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Fattizzo B, Pedone GL, Brambilla C, Pettine L, Zaninoni A, Passamonti F, Barcellini W. Recombinant erythropoietin in autoimmune hemolytic anemia with inadequate bone marrow response: a prospective analysis. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1322-1327. [PMID: 38029356 PMCID: PMC10943536 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Up to 30% of patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) show inadequate bone marrow (BM) compensatory response with inappropriately low levels of reticulocytes and endogenous erythropoietin. Ineffective BM compensation is associated with more severe anemia, transfusion need, and hospital admission, and treatment with recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) may be beneficial. Here, we prospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of rEPO in a single-center cohort of 47 patients with AIHA with inadequate reticulocytosis and endogenous erythropoietin at baseline. Epoetin alpha 40 000 international units per week were administered subcutaneously until hemoglobin (Hb) >11 g/dL and then tapered off. Overall response was 55% at 15 days, 74% at 1 month, 74% at 3 months, 80% at 6 months, and 91% at 12 months. Consistently, Hb values significantly increased from baseline to each subsequent time point (P<.001) with a median increase of +1.4, +2.4, +3.4, +3.8, and +4.4 g/dL, respectively. Transfusion needs reduced from 30% to <10% at 15 days and thereafter (P < .001). Concomitant medications included prednisone or methylprednisolone (N = 40, stable since >2 weeks from enrollment), mycophenolate mofetil (N = 1, ongoing since >3 months from enrollment), and rituximab (N = 7 patients with cold agglutinin disease from day 8). No association between concomitant medications and response to rEPO was found. Treatment was generally safe without rEPO-related severe adverse events. The comparison with an AIHA population not treated with rEPO showed a significant benefit of rEPO at 15 days and 1 month on response and Hb increase. These data support the use of rEPO as an add on to standard immunosuppression in AIHA with inadequate BM compensation. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT05931718.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacinto Luca Pedone
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Brambilla
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Loredana Pettine
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Zaninoni
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Passamonti
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Petito E, Gresele P. Immune attack on megakaryocytes in immune thrombocytopenia. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2024; 8:102345. [PMID: 38525349 PMCID: PMC10960061 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2024.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
A State of the Art lecture titled "Immune Attack on Megakaryocytes in ITP: The Role of Megakaryocyte Impairment" was presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress in 2023. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies against platelet surface glycoproteins that provoke increased clearance of circulating platelets, leading to reduced platelet number. However, there is also evidence of a direct effect of antiplatelet autoantibodies on bone marrow megakaryocytes. Indeed, immunologic cells responsible for autoantibody production reside in the bone marrow; megakaryocytes progressively express during their maturation the same glycoproteins against which ITP autoantibodies are directed, and platelet autoantibodies have been detected in the bone marrow of patients with ITP. In vitro studies using ITP sera or monoclonal antibodies against platelet and megakaryocyte surface glycoproteins have shown an impairment of many steps of megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis, such as megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation, migration from the osteoblastic to the vascular niche, adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins, and proplatelet formation, resulting in impaired and ectopic platelet production in the bone marrow and diminished platelet release in the bloodstream. Moreover, cytotoxic T cells may target bone marrow megakaryocytes, resulting in megakaryocyte destruction. Altogether, these findings suggest that antiplatelet autoantibodies and cellular immunity against bone marrow megakaryocytes may significantly contribute to thrombocytopenia in some patients with ITP. Finally, we summarize relevant new data on this topic presented during the 2023 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress. The complete unraveling of the mechanisms of immune attack-induced impairment of megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis may open the way to new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Petito
- Section of Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Gresele
- Section of Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is classified according to the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and thermal characteristics of the autoantibody into warm and cold forms, and in primary versus secondary depending on the presence of associated conditions. AREAS COVERED AIHA displays a multifactorial pathogenesis, including genetic (association with congenital conditions and certain mutations), environmental (drugs, infections, including SARS-CoV-2, pollution, etc.), and miscellaneous factors (solid/hematologic neoplasms, systemic autoimmune diseases, etc.) contributing to tolerance breakdown. Several mechanisms, such as autoantibody production, complement activation, monocyte/macrophage phagocytosis, and bone marrow compensation are implicated in extra-/intravascular hemolysis. Treatment should be differentiated and sequenced according to AIHA type (i.e. steroids followed by rituximab for warm, rituximab alone or in association with bendamustine or fludarabine for cold forms). Several new drugs targeting B-cells/plasma cells, complement, and phagocytosis are in clinical trials. Finally, thrombosis and infections may complicate disease course burdening quality of life and increasing mortality. EXPERT OPINION Beyond warm and cold AIHA, a gray-zone still exists including mixed and DAT negative forms representing an unmet need. AIHA management is rapidly changing through an increasing knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms, the refinement of diagnostic tools, and the development of novel targeted and combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - W Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Fozza C, Murtas A, Caocci G, La Nasa G. Autoimmune disorders associated with myelodysplastic syndromes: clinical, prognostic and therapeutic implications. Leuk Res 2022; 117:106856. [PMID: 35525186 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2022.106856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Around one third of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) suffer from concomitant autoimmune disorders (AD). However the actual burden of such an association appears to be quite heterogeneous in different studies probably due to variable criteria in selecting both MDS patients and subtypes of AD. Moreover, both the prognostic implications and the potential applications of specific therapeutic approaches in this patient subgroup are still at least partially under debate. The present review will try to shed some further light on the clinical association between MDS and AD in order to better delineate its prognostic significance and to suggest potential therapeutic algorithms available for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Fozza
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 12, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Murtas
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 12, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Caocci
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giorgio La Nasa
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Fattizzo B, Levati GV, Giannotta JA, Cassanello G, Cro LM, Zaninoni A, Barbieri M, Croci GA, Revelli N, Barcellini W. Low-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome Revisited: Morphological, Autoimmune, and Molecular Features as Predictors of Outcome in a Single Center Experience. Front Oncol 2022; 12:795955. [PMID: 35392224 PMCID: PMC8980524 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.795955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) are a very heterogeneous disease, with extremely variable clinical features and outcome. Therapeutic strategies are still limited and mainly consist of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and transfusion support. The contribution of molecular lesions and of autoimmune phenomena to pathogenesis and clinical course, including leukemic evolution, is a field of open investigation. We analyzed data from a cohort of 226 patients with LR-MDS followed at our center in the last 20 years, focusing on morphological, immunological (antiplatelets and anti-erythrocyte autoantibodies, anti-erythroblast antibodies), and molecular features. Hypoplastic bone marrow was found in 7% of the cases correlating with younger age, deeper cytopenia, lower dysplasia, and worse response to ESAs. A marker of autoimmunity was observed in 46% of the tested cases, who were younger, were less frequent dysplastic changes, and responded better to ESAs and steroids. Finally, 68% of the tested cases displayed at least one somatic mutation, most commonly SF3B1, TET2, ASXL1, and SRSF2, associated with older age, presence of neutropenia, and lower response to ESAs. Leukemic evolution (2.2%) was associated with presence of somatic mutations, and survival was favorably related to response to ESAs and transfusion independence. Overall, granular evaluation and re-evaluation are pivotal in LR-MDS patients to optimize clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulio Cassanello
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lilla Marcella Cro
- Cytofluorimetry Service, Central Laboratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Zaninoni
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Barbieri
- Cytofluorimetry Service, Central Laboratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Alberto Croci
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Revelli
- Immunohematology Reference Laboratory, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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6
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Barcellini W, Fattizzo B. Immune Phenomena in Myeloid Neoplasms: An " Egg or Chicken" Question. Front Immunol 2021; 12:751630. [PMID: 34659257 PMCID: PMC8511478 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.751630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune phenomena are increasingly reported in myeloid neoplasms, and include autoimmune cytopenias/diseases and immunodeficiency, either preceding or complicating acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms, and bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes. Autoimmunity and immunodeficiency are the two faces of a dysregulated immune tolerance and surveillance and may result, along with contributing environmental and genetic factors, in an increased incidence of both tumors and infections. The latter may fuel both autoimmunity and immune activation, triggering a vicious circle among infections, tumors and autoimmune phenomena. Additionally, alterations of the microbiota and of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) pinpoint to the importance of a permissive or hostile microenvironment for tumor growth. Finally, several therapies of myeloid neoplasms are aimed at increasing host immunity against the tumor, but at the price of increased autoimmune phenomena. In this review we will examine the epidemiological association of myeloid neoplasms with autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies, and the pivotal role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of MDS and BMF syndromes, including the paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria conundrum. Furthermore, we will briefly examine autoimmune complications following therapy of myeloid neoplasms, as well as the role of MSCs and microbiota in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Barcellini W, Fattizzo B. How I treat warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Blood 2021; 137:1283-1294. [PMID: 33512406 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019003808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) is caused by increased erythrocyte destruction by immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies, with or without complement activation. