Impact of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells on experimental xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease

in Cytotherapy (in press)

Background aims. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation caused by donor T cells reacting against host tissues. Previous ... [more ▼]

Background aims. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation caused by donor T cells reacting against host tissues. Previous studies have suggested that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) could exert potent immunosuppressive effects. Methods. The ability of human bone marrow derived MSCs to prevent xenogeneic GVHD in non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice and in NOD/SCID/interleukin-2Rg(null) (NSG) mice transplanted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was assessed. Results. Injection of 200 106 human PBMCs intraperitoneally (IP) into sub-lethally (3.0 Gy) irradiated NOD/SCID mice also given anti-asialo GM1 antibodies IP 1 day prior and 8 days after transplantation induced lethal xenogeneic GVHD in all tested mice. Co-injection of 2 106 MSCs IP on day 0 did not prevent lethal xenogeneic GVHD induced by injection of human PBMCs. Similarly, injection of 30 106 human PBMCs IP into sub-lethally (2.5 Gy) irradiated NSG mice induced a lethal xenogeneic GVHD in all tested mice. Injection of 3 106 MSCs IP on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 did not prevent lethal xenogeneic GVHD induced by injection of human PBMCs. Conclusions. Injection of MSCs did not prevent xenogeneic GVHD in these two humanized mice models. [less ▲]

Kinetics of IL-7 and IL-15 Levels after Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation following Nonmyeloablative Conditioning

in PLoS ONE (2013), 8(2), 55876

Background: We analysed kinetics of IL-7 and IL-15 levels in 70 patients given peripheral blood stem cells after nonmyeloablative conditioning. Methods: EDTA-anticoagulated plasma and serum samples were ... [more ▼]

Background: We analysed kinetics of IL-7 and IL-15 levels in 70 patients given peripheral blood stem cells after nonmyeloablative conditioning. Methods: EDTA-anticoagulated plasma and serum samples were obtained before conditioning and about once per week after transplantation until day 100. Samples were aliquoted and stored at 280uC within 3 hours after collection until measurement of cytokines. IL-7 and IL-15 levels were measured by ELISAs. Results: Median IL-7 plasma levels remained below 6 pg/L throughout the first 100 days, although IL-7 plasma levels were significantly higher on days 7 (5.1 pg/mL, P = 0.002), 14 (5.2 pg/mL, P,0.001), and 28 (5.1 pg/mL, P = 0.03) (but not thereafter) than before transplantation (median value of 3.8 pg/mL). Median IL-15 serum levels were significantly higher on days 7 (12.5 pg/mL, P,0.001), 14 (10.5 pg/mL, P,0.001), and 28 (6.2 pg/mL, P,0.001) than before transplantation (median value of 2.4 pg/mL). Importantly, IL-7 and IL-15 levels on days 7 or 14 after transplantation did not predict grade II–IV acute GVHD. Conclusions: These data suggest that IL-7 and IL-15 levels remain relatively low after nonmyeloablative transplantation, and that IL-7 and IL-15 levels early after nonmyeloablative transplantation do not predict for acute GVHD. [less ▲]

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NET) Entrap and Kill Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto Spirochetes and Are not Affected by Ixodes ricinus Tick Saliva.

in Journal of Immunology (2012), 189(11), 5393-5401

Lyme disease is a pathology caused by members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex, most often by B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.). They are transmitted mainly by Ixodes ricinus ticks ... [more ▼]

Lyme disease is a pathology caused by members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex, most often by B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.). They are transmitted mainly by Ixodes ricinus ticks. After a few hours of infestation, neutrophils massively infiltrate the bite site. They can kill Borrelia via phagocytosis, oxidative burst and hydrolytic enzymes. However, factors in tick saliva promote propagation of the bacteria in the host even in the presence of a large number of neutrophils. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) consists in the extrusion of the neutrophil’s own DNA, forming traps that can retain and kill bacteria. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is apparently associated with the onset of NEtosis. Here we describe NETs formation at the tick bite site in vivo in mice. We show that Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. spirochetes become trapped and killed by NETs in humans and that the bacteria do not seem to release significant nucleases to evade this process. Saliva from I. ricinus did not affect NET formation by human neutrophiles or it stability. However, it strongly decreased neutrophil ROS production, suggesting that a strong decrease of hydrogen peroxide does not affect NET formation. Finally, round bodies were observed trapped in NETs, some of them staining as live cells. This observation could help contribute to a better explanation of erythema migrans. [less ▲]

