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Nay S, Möhn N, Grote-Levi L, Bonifacius A, Saßmann ML, Karacondi K, Tischer-Zimmermann S, Pöter H, Mahmoudi N, Wattjes MP, Maecker-Kolhoff B, Höglinger G, Eiz-Vesper B, Skripuletz T. Combined treatment with allogeneic Epstein-Barr- and human polyomavirus 1 specific T-cells in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and EBV infection: a case report. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241253917. [PMID: 38813521 PMCID: PMC11135084 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241253917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic viral infections in individuals with severe immunodeficiency can lead to fatal conditions such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), for which treatment options are limited. These infections pose significant risks, especially when co-infections with other viruses occur. We describe a combined therapy approach using directly isolated allogeneic Human Polyomavirus 1 (also known as BKV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) specific cytotoxic T-cells for the treatment of PML in conjunction with identified EBV in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a male patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A 53-year-old HIV-positive male, recently diagnosed with PML, presented with rapidly worsening symptoms, including ataxia, tetraparesis, dysarthria, and dysphagia, leading to respiratory failure. The patient developed PML even after commencing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) 3 months prior. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multifocal demyelination lesions involving the posterior fossa and right thalamus suggestive of PML. In addition to the detection of human polyomavirus 2 (also known as JCV), analysis of CSF showed positive results for EBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). His neurological condition markedly deteriorated over the following 2 months. Based on MRI, there was no evidence of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome contributing to this decline. The patient did not have endogenous virus-specific T-cells. We initiated an allogeneic, partially human leukocyte antigen-matched transfer of EBV and utilizing the cross-reactivity between BKV and JCV-BKV specific T-cells. This intervention led to notable neurological improvement and partial resolution of the MRI lesions within 6 weeks. Our case of a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome demonstrates that PML and concurrent EBV co-infection can still occur despite undergoing HAART treatment. This innovative experimental therapy, involving a combination of virus-specific T-cells, was demonstrated to be an effective treatment option in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Nay
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nora Möhn
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lea Grote-Levi
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Agnes Bonifacius
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mieke L. Saßmann
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kevin Karacondi
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Henning Pöter
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nima Mahmoudi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, Charité Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität zu Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mike P. Wattjes
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, Charité Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität zu Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Britta Maecker-Kolhoff
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Günter Höglinger
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Eiz-Vesper
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Skripuletz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine, Hannover, Germany
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Milburn J, Suresh R, Doyle R, Jarvis JN. The diagnosis of central nervous system infections in resource-limited settings and the use of novel and molecular diagnostic platforms to improve diagnosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:219-230. [PMID: 38369939 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2317414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Central nervous system infections (CNSI) disproportionately affect individuals in low-resource settings where diagnosis is challenging; large proportions of patients never receive a confirmed microbiological diagnosis resulting in inadequate management and high mortality. The epidemiology of CNSI varies globally and conventional diagnostics deployed in resource-limited settings have significant limitations, with an urgent need for improved diagnostic strategies. AREAS COVERED This review describes molecular platforms and other novel diagnostics used in the diagnosis of CNSI that are applicable to resource-limited settings. An extensive literature search of Medline and PubMed was performed. The emphasis is on investigations targeting infections of relevance to resource-limited settings either due to variation in regional CNSI epidemiology or due to increased prevalence in patients with immunosuppression. This includes commercially available multiplex PCR platforms, mycobacterial PCR platforms, and rapid diagnostics tests. To offer a framework for the optimal implementation in clinical settings, existing evidence highlighting the advantages and limitations of available platforms is reviewed. EXPERT OPINION The implementation of molecular platforms and other novel diagnostics has the potential to transform CNSI diagnosis in resource-limited settings, with several examples of successful rollout of novel diagnostics such as Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and cryptococcal antigen testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Milburn
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachita Suresh
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ronan Doyle
