Kinetics of dendritic cells reconstitution and costimulatory molecules expression after myeloablative allogeneic haematopoetic stem cell transplantation: implications for the development of acute graft-versus host disease

Clin Immunol. 2009 Apr;131(1):60-9. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2008.10.009. Epub 2008 Dec 9.

Abstract

Allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) represents a unique opportunity to monitor the kinetics of reconstitution of dendritic cells (DCs) and their dynamics in distinct pathologies. We analyzed DCs reconstitution after myeloablative HSCT. We separately analyzed patients with acute GVHD. DCs were monitored from the earliest phase of hematopoetic reconstitution until day +365. Both myeloid DCs and plasmacytoid DCs appeared at earliest stages after engraftment and relative numbers within white blood cells compartment peaked between days 19-25 after HSCT. Their proportion then gradually declined and absolute numbers of both DC subsets remained lower than in controls during the whole follow-up. Patients with acute GVHD had significantly lower numbers of circulating DCs. Decrease in DC counts preceded onset of clinical symptoms by at least 24 h and was independent of corticosteroids administration. This study reveals quantification of plasmacytoid and myeloid DCs as a potential biomarker for the prediction of acute GVHD development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD / biosynthesis*
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • B7-1 Antigen / biosynthesis
  • B7-1 Antigen / immunology
  • B7-2 Antigen / biosynthesis
  • B7-2 Antigen / immunology
  • CD83 Antigen
  • Cell Count
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / pathology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulins / immunology
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / biosynthesis
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • B7-1 Antigen
  • B7-2 Antigen
  • CD86 protein, human
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins