Mechanisms by Which Obesity Promotes Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Mice

The efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is limited by the occurrence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We have recently demonstrated that obesity results in exacerbated acute gastrointestinal GVHD in both mouse models and clinical outcomes due to increased pro-inflammatory cytokine responses and microbiota alterations. We therefore wanted to delineate the role of the various parameters in obesity, adiposity, effects of high-fat (HF) diet, and the role of microbiome on GVHD pathogenesis, by taking advantage of a mouse strain resistant to diet-induced obesity (DIO). Female BALB/c mice are resistant to DIO phenotype with approximately 50% becoming DIO under HF diets. The DIO-susceptible recipients rapidly succumb to acute gut GVHD, whereas the DIO-resistant recipient littermates, which do not become obese, are partially protected from GVHD, indicating that being on HF diet alone contributes to but is not the primary driver of GVHD. Microbiome assessment revealed restricted diversity in both cohorts of mice, but coprophagy normalizes the microbiota in mice housed together. We then individually housed DIO-resistant, DIO-susceptible, and lean control mice. Notably, each of the individually housed groups demonstrates marked restricted diversity that has been shown to occur from the stress of single housing. Despite the restricted microbiome diversity, the GVHD pathogenesis profile remains consistent in the group-housed mice, with the lean control single-housed mice exhibiting no acute GVHD and DIO-resistant recipients showing again partial protection. These results demonstrate that the deleterious effects of obesity on acute gut GVHD are critically dependent on adiposity with the HF diet also playing a lesser role, and the microbiome alterations with obesity instead appear to fuel ongoing acute GVHD processes.

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MiR-146a Regulates the TRAF6/TNF-Axis in Donor T Cells during Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.843.843 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 843-843

Author(s):

Natalie Stickel ◽

Gabriele Prinz ◽

Dietmar Pfeifer ◽

Annette Schmitt-Graeff ◽

Marie Follo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Negative Regulator ◽

Snp Analysis ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Donor T Cells

Abstract Introduction: Acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) arises from the attack of recipient tissues by donor allogeneic T cells and represents one of the major limitations of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). In spite of many clinical trials, the standard immunosuppressive regimens for prevention of acute GvHD have improved little in the last two decades. Hence, a better understanding of the biology of acute GvHD may improve therapeutic options. MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) was found to be increased in the sera of patients with GvHD. Therefore, we aimed to decipher the role of miR-146a in allogeneic donor T cells during GvHD by functional studies and in patients undergoing allo-HCT by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Methods: We used two different murine major MHC mismatch models for acute GvHD. Recipient mice were conditioned with irradiation before transplantation of bone marrow and either wildtype or miR-146a deficient T cells from allogeneic donor mice. Furthermore, genomic DNA from 289 patients that underwent allo-HCT and their respective hematopoietic stem cell donors was isolated in order to determine their miR-146a rs2910164genotype. Results: We observed miR-146a upregulation in T cells of mice developing acute GvHD compared to untreated mice in a major MHC and a minor histocompatibility antigen mismatch model. Transfer of miR-146a deficient T cells caused increased GvHD severity, elevated TNF serum levels and reduced survival. Conversely, the phytochemical induction of miR-146a or its overexpression in donor T cells using a specific miR-146a mimic reduced GvHD severity. TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), a verified target of miR-146a, was upregulated in miR-146a-/- T cells following alloantigen stimulation. Higher TRAF6 levels translated into increased NF-κB activity and TNF production in miR-146a-/- T cells, while other pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were unaffected. The detrimental effect of miR-146a deficiency in T cells could be antagonized by TNF blockade in vivo. Moreover, in contrast to WT T cells, over expression of miR-146a in Tnf deficient T cells had no effect on their alloreactivity. In the human system, the minor genotype of the SNP rs2910164, which causes reduced miR-146a expression, was more frequent in patients developing acute GvHD grade III/IV compared to all other allo-HCT recipients (n=289). Conclusions: Taken together we show that miR-146a functions as a negative regulator of the TRAF6/TNF-axis in allogeneic donor T cells during GvHD, leading to reduced TNF transcription. Given our observation on the predictive role of the SNP leading to decreased miR-146a expression in acute GvHD in patients and the possibility to exogenously enhance miR-146a expression, we provide a novel and targeted molecular approach to mitigate GvHD. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Acute and chronic graft versus host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplant

JBMTCT ◽

10.46765/2675-374x.2020v1n1p53-66 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 53-66

Author(s):

Vaneuza A. M. Funke ◽

Maria Claudia Rodrigues Moreira ◽

Afonso Celso Vigorito

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cell ◽

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Primary Therapy ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host

Graft versus host disease is one of the main complications of Hematopoietic stem cell, involving about 50% to 80% of the patients. Acute GVHD clinical manifestations and therapy is discussed, as well as new NIH criteria for the diagnosis and classification of chronic GVHD. Therapy for both refractory chronic and acute GVHD is an important field of discussion once there is no superiority for the majority of the agents after primary therapy has failed. Hence, this review is meant to be a useful tool of consultation for clinicians who are dealing with this complex complication.