Rapamycin prevents experimental sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease in mice

Conference (2012)

Background: The most widely used mice model of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is an MHC-matched bone marrow transplantation model of sclerodermatous cGvHD. A limitation of that model is that ... [more ▼]

Background: The most widely used mice model of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is an MHC-matched bone marrow transplantation model of sclerodermatous cGvHD. A limitation of that model is that mortality is relatively low, making difficult to study the impact of potentially therapeutic compounds. Aims: To develop a more severe model of cGVHD and to assess the impact of Rapamycin administration in that model. Results: Lethally irradiated Balb/C mice were injected with 10x106 bone marrow cells and 70x106 splenocytes from B10.D2 donor mice. Twenty-one days later, all mice developed cGvHD. For the severe model, donor B10.D2 mice were injected with 0.5x106 splenocytes from Balb/C twenty-one days before transplantation. All mice from the severe model (n=8) died a median of 32 days while 3 of 7 mice in the classical model survived beyond day 52. Mean survival was decreased in the severe model compared to the classical model (32 days versus 37 days; p=0.0185). Recipient mice in the severe group experienced higher weight loss, hair loss and skin fi brosis. Numbers of T lymphocytes (231.9 ± 151.4 versus 951 ± 532.8; p=0.0032) and CD4+ T cells (63.25 ± 41.93 versus 135.0 ± 14.39; p=0.0018) per microliter of blood at day 21 were lower in the severe group than in the classical model. Moreover, number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) was decreased in the severe model (1.250 ± 0.8864 versus 8.000 ± 6.753; p=0.0151). We then investigated whether rapamycin administration could prevent GVHD in the severe model. All (n=8) mice treated with PBS (placebo) died a median of 32 days after transplantation, while 6 of 8 mice given 1 mg/kg/day i.p. rapamycin survived beyond day 52 (p=0.0012). Number of Tregs/μl was higher at day 21 in rapamycin-treated mice than in mice given PBS (2.000±1.195 versus 1.250±0.8864; p=0.0796). Moreover, number of naïve CD4+T (10.00±4.192 versus 30.25±5.185; p= 0.0089) and effector memory T cells (EMT) (30.67±3.180 versus 67.33±7.881; p= 0.0125) were higher in rapamycin mice. Finally, proliferation of EMT (assessed by fl ow cytometry using Ki-67) was higher in PBS than in rapamycin mice (45.28%±4.084 versus 31.90%± 2.003; p=0.0474). Conclusion: We have developed a mice model of severe cGVHD. Interestingly, rapamycin prevented death from cGVHD in that model, perhaps through in vivo expansion of Treg. [less ▲]

Impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease after reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukaemia: A report from the Acute Leukaemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Conference (2012)

We investigated the impact of occurrence of GVHD on transplantation outcomes in a large cohort of AML pts given allogeneic PBSC after RIC conditioning. Data from 1859 AML pts in fi rst (n=1439) or second ... [more ▼]

We investigated the impact of occurrence of GVHD on transplantation outcomes in a large cohort of AML pts given allogeneic PBSC after RIC conditioning. Data from 1859 AML pts in fi rst (n=1439) or second (n=420) CR transplanted between 2000 and 2009 following a RIC regimen at EBMT affi liated centres were analyzed. Pts were given PBSC from HLA-identical sibling (MRD, n=1208), or from HLA-matched unrelated donors (MUD, n=651). ATG was given in 269 (22%) MRD and in 267 (41%) MUD recipients, respectively, while 151 (13%) MRD and 165 (25%) MUD recipients received in-vivo T cell depletion with alemtuzumab. The impact of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) on outcomes was assessed using time-dependent multivariate Cox models and in a landmark analysis at 18 months after transplant. The 3-y cumulative incidence of cGVHD was 47%. Fifty-three percent of patients with cGVHD had extensive cGVHD, while the remaining 47% had limited cGVHD. In multivariate analyses, occurrence of grade II-IV aGVHD was associated with a lower risk of relapse (HR=0.8; P=0.04), a higher risk of chronic (HR=2.2; P<0.001) and extensive chronic GVHD (HR=2.8; P<0.001), a higher risk of NRM (HR=2.4 P<0.001), a worsened LFS (HR=1.3; P=0.01), and a worsened OS (HR=1.5; P<0.001). In multivariate time-dependent analyses, occurrence of limited cGVHD was associated with a lower risk of relapse (HR=0.7; P=0.05), comparable NRM (HR=1.4; P=0.16), comparable LFS (HR=0.9; P=0.29) and better OS (HR=0.5; P<0.001), while occurrence of extensive cGVHD was associated with a lower risk of relapse (HR=0.6; P=0.01), higher NRM (HR=3.2; P<0.001), a trend for worsened LFS (HR=1.3; P=0.06) and comparable OS (HR=0.9; P=0.34). In a landmark analysis in patients who were leukemia-free at 18 months after transplantation (n=776), 2-year relapse, NRM, LFS and OS were 16±2%, 2.5±1%, 82±2%, and 89±2%, respectively, in patients without cGVHD before the landmark time-point, versus 9±1% (P=0.001), 8±1% (P<0.001), 83±2% (P=0.65), and 86±2% (P=0.38), respectively, in patients with cGVHD before the landmark time-point. In conclusion, in this cohort of AML patients transplanted in remission, occurrence of cGVHD was associated with a lower risk of relapse that translated to better OS in patients with limited cGVHD but not in those with extensive cGVHD who experienced higher long term NRM. These results highlight the role of the GVT effect in RIC allo-SCT, but also the need for improving the prevention of severe cGVHD in pts receiving RIC allo-SCT. [less ▲]

