneic SCT. We documented higher frequencies of T(regs) in patients after transplant as compared to normal controls and newly diagnosed patients. The increment was particularly evident in patients who had received their SCT 18 months before. In vitro functional studies demonstrated that the T(regs) purified from SCT patients exhibited a more potent suppressive activity than T(regs) isolated from healthy volunteers. Patients in whom T(regs) numbers were higher than controls more than 18 months after SCT showed evidence of disease relapse. Although the increment in T(regs) might have an advantageous effect on graft rejection in the early phase post-transplant, our data suggest that T(regs) exert an inhibitory effect on GvL.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Bone Marrow Transplantation/immunology
- CD4 Antigens/analysis
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/blood
- Graft vs Leukemia Effect/immunology
- Humans
- Immune Tolerance
- Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit/analysis
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/blood
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/immunology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/surgery
- Lymphocyte Count
- Lymphocyte Depletion
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
- Recurrence
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- Transplantation Conditioning
- Transplantation, Homologous/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- E Nadal
- Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
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40
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Schultz KR, Miklos DB, Fowler D, Cooke K, Shizuru J, Zorn E, Holler E, Ferrara J, Shulman H, Lee SJ, Martin P, Filipovich AH, Flowers MED, Weisdorf D, Couriel D, Lachenbruch PA, Mittleman B, Vogelsang GB, Pavletic SZ. Toward biomarkers for chronic graft-versus-host disease: National Institutes of Health consensus development project on criteria for clinical trials in chronic graft-versus-host disease: III. Biomarker Working Group Report. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2006; 12:126-37. [PMID: 16443511 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2005.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2005] [Accepted: 11/11/2005] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Biology-based markers that can be used to confirm the diagnosis of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or monitor progression of the disease could help in the evaluation of new therapies. Biomarkers have been defined as any characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of a normal biologic or pathogenic process, a pharmacologic response to a therapeutic intervention, or a surrogate end point intended to substitute for a clinical end point. The following applications of biomarkers could be useful in chronic GVHD clinical trials or management: (1) predicting response to therapy; (2) measuring disease activity and distinguishing irreversible damage from continued disease activity; (3) predicting the risk of developing chronic GVHD; (4) diagnosing chronic GVHD: (5) predicting the prognosis of chronic GVHD; (6) evaluating the balance between GVHD and graft-versus-leukemia effects (graft-versus-leukemia or GVT); and (7) serving as a surrogate end point for therapeutic response. Such biomarkers can be identified by either hypothesis-driven testing or by high-throughput discovery-based methods. To date, no validated biomarkers have been established for chronic GVHD, although several candidate biomarkers have been identified from limited hypothesis-driven studies. Both approaches have merit and should be pursued. The consistent treatment and standardized documentation needed to support biomarker studies are most likely to be satisfied in prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk R Schultz
- British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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41
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Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that act to suppress activation of other immune cells and thereby maintain immune system homeostasis, self-tolerance as well as control excessive response to foreign antigens. The mere concept of Tregs was the subject of significant controversy among immunologists for many years owing to the paucity of reliable markers for defining these cells and the ambiguity of the nature and molecular basis of suppressive phenomena. However, recent advances in the molecular characterization of this cell population have firmly established their existence and their vital role in the vertebrate immune system. Of interest, accumulating evidence from both humans and experimental animal models has implicated the involvement of Tregs in the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The demonstration that Tregs could separate GVHD from graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity suggests that their immunosuppressive potential could be manipulated to reduce GVHD without detrimental consequence on GVT effect. Although a variety of T lymphocytes with suppressive capabilities have been reported, the two best-characterized subsets are the naturally arising, intrathymic-generated Tregs (natural Tregs) and the peripherally generated, inducible Tregs (inducible Tregs). This review summarizes our current knowledge of the generation, function and regulation of these two populations of Tregs during an immune response. Their role in the development of GVHD and their therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of GVHD will also be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- N T Le
- Division of Cellular Therapy/Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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42
