Longitudinal analyses of leukemia-associated antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

作者:Ruecker Braun Elke; Link Cornelia S; Schmiedgen Maria; Tunger Antje; Vizjak Petra; Teipel Raphael; Wehner Rebekka; Kuehn Denise; Fuchs Yannik F; Oelschlaegel Uta; Germeroth Lothar; Schmitz Marc; Bornhaeuser Martin; Schetelig Johannes; Heidenreich Falk
来源:Experimental Hematology, 2016, 44(11): 1024-1033.
DOI:10.1016/j.exphem.2016.07.008

摘要

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative treatment approach for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Graft versus leukemia (GVL) effects, which are exerted by donor T cells directed against leukemic-associated antigens (LAAs), are considered to play a crucial role in disease eradication. Although the expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for cytomegalovirus (CMV) in response to an infection has been shown in multiple studies, data on CTLs mediating GVL effects are limited. To evaluate a potential increase or decrease of T lymphocytes specific for LAAs in the setting of allogeneic HSCT, we monitored leukemia-specific CD8(+) T cells throughout the first year after HSCT in 18 patients using streptamer technology. A broad panel of promising LAAs was selected: Wilms tumor protein, proteinase 3, receptor for hyaluronan acid-mediated motility, apoptosis regulator Bcl-2, survivin, nucleophosmin, and fibromodulin. T cells specifically directed against AML- or CLL-associated antigens were found at very low frequencies in peripheral blood. Substantial frequencies of LAA-specific T cells could not be measured at any time point by flow cytometry. In contrast, abundant CMV-pp65-specific T cells were detected in CMV-seropositive patient recipient pairs and an increase prompted by CMV infection could be demonstrated. In conclusion, T lymphocytes with specificities for the aforementioned LAAs can only be detected in minimal quantities in the early phase after allogeneic HSCT.

  • 出版日期2016-11