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by macrophages/activated lymphocytes occurs in the lymphoid organs and spleen (extravascular hemolysis). The ability of the bone marrow (BM) to compensate determines clinical severity. The different pathogenic mechanisms, their complex interplay, and changes over time may explain wAIHA's great clinical heterogeneity and unpredictable course. The disease may be primary, drug induced, or associated with lymphoproliferative neoplasms, autoimmune and infectious diseases, immunodeficiencies, solid tumors, or transplants. Therapeutic interventions include steroids, splenectomy, immunosuppressants, and rituximab; the latter is increasingly used in steroid-refractory cases based on evidence from the literature and a few prospective trials. We present 5 patient case studies highlighting important issues: (1) the diagnosis and proper use of steroid therapy, (2) the concerns about the choice between rituximab and splenectomy in second-line treatment, (3) the need of periodical re-evaluation of the disease to assess the possible evolution of relapsed/refractory cases in myelodysplastic and BM failure syndromes, and (4) the difficulties in managing cases of severe/acute disease that are at high risk of relapse. Incorporating novel targeted therapies into clinical practice will be an exciting challenge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; and
- Department of Oncology and Onco-hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Aplastic Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes: The "Seed and Soil" Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155438. [PMID: 32751628 PMCID: PMC7432231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the contribution of the marrow niche to the pathogenesis of bone marrow failure syndromes, i.e., aplastic anemia (AA) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs). In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that contribute to the organization and function of the hematopoietic niche through their repopulating and supporting abilities, as well as immunomodulatory properties. The latter are of great interest in MDSs and, particularly, AA, where an immune attack against hematopoietic stem cells is the key pathogenic player. We, therefore, conducted Medline research, including all available evidence from the last 10 years concerning the role of MSCs in these two diseases. The data presented show that MSCs display morphologic, functional, and genetic alterations in AA and MDSs and contribute to immune imbalance, ineffective hematopoiesis, and leukemic evolution. Importantly, adoptive MSC infusion from healthy donors can be exploited to heal the "sick" niche, with even better outcomes if cotransplanted with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells. Finally, future studies on MSCs and the whole microenvironment will further elucidate AA and MDS pathogenesis and possibly improve treatment.
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Hao S, Zhang Y, Hua L, Xie N, Xiao N, Wang H, Fu R, Shao Z. Antibodies specific to ferritin light chain polypeptide are frequently detected in patients with immune‑related pancytopenia. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:2012-2020. [PMID: 32705249 PMCID: PMC7411336 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Immuno-related pancytopenia (IRP) is characterized by pancytopenia resulting from bone marrow suppression or destruction mediated by auto-antibodies. In our previous study, a K562 cDNA library was established, which was used to screen for seven possible auto-antigens produced by hematopoietic cells in patients with IRP, including ferritin light chain (FTL). In the present study, FTL was expressed and purified, and the levels of the auto-antibodies specific to FTL were measured. Through ELISA, it was shown that the titer of anti-FTL antibodies was higher in patients with IRP without treatment compared with those who had recovered from IRP, those with severe aplastic anemia (SAA), those with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and the healthy controls. Furthermore, the expression levels of FTL-mRNA were upregulated in patients with IRP without treatment compared with those who had recovered from IRP, those with MDS and the normal controls. The results suggest that FTL antibody expression is upregulated in patients with IRP. Detecting FTL antibodies may therefore have certain clinical value in differentiating between IRP, SAA and MDS. Furthermore, in specific patients with IRP, FTL as an auto-antigen may induce immune attack on hematopoietic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanfeng Hao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Heping, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Heping, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Luogang Hua
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Heping, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Ning Xie
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Heping, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Na Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Heping, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Huaquan Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Heping, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Heping, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Zonghong Shao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Heping, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
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10
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Xiao N, Hao S, Zhang Y, Shao Z. Roles of immune responses in the pathogenesis of immunorelated pancytopenia. Scand J Immunol 2020; 92:e12911. [PMID: 32474938 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Some patients with pancytopenia do not conform to any diagnostic criteria of known haematological or non-haematological diseases; however, they respond well to corticosteroid, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab treatment. This abnormality is termed immunorelated pancytopenia (IRP). Later studies indicated that IRP might be a kind of autoimmune disease in which T helper (Th) type 2 cell function is enhanced, resulting in the hyperfunction of B lymphocytes, which then produce excess autoantibodies that attack the bone marrow (BM) and cause cytopenia. Hypofunction of regulatory T (Treg) cells and enhanced Th17 cell function, an elevated percentage of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and a decreased percentage of natural killer (NK) cells help to promote the process. Moreover, increased expression of a synergistic stimulator of B lymphocytes, CD70 and the reactive overexpression of the BCR inhibitory coreceptor CD22 also support this claim. Candidate autoantigens targeted by autoantibodies on haematopoietic cell membranes have also been