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The role of antigen-presenting cells in triggering graft-versus-host disease and graft-versus-leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2006-12-022038 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (1) ◽

pp. 9-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 108

Author(s):

Ronjon Chakraverty ◽

Megan Sykes

Keyword(s):

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Tissue Injury ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Graft Versus Leukemia ◽

Donor T Cells ◽

Antigen Presenting

After allogeneic blood or bone marrow transplantation, donor T cells interact with a distorted antigen-presenting cell (APC) environment in which some, but not all, host APCs are replaced by APCs from the donor. Significantly, host APCs are required for the priming of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Donor APCs play a lesser role in the induction of acute GVHD despite their predicted capacity to cross-present host antigens. In contrast, donor APCs may play a role in perpetuating the tissue injury observed in chronic GVHD. Host APCs are also required for maximal graft-versus-leukemia responses. Recent studies have suggested potential strategies by which the continued presence of host APCs can be exploited to prime strong donor immunity to tumors without the induction of GVHD.

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The Role of Intestinal Microbiota in Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

Journal of Immunology Research ◽

10.1155/2015/145859 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Yuanyuan Chen ◽

Ye Zhao ◽

Qiao Cheng ◽

Depei Wu ◽

Haiyan Liu

Keyword(s):

Immune Responses ◽

Intestinal Microbiota ◽

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Host Immune Responses ◽

Acute Graft

The mammalian intestinal microbiota is a complex ecosystem that plays an important role in host immune responses. Recent studies have demonstrated that alterations in intestinal microbiota composition are linked to multiple inflammatory diseases in humans, including acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). aGVHD is one of the major obstacles in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), characterized by tissue damage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, lung, and skin. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of intestinal microbiota in the control of immune responses during aGVHD. Additionally, the possibility of using probiotic strains for potential treatment or prevention of aGVHD will be discussed.

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Benefits and challenges with diagnosing chronic and late acute GVHD in children using the NIH consensus criteria

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.2019000216 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (3) ◽

pp. 304-316 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Geoffrey D. E. Cuvelier ◽

Eneida R. Nemecek ◽

Justin T. Wahlstrom ◽

Carrie L. Kitko ◽

Victor A. Lewis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Nih Consensus Criteria ◽

Adjudication Committee

Abstract Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and late acute graft-versus-host disease (L-aGVHD) are understudied complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children. The National Institutes of Health Consensus Criteria (NIH-CC) were designed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of cGVHD and to better classify graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) syndromes but have not been validated in patients <18 years of age. The objectives of this prospective multi-institution study were to determine: (1) whether the NIH-CC could be used to diagnose pediatric cGVHD and whether the criteria operationalize well in a multi-institution study; (2) the frequency of cGVHD and L-aGVHD in children using the NIH-CC; and (3) the clinical features and risk factors for cGVHD and L-aGVHD using the NIH-CC. Twenty-seven transplant centers enrolled 302 patients <18 years of age before conditioning and prospectively followed them for 1 year posttransplant for development of cGVHD. Centers justified their cGVHD diagnosis according to the NIH-CC using central review and a study adjudication committee. A total of 28.2% of reported cGVHD cases was reclassified, usually as L-aGVHD, following study committee review. Similar incidence of cGVHD and L-aGVHD was found (21% and 24.7%, respectively). The most common organs involved with diagnostic or distinctive manifestations of cGVHD in children include the mouth, skin, eyes, and lungs. Importantly, the 2014 NIH-CC for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome perform poorly in children. Past acute GVHD and peripheral blood grafts are major risk factors for cGVHD and L-aGVHD, with recipients ≥12 years of age being at risk for cGVHD. Applying the NIH-CC in pediatrics is feasible and reliable; however, further refinement of the criteria specifically for children is needed.