Value of infliximab (Remicade) in patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Final results of a randomized phase II trial (EORTC trial 06023) of the EORTC Leukemia Group

in Haematologia (2012), 97(4), 529533

Tumor-necrosis factor alpha activity has been correlated to ineffective erythropoiesis in lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Infliximab (Remicade) is an anti-tumor-necrosis factor alpha chimeric ... [more ▼]

Tumor-necrosis factor alpha activity has been correlated to ineffective erythropoiesis in lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Infliximab (Remicade) is an anti-tumor-necrosis factor alpha chimeric antibody that is used in the treatment of patients with heumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease. Forty-six patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and a relatively low risk of developing acute leukemia were included in a randomized phase II study assessing the therapeutic activity of two dosages of infliximab administration (3 mg/kg versus 5 mg/kg). The primary endpoint was the response rate. Responses were observed in 3 of 22 patients (13.1%) randomized to the 3 mg/kg arm, versus 0 of 21 patients randomized in the 5 mg/kg arm. According to the statistical design of the current study, neither of the two infliximab dose schedules tested showed sufficient activity as a single agent in this cohort of unselected patients with early myelodysplastic syndrome. [less ▲]

Mesenchymal stromal cells : a new tool against graft-versus-host disease ?

in Biology of Blood & Marrow Transplantation (2012), 18(6), 822-840

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a heterogeneous subset of multipotent cells that can be isolated from several tissues including bone marrow and fat. MSCs exhibit immunomodulatory and anti ... [more ▼]

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a heterogeneous subset of multipotent cells that can be isolated from several tissues including bone marrow and fat. MSCs exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that prompted their clinical use as prevention and/or treatment for severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Although a number of phase I-II studies have suggested that MSCs infusion was safe and might be effective for preventing or treating acute GVHD, definitive proof for their efficacy remains lacking thus far. Multicenter randomized studies are ongoing to more precisely assess the impact of MSCs infusion on GVHD prevention/treatment, whereas further research is performed in vitro and in animal models with the aims of determining the best way to expand MSCs ex vivo as well as the most efficient dose and schedule of MSCs administration. After introducing GVHD, MSC biology, and results of MSCs infusion in animal models of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, this article reviews the results of the first clinical trials investigating the use of MSCs infusion as prevention or treatment of GVHD. [less ▲]

Rituximab et maladie du greffon contre l'hôte chronique

in Horizons Hemato (2012), 2(2), 78-81

La maladie du greffon contre l’hôte (« greffe-versus-hôte » – GVH) chronique (GVHc) est une complication fréquente des allogreffes de cellules souches hématopoïétiques (CSH). A l’heure actuelle, à ... [more ▼]

La maladie du greffon contre l’hôte (« greffe-versus-hôte » – GVH) chronique (GVHc) est une complication fréquente des allogreffes de cellules souches hématopoïétiques (CSH). A l’heure actuelle, à l’exception des corticostéroïdes, peu de traitements se sont avérés réellement efficaces pour la prise en charge de la GVHc. Des données récentes suggèrent un rôle important des lymphocytes B (LB) dans la physiopathologie de la GVHc. Elles constituent le rationnel scientifique à une série d’études évaluant l’efficacité du rituximab, un anticorps monoclonal dirigé contre l’antigène CD20 exprimé à la surface des LB, dans la prévention ou le traitement de la GVHc. [less ▲]