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Nguyen VH, Zeiser R, Negrin RS. Role of Naturally Arising Regulatory T Cells in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2006; 12:995-1009. [PMID: 17084366 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2006.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 04/25/2006] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Naturally arising CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) have the potential to suppress aberrant immune responses and to regulate peripheral T-cell homeostasis. In murine models of bone marrow transplantation, Tregs promote donor bone marrow engraftment and decrease the incidence and severity of graft-versus-host-disease without abrogating the beneficial graft-versus-tumor immunologic effect. These findings, in concert with observations that Tregs in mice and humans share phenotypic and functional characteristics, have led to active investigations into the use of these cells to decrease complications associated with human hematopoietic cell transplantation. Early human studies suggest that an imbalance of Tregs and effector T cells may contribute to the development of graft-versus-host-disease. However, the mechanisms of immunoregulation, in particular the allorecognition properties of Tregs, their effects on and interaction with other immune cells, and their sites of suppressive activity, are not well understood. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of Treg biology and the potential therapeutic strategies and barriers of Treg immunotherapy in human hematopoietic cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu H Nguyen
- Center for Clinical Science Research, Department of Medicine, Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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43
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Mutis T, van Rijn RS, Simonetti ER, Aarts-Riemens T, Emmelot ME, van Bloois L, Martens A, Verdonck LF, Ebeling SB. Human Regulatory T Cells Control Xenogeneic Graft-versus-Host Disease Induced by Autologous T Cells in RAG2−/−γc−/− Immunodeficient Mice. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 12:5520-5. [PMID: 17000688 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-06-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Effective prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a major challenge to improve the safety of allogeneic stem cell transplantation for leukemia treatment. In murine transplantation models, administration of naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) can prevent GvHD. Toward understanding the role of human Treg in stem cell transplantation, we studied their capacity to modulate T-cell-dependent xenogeneic (x)-GvHD in a new model where x-GvHD is induced in RAG2-/-gammac-/- mice by i.v. administration of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Human PBMC, depleted of or supplemented with autologous CD25+ Tregs, were administered in mice at different doses. The development of x-GvHD, in vivo expansion of human T cells, and secretion of human cytokines were monitored at weekly intervals. RESULTS Depletion of CD25+ cells from human PBMC significantly exacerbated x-GvHD and accelerated its lethality. In contrast, coadministration of Treg-enriched CD25+ cell fractions with autologous PBMC significantly reduced the lethality of x-GvHD. Treg administration significantly inhibited the explosive expansion of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, protection from x-GvHD after Treg administration was associated with a significant increase in plasma levels of interleukin-10 and IFN-gamma, suggesting the de novo development of TR1 cells. CONCLUSIONS These results show, for the first time, the potent in vivo capacity of naturally occurring human Tregs to control GvHD-inducing autologous T cells, and indicate that this xenogeneic in vivo model may provide a suitable platform to further explore the in vivo mechanisms of T-cell down-regulation by naturally occurring human Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuna Mutis
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Netherlands.
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44
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Cohen JL, Boyer O. The role of CD4+CD25hi regulatory T cells in the physiopathogeny of graft-versus-host disease. Curr Opin Immunol 2006; 18:580-5. [PMID: 16879951 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2006.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2006] [Accepted: 07/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Donor T cells present within hematopoietic stem cell transplants promote engraftment, contribute to T-cell reconstitution and provide an antileukemic effect. However, they are also responsible for the life-threatening graft-versus-host disease. The subpopulation of CD4+CD25hi regulatory T cells, initially identified as crucial players in the regulation of autoimmune processes, might also play a role in the control of alloreactivity. Experimental studies in mice indicate that donor regulatory T cells indeed control alloreactive responses and reduce graft-versus-host disease. Recent clinical reports also suggest that higher numbers of CD4+CD25hi cells within the transplant or in the blood of grafted patients might be associated with reduced graft-versus-host disease. Hence, these cells are attractive immunoregulatory candidates to prevent graft-versus-host disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Cohen
- CNRS, UMR7087, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, 83, bd. de l'Hôpital, F-75651 Paris Cedex 13, France.
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45
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Abstract
Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (T(reg)) are differentiated T lymphocytes actively involved in the control of peripheral immunity. Over the past few years, a number of animal studies have demonstrated the critical role of these cells in the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). In these models, T(reg) can exert a potent suppressive effect on immune effector cells reactive to host antigens and prevent graft versus host disease (GVHD) while preserving the graft-versus-leukemia effect (GVL). The present review summarizes current knowledge on the role of T(reg) populations in humans following allogeneic HCT. Recent investigations focusing on T(reg) in transplant patients have generated conflicting results mostly due to the use of different parameters to assess T(reg). Nonetheless, these studies suggested that an imbalance between T(reg) and effector cells during immune reconstitution can substantially impair regulatory mechanisms and contributes to the development of GVHD. Building on these studies, a number of therapeutic strategies are being developed to positively modulate T(reg) pools in vivo and prevent or even correct GVHD. Conversely, clinical interventions can also be envisaged to decrease T(reg) activity in vivo and enhance the GVL effect. These potential strategies are discussed herein. Coming years will undoubtedly yield additional knowledge on how to use T(reg) subsets in vivo and successfully control and modulate immune responses in patients post-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Zorn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, MA 02115, USA.
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