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Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Approach of Multiple Candidate Pathways Predicting the Risk of Acute / Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease or Transplant Outcomes Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Potential Involvement of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NFKB), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) and Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) Pathway with Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.2221.2221 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 2221-2221

Author(s):

Dong Hwan (Dennis) Kim ◽

Jina Yun ◽

Jee Hyun Kong ◽

Chul Won Jung ◽

Ahmed Galal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Cytokine Activation

Abstract Abstract 2221 Poster Board II-198 Background: Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was known to be involved in the Th1 cytokine activation and alloreactive T-cell cytotoxicity, while the pathogenesis of chronic GVHD is yet revealed fully although in which Th2 cytokine activation or transforming growth factor (TGF) mediated pathway was suggested to be involved. The current study is a hypothesis generating study in order to identify potential predictive surrogate associated with the risk of acute or chronic GVHD in addition with transplant outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: The current study was performed to identify genetic surrogates predicting the risk of acute / chronic GVHD, relapse free survival, non-relapse mortality and overall survival in 394 pairs transplanted at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. In addition, the predictive markers for organ specific incidence of acute / chronic GVHD were also evaluated (i.e. for skin/liver/gut acute GVHD or skin, eye, oral, lung or liver chronic GVHD). Total of 261 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 56 genes were determined for donor/recipients' genotypes using MALDI-TOF based platform, involving in the pathways of 1) cytokines (i.e. IL1A, IL1B and its receptor, IL1R1, IL2 & IL2RA, IL4 & IL4R, IL6 & IL6R, IL8, IL10 & IL10RA, RB, IL12A/BandIL12RB1, IFNG & IFNGR1/2, TNFTI/II/II), 2) NFKB (NFKB1/2/A, NFKBIA/B, IKB, IKK1, IKBKB, RelB), 3) apoptosis (FAS, TRAIL & TRAILR1), 4) endothelium nitric oxide regulation (EDN1, NOS1/2A/3), 5) PDGF (PDGFB/C/D & PDGFRA/B), 6) TGF-β (TGFB1/2 & TGFBR1/2/3, TGFRB1), 7) Toll-like receptor (TLR4/5), 8) NOD2/CARD15 and 9) prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS1/2). The candidate genotypes have been selected by choosing the SNPs in non-synonymous SNPs in exon region with minor allele frequency of > 0.05 to 0.1. Results: Followings are the lists of recipients' and donors' genotypes with p-value<0.05 thus associating with clinical outcomes following allogeneic HSCT: In summary, the risk of chronic GVHD was significantly associated with SNP of the genes involved in the pathway of NFKB, PDGF, TGF-β, and some of cytokines (esp. type II, IL6 & IL4), while that of acute GVHD associates with the genotypes in the pathway of TNF and apoptosis. In addition, survival after allogeneic transplantation was associated with the genotypes in NOS (nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthesis pathway), IL-2 and TGF pathway. Conclusion: Because of complex nature of GVHD pathogenesis, multiple candidate pathway SNPs has been explored targeting SNPs in the pathway of cytokines, NFKB, apoptosis, endothelium nitric oxide regulation, NOD2/CARD15, PDGF, PTGS1/2, TGF-β and TLR. Different involvements were noted of TGF-β, PDGF or NFKB with chronic GVHD versus TNF and apoptosis-associated SNPs with acute GVHD. Further study will help us to reach more clear conclusion which genotype is the predictor of the risk of GVHD. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Complete Resolution of Extensive Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease with Ibrutinib

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.5474.5474 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 5474-5474

Author(s):

Audrey Scholoff ◽

Gloria Obi ◽

Kelty R. Baker ◽

George Carrum ◽

Rammurti T Kamble

Keyword(s):

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Complete Resolution ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Complete Response ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Oral Ulcers

Abstract We herein document a complete response of extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) to a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, ibrutinib. A 41 years old female with primary refractory MCL underwent mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in December 2011 (conditioning with CY/TBI and alemtuzumab, graft=6.6x 106/kg CD-34+ cells, tacrolimus alone for GVHD prevention). Following engraftment on day 11, she developed grade III acute GvHD involving the skin and gut on day 17 of transplantation that persisted beyond 100 days post-transplant. Her cGvHD was treated with steroids, but remained active and extensive. Despite persistent cGvHD and 100% donor chimerism she relapsed in July 2012. Treatment with radiation and bendamustine with rituximab failed. By December 2013, the patient had extensive cGvHD manifesting as scleromatous skin thickening, oral ulcers and sclerosis of the buccal mucosa, ocular dryness and diarrhea, and was started on ibrutinib1 560 mg once daily for relapsed MCL. After 8 weeks of therapy, cGvHD had begun to improve. Oral steroids were reduced and ultimately stopped after 26 weeks of ibrutinib; after 30 weeks treatment all cGvHD manifestations resolved completely. A complete remission for MCL was documented at 8 weeks of ibrutinib initiation. Currently she continues to be on 560 mg daily ibrutinib without cGvHD exacerbation or MCL relapse for 22 weeks and 52 weeks, respectively. Chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD) is mediated donor T cells. The role of B cells in the pathogenesis of cGvHD is increasingly recognized. Two murine studies have explored the role of ibrutinib in cGVHD-like syndromes, one in which there is T cell driven sclerodermatous cGvHD and a second in which there is Ab driven multiorgan system cGvHD that includes bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). Administration of ibrutinib decreased the incidence and severity of sclerodermatous, and improved pre-existing lesions and also improved pulmonary fibrosis and reduced BO. Animals lacking BTK and ITK did not develop cGVHD, indicating that these molecules are critical to cGVHD development. Our report provides the evidence that BTK inhibition led to complete resolution of cGvHD and supports exploration of its role in future clinical trials. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Association of Serum Interleukin-7 Levels With the Development of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2008.17.1314 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 26 (35) ◽