reported in IRP. This review is focused on studies that demonstrate the role of immune responses in the pathogenesis of IRP. Current diagnostic criteria and treatments for IRP are also referenced to provide a thorough understanding. Distinguishing IRP from idiopathic cytopenias of undetermined significance (ICUS) and other haematological disorders, for example myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), aplastic anaemia (AA), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and Evans syndrome, may help patients with pancytopenia benefit from proper treatment. Further studies are required to achieve new insight into the pathophysiology of IRP with regard to the immune system, which will be instrumental for the development of novel therapies for inhibiting disease initiation and/or progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shanfeng Hao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zonghong Shao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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11
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Barcellini W, Giannotta J, Fattizzo B. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in adults: primary risk factors and diagnostic procedures. Expert Rev Hematol 2020; 13:585-597. [PMID: 32274943 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2020.1754791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is due to autoantibodies against erythrocytes that may arise either because of primary tolerance breakage or along with several associated conditions, including genetic predispositions, congenital syndromes, environmental triggers, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and neoplasms. AREAS COVERED This review evaluated the risk of AIHA development in associated conditions and summarized disease-intrinsic risk factors for relapse and outcome. Diagnostic procedures were analyzed to properly identify primary and secondary forms. A Medline including clinical trials, meta-analyses, guidelines, consensus, and case reports, published in the last 30 years were performed. EXPERT OPINION The several associated conditions listed above constitute a risk for AIHA development and should be considered since disease course and therapy may be different. Particularly, AIHA developing after transplant or novel checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging complex entity whose proper therapy is still an unmet need. Concerning intrinsic risk factors, the severity of anemia at onset correlated with the recurrence of relapses, refractoriness, and fatal outcome. This finding reflects the presence of several mechanisms involved in AIHA, i.e. highly pathogenic antibodies, complement activation, and failure of marrow compensation. With the advent of novel target therapies (complement and various tyrosine kinase inhibitors), a risk-adapted therapy for AIHA is becoming fundamental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico , Milan, Italy
| | - Juri Giannotta
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico , Milan, Italy.,Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico , Milan, Italy.,Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy
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12
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Barcellini W. The relationship between idiopathic cytopenias/dysplasias of uncertain significance (ICUS/IDUS) and autoimmunity. Expert Rev Hematol 2017; 10:649-657. [PMID: 28586251 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2017.1339597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review examines the several lines of evidence that support the relationship between myelodysplasia and autoimmunity, i.e. their epidemiologic association, the existence of common immune-mediated physiopathologic mechanisms, and the response to similar immunosuppressive therapies. The same relationship is reviewed here considering idiopathic cytopenia of uncertain significance (ICUS) and idiopathic dysplasia of uncertain significance (IDUS), two recently recognized provisional conditions characterized by isolated/unexplained cytopenia and/or dysplasia in <10% bone marrow cells. Areas covered: The review focuses on alterations of cytokine profiles, telomere/telomerase and toll-like receptors, and on increased myelosuppressive mediators and apoptotic markers in both myelodysplasia and autoimmunity. In addition, the presence of an autoimmune reaction directed against marrow precursors is described in refractory/relapsing autoimmune cytopenias (autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, chronic idiopathic neutropenia), possibly contributing to their evolution to ICUS/IDUS/bone marrow failure syndromes. Expert commentary: The increasing availability of omics methods has fuelled the discussion on the role of somatic mutations in the pathogenesis of IDUS/ICUS, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, and clonal cytopenias of undetermined significance, and in their possible evolution. Even more attracting is the involvement of the genetic background/accumulating somatic mutations in cytopenias with autoimmune alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma Barcellini
- a Onco-hematology Unit , IRCCS Ca' Granda - Maggiore Policlinico Hospital Foundation , Milan , Italy
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13
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Barcellini W, Fattizzo B, Zaninoni A, Valli V, Ferri V, Gianelli U, Cortelezzi A. Clinical evolution of autoimmune cytopenias to idiopathic cytopenias/dysplasias of uncertain significance (ICUS/IDUS) and bone marrow failure syndromes. Am J Hematol 2017; 92:E26-E29. [PMID: 28033669 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wilma Barcellini
- Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan Italy
- University of Milanvia Festa del Perdono 720100Milan Italy
| | - Anna Zaninoni
- Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan Italy
| | - Viviana Valli
- Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan Italy
- University of Milanvia Festa del Perdono 720100Milan Italy
| | - Valeria Ferri
- Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan Italy
| | - Umberto Gianelli
- Hematopathology Service, Pathology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan Italy
- University of Milanvia Festa del Perdono 720100Milan Italy
| | - Agostino Cortelezzi
- Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilan Italy
- University of Milanvia Festa del Perdono 720100Milan Italy
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