- Department of Clinical Research, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Varmpompiti K, Westwood AJ, Ben-Joseph A, Sibtain N, Ibrahim MAA, Stanton B, Zuckerman M, Hadden R, Ritter LM. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy secondary to idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia treated with pembrolizumab. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 385:578248. [PMID: 37995595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578248] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating disease due to a lytic infection of oligodendrocytes caused by John Cunningham polyoma virus (JCV) infection. Idiopathic CD4+ T-cell lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a very rare cause of PML. METHODS We present an individual with PML secondary to ICL treated with 3 doses of pembrolizumab, a Programmed-Death-1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor following with complete resolution of symptoms and conduct a review of the literature. CONCLUSION This report illustrates the objective clinical and radiological improvement in a patient with PML due to ICL and suggests further study of immune checkpoint inhibitors as potential treatment for patients with PML.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J Westwood
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Tust, Hermitage Lane Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Ben-Joseph
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Tust, Hermitage Lane Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi Sibtain
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Biba Stanton
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Zuckerman
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Hadden
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Tust, Hermitage Lane Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom
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Ruggiero R, Di Napoli R, Balzano N, Ruggiero D, Riccardi C, Anatriello A, Cantone A, Sportiello L, Rossi F, Capuano A. Immune-related adverse events and immune checkpoint inhibitors: a focus on neurotoxicity and clinical management. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2023; 16:423-434. [PMID: 37144360 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2211262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent an innovative therapeutic approach of oncologic diseases. In Europe, this therapeutic class currently includes eight agents: ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, cemiplimab, durvalumab and dostarlimab. Despite their proved clinical benefits, they can induce immune related adverse events (irADRs), that can also involve the nervous system. AREAS COVERED Despite their rarity, neurological irADRs related to ICI-treatments can lead to serious and dangerous complications, highlighting the importance of a strict monitoring of patients. This review aims to summarize the safety profile of ICIs, focusing on their possible neurotoxicity and their management. EXPERT OPINION Considering the clinical relevance of ICIs-induced irADRs and that the underlying mechanisms are still not completely understood, the use of ICIs requires extensive safety monitoring. Before to prescribe immunotherapy, oncologists should identify possible individual risk factors that may favor the onset of irADRs. Oncologists and general practitioners should inform and educate patients about the specific toxicities of immunological checkpoint inhibitors, including nervous ones. They should be carefully monitored at least 6 months after the end of treatment. ICIs-related nervous toxicities require a multidisciplinary management, in which neurologists and clinical pharmacologists should participate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Ruggiero
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Napoli
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzia Balzano
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Donatella Ruggiero
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Consiglia Riccardi
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Anatriello
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Cantone
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Liberata Sportiello
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Rossi
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Napoli, Italy
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Marked clinical and radiological improvement following pembrolizumab therapy for HIV-associated PML-IRIS. AIDS 2023; 37:199-200. [PMID: 36476458 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Corey S, Smith BR, Cortese ICM. Promise and Challenges of Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in HIV. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:580-591. [PMID: 36181625 PMCID: PMC9759507 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00626-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe opportunistic infection that remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH). Immune checkpoint molecules are negative regulators of the immune response that have been targeted as a strategy to bolster anti-viral immunity in PML, with varied outcomes reported. While initiation and optimization of antiretroviral therapy remains the standard of care in HIV-related PML, the specific opportunities and risks for checkpoint blockade in these cases should be explored. RECENT FINDINGS As of April 15, 2022, only 5 of the 53 total published cases of PML treated with checkpoint blockade had underlying HIV infection; four of these had a favorable outcome. The risk of promoting immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is a major concern and underscores the importance of patient selection and monitoring. Checkpoint blockade warrants further exploration as a potentially promising option for treatment escalation in HIV-related PML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Corey
- Experimental Immunotherapeutics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, 5C103, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1684, USA
| | - Bryan R Smith
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Irene C M Cortese
- Experimental Immunotherapeutics Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, 5C103, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1684, USA.
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