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Ktena YP, Dionysiou M, Gondek LP, Cooke KR. The impact of epigenetic modifications on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1188853. [PMID: 37325668 PMCID: PMC10264773 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1188853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of epigenetics studies the complex processes that regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. It is well established that epigenetic modifications are crucial to cellular homeostasis and differentiation and play a vital role in hematopoiesis and immunity. Epigenetic marks can be mitotically and/or meiotically heritable upon cell division, forming the basis of cellular memory, and have the potential to be reversed between cellular fate transitions. Hence, over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the role that epigenetic modifications may have on the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation and growing enthusiasm in the therapeutic potential these pathways may hold. In this brief review, we provide a basic overview of the types of epigenetic modifications and their biological functions, summarizing the current literature with a focus on hematopoiesis and immunity specifically in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiouli P. Ktena
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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2
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Vajari MK, Moradinasab S, Yousefi AM, Bashash D. Noncoding RNAs in diagnosis and prognosis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3480-3495. [PMID: 35842836 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a functional therapy for a plethora of hematologic malignancies and immune disorders. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), on the other hand, is one of the major complications ahead of a successful HSCT, contributing to transplant-associated morbidity and mortality. Notably, little is known about the underlying mechanism of this event; therefore, exploring precise biomarkers and uncovering the molecular pathogenesis of GVHD is valuable for early diagnosis and treatment optimization. Thanks to the advances in sequencing techniques, the noncoding sequences of the human genome-formerly considered "junk"-are now identified as functional molecules. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) control cellular responses by regulating gene expression, and previous studies have shown that these tiny molecules, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), can affect allogeneic T cell responses in both animal models and clinical experiments. The present study gives an overview of the functions of various miRNAs in regulating T cell responses in GVHD. We also provide an outlook on miRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) potential role in GVHD with the hope of providing a future research direction for expanding their application as the sensitive and noninvasive diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and also the promising therapeutic targets for improving outcomes after allogeneic HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi K Vajari
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Susan Moradinasab
- Iranian Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Crossland RE, Norden J, Ghimire S, Juric MK, Pearce KF, Lendrem C, Collin M, Mischak-Weissinger E, Holler E, Greinix HT, Dickinson AM. Profiling Tissue and Biofluid miR-155-5p, miR-155 *, and miR-146a-5p Expression in Graft vs. Host Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:639171. [PMID: 33790910 PMCID: PMC8005601 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.639171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Acute graft vs. host disease (aGvHD) is a frequent complication following allogeneic haematopoeitic transplantation (HSCT). Despite recent advances, there are no universally accepted biomarkers to determine development of aGvHD. MicroRNAs miR-146a and miR-155 have been previously associated with aGvHD and show promise as clinically translatable biomarkers. In this study, we performed comprehensive expression profiling of miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-155* expression in aGvHD target tissue and biofluids and relate expression to post-HSCT outcomes. Materials and Methods: MicroRNA expression was assessed by qRT-PCR in gastrointestinal (n = 31) and skin (n = 31) biopsies as well as serum (exploratory cohort n = 34, verification cohort n = 81, diagnostic cohort n = 65) and urine (exploratory cohort n = 30, verification cohort n = 56, diagnostic cohort n = 20) biofluids, including extracellular vesicle (EV) cohorts (serum EV n = 15, urine EV n = 30). Expression was related to aGvHD incidence, severity and overall survival. Results: In GI samples, expression of miR-155 (p = 0.03) and miR-146a (p = 0.03) was higher at aGvHD onset compared to patients with no GvHD. In skin biopsies, expression of miR-155 (p = 0.004) was upregulated in aGvHD patients compared to normal control skin. Expression of miR-146a was higher in aGvHD compared to no aGvHD biopsies (p = 0.002). In serum, miR-155 (p = 0.03) and miR-146a (p = 0.02) expression was higher at day 14 (D14), while in urine expression was elevated at D7 post-HSCT in patients who developed aGvHD compared to those disease-free. This was verified in an independent serum (miR-155 p = 0.005, miR-146a p = 0.003) and urine (miR-155 p = 0.02, miR-146a p = 0.04) cohort, where both microRNAs were also associated with aGvHD by ROC analysis. In serum and urine samples taken at the time of aGvHD symptoms, expression of miR-155 and miR-146a was also elevated (serum miR-155 p = 0.03, miR-146a p < 0.001; urine miR-155 p = 0.02, miR-146a p = 0.02). In contrast, miR-146a and miR-155 were downregulated at D14 in serum EVs and at D7 in urine EVs in patients who developed aGvHD compared to those that remained disease-free, in both an exploratory (serum miR-155 p = 0.02, miR-146a p = 0.06; urine miR-155 p = 0.02, miR-146a p = 0.07) and an independent cohort (serum miR-155 p = 0.01, miR-146a p = 0.02). Conclusions: These results further support a role for miR-155 and miR-146a as non-invasive, clinically relevant biomarkers for aGvHD. However, the link between their involvement in generalized inflammation and in specific pathophysiology requires further investigation at a systemic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Crossland