Thymic recovery after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with nonmyeloablative conditioning is limited to patients younger than 60 years of age

in Haematologica (2011), 96(2)

Impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) as treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) : a survey from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT

in Blood (2011), 118

The goal of RIC allo-SCT is to harness the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, while minimizing toxicities and the risk of GVHD. However, prior studies have shown a lower risk of relapse in AML patients ... [more ▼]

The goal of RIC allo-SCT is to harness the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, while minimizing toxicities and the risk of GVHD. However, prior studies have shown a lower risk of relapse in AML patients (pts) who experienced chronic GVHD after RIC allo-SCT versus in those who did not. Here, we investigated the impact of occurrence of GVHD on transplantation outcomes in a large cohort of AML pts given allogeneic PBSC after RIC conditioning. Data from 1859 AML pts in first (n=1439) or second (n=420) CR transplanted between 2000 and 2009 following a RIC regimen at EBMT affiliated centres were analyzed. Pts were given PBSC from HLA-identical sibling (MRD, n=1208), or from HLA-matched unrelated donors (MUD, n=651). Median pt age at transplantation was 56 y (range, 18–77). 338 male pts were given grafts from female donors. RIC was based on low-dose TBI in 520 (28%) pts, while the remaining pts received chemotherapy-based RIC. ATG was given in 269 (22%) MRD and in 267 (41%) MUD recipients, respectively, while 151 (13%) MRD and 165 (25%) MUD recipients received in-vivo T cell depletion with alemtuzumab. The impact of chronic GVHD on relapse risk, non-relapse mortality (NRM), leukemia-free survival (LFS), and overall survival (OS) was assessed using time-dependent multivariate Cox models and in a landmark analysis at 18 months after transplant. Three-year incidences of relapse, NRM, LFS and OS were 34±1%, 15±1%, 51±2% and 60±2% in MRD recipients, respectively, and 34±2% (p=NS), 24±2% (P<0.001), 42±2% (P=0.001) and 47±2% (P=0.001) in MUD recipients, respectively. Grade II, III and IV acute GVHD were observed in 133 (11%), 61 (5%) and 30 (2%) MRD recipients and in 119 (18%), 41 (6%) and 24 (4%) MUD recipients, respectively. The 3-y cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 47%. Fifty-three percent of patients with chronic GVHD had extensive chronic GVHD, while the remaining 47% had limited chronic GVHD. In multivariate analyses, occurrence of grade II-IV acute GVHD was associated with a lower risk of relapse (HR=0.8; P=0.04), a higher risk of chronic (HR=2.2; P<0.001) and extensive chronic GVHD (HR=2.8; P<0.001), a higher risk of NRM (HR=2.4 P<0.001), a worsened LFS (HR=1.3; P=0.01), and a worsened OS (HR=1.5; P<0.001). In multivariate time-dependent analyses, occurrence of limited chronic GVHD was associated with a lower risk of relapse (HR=0.7; P=0.05), comparable NRM (HR=1.4; P=0.16), comparable LFS (HR=0.9; P=0.29) and better OS (HR=0.5; P<0.001), while occurrence of extensive chronic GVHD was associated with a lower risk of relapse (HR=0.6; P=0.01), higher NRM (HR=3.2; P<0.001), a trend for worsened LFS (HR=1.3; P=0.06) and comparable OS (HR=0.9; P=0.34). The median interval from transplantation to occurrence of chronic GVHD was 163 (range, 100–1545) days. To further assess the graft-versus-leukemia effect of chronic GVHD, we performed a landmark analysis in patients who were leukemia-free at 18 months after transplantation (n=776). Median follow-up from this landmark time-point was 24 (range, 0.1–112) months. Two-year relapse, NRM, LFS and OS were 16±2%, 2.5±1%, 82±2%, and 89±2%, respectively, in patients without chronic GVHD before the landmark time-point, versus 9±1% (P=0.001), 8±1% (P<0.001), 83±2% (P=0.65), and 86±2% (P=0.38), respectively, in patients with chronic GVHD before the landmark time-point.In conclusion, in this cohort of AML patients transplanted in remission, occurrence of chronic GVHD was associated with a lower risk of relapse that translated to better OS in patients with limited chronic GVHD but not in those with extensive chronic GVHD who experienced higher long term NRM, highlighting the need for long term prospective assessment of long term effects and quality of life in patients receiving RIC allo-SCT. [less ▲]