pp. 5735-5741 ◽

Cited By ~ 64

Author(s):

Robert M. Dean ◽

Terry Fry ◽

Crystal Mackall ◽

Seth M. Steinberg ◽

Fran Hakim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Critical Role ◽

Human Leukocyte ◽

Post Transplantation ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Interleukin 7 ◽

Acute Graft

Purpose Morbidity from acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) limits the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) to treat malignancy. Interleukin-7 (IL-7), the principal homeostatic cytokine for T cells, is required for acute GVHD in murine models. In contrast to inflammatory cytokines (eg, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor α), IL-7 has not been studied extensively in the clinical transplant setting relative to its relationship with acute GVHD. Patients and Methods We evaluated the association of serum IL-7 levels with acute GVHD in 31 patients who were uniformly treated in a prospective clinical trial with reduced-intensity allogeneic HSCT from human leukocyte antigen–identical siblings. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine and methotrexate. Serum IL-7 levels and lymphocyte populations were determined at enrollment, the day of transplantation before the allograft infusion, and at specified intervals through 12 months post-transplantation. Results As expected, IL-7 levels were inversely correlated with T-cell populations (P < .00001). Acute GVHD was significantly associated with higher IL-7 levels at day +7 (P = .01) and day +14 (P = .00003) post-transplantation as well as with the allograft CD34+ cell dose (P = .01). IL-7 levels at day +14 also correlated with the severity of acute GVHD (P < .0001). In logistic regression models, these factors were highly sensitive (up to 86%) and specific (100%) for classifying whether patients developed acute GVHD. Conclusion These data support preclinical observations that IL-7 plays a critical role in inducing acute GVHD and provide a rational basis for novel approaches to prevent and treat acute GVHD through modulation of the IL-7 pathway.

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Role of CD8 Regulatory T Cells versus Tc1 and Tc17 Cells in the Development of Human Graft-versus-Host Disease

Journal of Immunology Research ◽

10.1155/2017/1236219 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Adriana Gutiérrez-Hoya ◽

Rubén López-Santiago ◽

Jorge Vela-Ojeda ◽

Laura Montiel-Cervantes ◽

Octavio Rodríguez-Cortés ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Regulatory T Cells ◽

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Treg Cells ◽

Protective Role ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Tc17 Cells

CD8+ T cells that secrete proinflammatory cytokines play a central role in exacerbation of inflammation; however, a new subpopulation of CD8 regulatory T cells has recently been characterized. This study analyzes the prominent role of these different subpopulations in the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Samples from 8 healthy donors mobilized with Filgrastim® (G-CSF) and 18 patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) were evaluated by flow cytometry. Mobilization induced an increase in Tc1 (p<0.01), Th1 (p<0.001), Tc17 (p<0.05), and CD8+IL-10+ cells (p<0.05), showing that G-CSF induces both pro- and anti-inflammatory profiles. Donor-patient correlation revealed a trend (p=0.06) toward the development of GVHD in patients who receive a high percentage of Tc1 cells. Patients with acute GVHD (aGVHD), either active or controlled, and patients without GVHD were evaluated; patients with active aGVHD had a higher percentage of Tc1 (p<0.01) and Tc17 (p<0.05) cells, as opposed to patients without GVHD in whom a higher percentage of CD8 Treg cells (p<0.01) was found. These findings indicate that the increase in Tc1 and Tc17 cells is associated with GVHD development, while regulatory CD8 T cells might have a protective role in this disease. These tests can be used to monitor and control GVHD.

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