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Norden
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sakhila Ghimire
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mateja Kralj Juric
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kim F Pearce
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Lendrem
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Collin
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Mischak-Weissinger
- Department of Haematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ernst Holler
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Anne M Dickinson
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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4
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Köhler N, Ruess DA, Kesselring R, Zeiser R. The Role of Immune Checkpoint Molecules for Relapse After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634435. [PMID: 33746972 PMCID: PMC7973115 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules represent physiological brakes of the immune system that are essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and prevention of autoimmunity. By inhibiting these negative regulators of the immune response, immune checkpoint blockade can increase anti-tumor immunity, but has been primarily successful in solid cancer therapy and Hodgkin lymphoma so far. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a well-established cellular immunotherapy option with the potential to cure hematological cancers, but relapse remains a major obstacle. Relapse after allo-HCT is mainly thought to be attributable to loss of the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and hence escape of tumor cells from the allogeneic immune response. One potential mechanism of immune escape from the GVL effect is the inhibition of allogeneic T cells via engagement of inhibitory receptors on their surface including PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM3, and others. This review provides an overview of current evidence for a role of immune checkpoint molecules for relapse and its treatment after allo-HCT, as well as discussion of the immune mediated side effect graft-vs.-host disease. We discuss the expression of different immune checkpoint molecules on leukemia cells and T cells in patients undergoing allo-HCT. Furthermore, we review mechanistic insights gained from preclinical studies and summarize clinical trials assessing immune checkpoint blockade for relapse after allo-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Köhler
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietrich Alexander Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Kesselring
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany
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Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Zhou J, Wang L, Shi J, Tan Y, Luo Y, Huang H, Cai Z. Toll-like Receptor 4 Gene Polymorphisms in Chinese Population After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Curr Bioinform 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1574893615999200818155048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives::
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the most common complication after
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and remains to be a major cause of mortality.
Activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) by lipopolysaccharide induces the NF-κB signaling
pathway to release critical proinflammatory cytokines and increases the recipient response to
GVHD. In order to clarify the role of TLR-4 in the occurrence of acute GVHD after HSCT, we
collected 208 samples from HSCT recipients and their human lecucyte antigen identical donors to
test the hypothesis that TLR-4polymorphism in the recipients or donors influence the risk of acute
GVHD in allogeneic HSCT recipients.
Methods::
TLR-4 Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms of each sample were examined by
using DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism
methods.
Results::
No homozygous or heterozygous variant alleles of the Asp299Gly or Thr339Ile
polymorphism were detected in any samples in our study. Our results demonstrate that TLR-4
Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms might be very rare in the Chinese population (Eastern
China and Taiwan region).
Conclusion::
The results of this study cannot confirm the role of TLR-4 mutations in the
pathogenesis of GVHD in humans, yet we reach a definite conclusion by a TLR-4 knockout
murine GVHD model in our ongoing project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Jimin Shi
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Yamin Tan
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Zhen Cai
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
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Peltier D, Reddy P. Non-Coding RNA Mediated Regulation of Allogeneic T Cell Responses After Hematopoietic Transplantation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1110. [PMID: 29963039 PMCID: PMC6013767 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is an effective therapy for several malignant and non-malignant disorders. The precise control of allogeneic T cells is critical for successful outcomes after BMT. The mechanisms governing desirable (graft-versus-leukemia) versus undesirable (graft-versus-host disease) allogeneic responses remain incompletely understood. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) are controllers of gene expression that fine-tune cellular responses. Multiple microRNAs (miRNAs), a type of ncRNA, have recently been shown to influence allogeneic T cell responses in both murine models and clinically. Here, we review the role of various miRNAs that regulate T cell responses, either positively or negatively, to allo-stimulation and highlight their potential relevance as biomarkers and as therapeutic targets for improving outcomes after allogeneic BMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Peltier
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Pavan Reddy
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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