Cell interactions and gene expression in early hematopoiesis

Reconstruction of the Hematopoietic System after Stem Cell Transplantation

The practice of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to rescue patients from the myeloablative effects of chemo- or radiotherapy, or to replace defective hematopoiesis, is based on the assumption that hematopoietic stem cells in the graft have sufficient proliferative potential to supply mature blood cells for the remainder of the recipient's lifespan. However, the mechanism(s) whereby this is achieved are not well understood. Here we address the reconstruction of the hematopoietic system by considering the effects of stem cell and progenitor cell renewal and differentiation. We conclude that stem cell self-renewal is necessary for hematological recovery and that infused committed progenitor cells (CFU-GM) may contribute to the neutrophil count in the early posttransplant period.

Peripheralization of hemopoietic progenitors in primates treated with anti-VLA4 integrin

Interaction of hemopoietic cells with the elements of the underlying bone marrow stroma, the unique site of their "homing" in adult individuals, is essential for sustained normal hemopoiesis. However, the specific molecules responsible for homing and for the continuing interaction of hemopoietic cells with the bone marrow stromal cells in vivo, or those involved in progenitor/stem cell trafficking through the bloodstream, have not been defined. A large repertoire of adhesion receptors, especially of the integrin family, appear to play a prominent role in promoting adhesion of hemopoietic stem cells to cultured marrow stromal cells in vitro. To test the functional role of cytoadhesion molecules in vivo, we treated primates systemically with either anti-alpha 4- or anti-beta 2-integrin antibodies, whose antigens are found in the majority of hemopoietic progenitors and in many differentiated cells. We found that anti-alpha 4 (anti-VLA4, anti-CD49d) but not anti-beta 2 (anti-CD18) treatment selectively mobilized progenitors into the bloodstream (up to 200-fold). Peripheralization involved erythroid, myeloid, and mixed progenitors; was detectable 24 hr after a single anti-VLA4 injection; and lasted beyond the days of treatment. Anti-VLA4 treatment additively augmented peripheralization of progenitors in animals with a preceding course of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor. These data provide insight on the involvement of VLA4 antigens in the in vivo trafficking of progenitors and are of relevance to collection of peripheral blood stem cells for transplantation.

Negative regulators of haemopoiesis--current advances

The overall control of the haemopoietic system is ultimately articulated at the level of stem cell proliferative regulation. An understanding of the control processes involved is central to a full understanding of the regulation of haemopoiesis in health and disease. We describe here the recent advances in understanding of the negative regulation of primitive haemopoietic cells. The possible involvement of inhibitory factors in the development of haemopoietic malignancy is discussed. The known biological functions of many of these inhibitory molecules suggests a therapeutic potential for negative regulators.