1
|
Stem Cell Therapy in Neuroimmunological Diseases and Its Potential Neuroimmunological Complications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142165. [PMID: 35883607 PMCID: PMC9318423 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the 1990s, transplantations of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells (HSCT and MSCT) and dendritic cell (DCT) have been investigated for the treatment of neurological autoimmune disorders (NADs). With the growing number of transplanted patients, awareness of neuroimmunolgical complications has increased. Therefore, an overview of SCT for the most common NADs and reports of secondary immunity after SCT is provided. Methods: For this narrative review, a literature search of the PubMed database was performed. A total of 86 articles reporting on different SCTs in NADs and 61 articles dealing with immune-mediated neurological complications after SCT were included. For multiple sclerosis (MS), only registered trials and phase I/II or II studies were considered, whereas all available articles on other disorders were included. The different transplantation procedures and efficacy and safety data are presented. Results: In MS patients, beneficial effects of HSCT, MSCT, and DCT with a decrease in disability and stabilization of disease activity have been reported. These effects were also shown in other NADs mainly in case reports. In seven of 132 reported patients with immune-mediated neurological complications, the outcome was fatal. Conclusions: Phase III trials are ongoing for MS, but the role of SCT in other NADs is currently limited to refractory patients due to occasional serious complications.
Collapse
|
2
|
Vakilian M. A review on the effect of prolyl isomerization on immune response aberration and hypersensitivity reactions: A unifying hypothesis. Clin Immunol 2021; 234:108896. [PMID: 34848356 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the causes and mechanisms of ectopic immune responses, including different types of hypersensitivity, superantigens, and cytokine storms. Two of the most questionable phenomena observed in immunology are why the intensity and extent of immune responses to different antigens are different, and why some self-antigens are attacked as foreign. The secondary structure of the peptides involved in the immune system, such as the epitope-paratope interfaces plays a pivotal role in the resulting immune responses. Prolyl cis/trans isomerization plays a fundamental role in the form of the secondary structure and the folding of proteins. This review covers some of the emerging evidence indicating the impact of prolyl isomerization on protein conformation, aberration of immune responses, and the development of hypersensitivity reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Vakilian
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, University of Malaga (UMA), The Institute of Biomedical Research in Malaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sakamoto H, Itonaga H, Sawayama Y, Kojima A, Chiwata M, Fujioka M, Kitanosono H, Horai M, Miyazaki T, Shiraishi H, Imaizumi Y, Yoshida S, Hata T, Yamano Y, Miyazaki Y. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy. Int J Hematol 2021; 113:765-769. [PMID: 33423163 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-020-03075-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) can be curative for adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), but comorbidities increase transplant-related mortality. Here we report the outcome of allo-HSCT in a patient with ATL with human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy-tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). A 48-year-old man was diagnosed with HAM/TSP and started prednisolone therapy. Ten years later, he developed lymphoma-type ATL. At the diagnosis of ATL, Osame's Motor Disability Score (OMDS) was 4. When prednisolone was gradually tapered and stopped following chemotherapy for ATL, HAM/TSP symptoms recurred (OMDS 7). Bone marrow transplantation from a human leukocyte antigen allele 8/8 matched unrelated donor was performed while ATL was in partial remission. Neutrophil engraftment with complete donor chimerism was achieved on day 19 after allo-HSCT. Mild gait improvement (OMDS 5) was observed on day 30. Although ATL relapsed on day 275, progression of HAM/TSP symptoms was not observed. Furthermore, there was no clear progression of HAM/TSP symptoms after donor lymphocyte infusions. The outcome of this case suggests that ATL patients with HAM/TSP tolerate allo-HSCT and donor lymphocyte infusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Sakamoto
- Department of Hematology, Atomic Bomb Disease and Hibakusha Medicine Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Hematology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Itonaga
- Department of Hematology, Atomic Bomb Disease and Hibakusha Medicine Unit, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Yasushi Sawayama
- Department of Hematology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Azusa Kojima
- Department of Hematology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masahiko Chiwata
- Department of Hematology, Atomic Bomb Disease and Hibakusha Medicine Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Machiko Fujioka
- Department of Hematology, Atomic Bomb Disease and Hibakusha Medicine Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Hematology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kitanosono
- Department of Neurology and Strokology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Makiko Horai
- Department of Hematology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Teiichiro Miyazaki
- Department of Neurology and Strokology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Shiraishi
- Department of Neurology and Strokology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Shinichiro Yoshida
- Department of Hematology, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Japan
| | - Tomoko Hata
- Department of Hematology, Atomic Bomb Disease and Hibakusha Medicine Unit, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Yamano
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan.,Department of Rare Diseases Research, Institute of Medical Science, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Miyazaki
- Department of Hematology, Atomic Bomb Disease and Hibakusha Medicine Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Hematology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Hematology, Atomic Bomb Disease and Hibakusha Medicine Unit, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tsutsumi Y, Kamiishi T, Kikuchi R, Ito S, Matsuoka S, Teshima T. Myasthenia gravis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: A case report and literature review. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 2019; 12:110-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hemonc.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
|
5
|
Fukatsu M, Murakami T, Ohkawara H, Saito S, Ikeda K, Kadowaki S, Sasaki I, Segawa M, Soeda T, Hoshi A, Takahashi H, Shichishima-Nakamura A, Ogawa K, Sugiura Y, Ohto H, Takeishi Y, Ikezoe T, Ugawa Y. A possible role of low regulatory T cells in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody positive myasthenia gravis after bone marrow transplantation. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:93. [PMID: 28506261 PMCID: PMC5433011 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) appears several months following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and is clinically analogous to autoimmune disorder. Polymyositis is a common neuromuscular disorder in chronic GVHD, but myasthenia gravis (MG) is extremely rare. Hence, its pathophysiology and treatment have not been elucidated. CASE PRESENTATION A 63-year-old man with a history of chronic GVHD presented with ptosis, dropped head, and dyspnea on exertion, which had worsened over the previous several months. He showed progressive decrement of compound muscle action potential in the deltoid muscle evoked by 3-Hz repetitive nerve stimulation, a positive edrophonium test, and elevated levels of serum anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, which suggested a diagnosis of generalized MG. No thymoma was found. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a remarkable depletion of peripheral Tregs (CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ cells, 0.24% of the total lymphocytes). Administration of prednisolone and tacrolimus was insufficient to alleviate his symptoms; however, the use of rituximab successfully improved his condition. CONCLUSIONS Myasthenic symptoms appeared in the process of tapering prednisolone for the treatment of chronic GVHD, supporting the diagnosis of MG associated with chronic GVHD. The present case proposes a possibility that reduction of Tregs might contribute to the pathogenesis of MG underlying chronic GVHD. Immunotherapy with rituximab is beneficial for treatment of refractory MG and GVHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Fukatsu
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Takenobu Murakami
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Ohkawara
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shunichi Saito
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ikeda
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Suguru Kadowaki
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Itaru Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Mari Segawa
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tomoko Soeda
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Akihiko Hoshi
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takahashi
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Kazuei Ogawa
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sugiura
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ohto
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuchika Takeishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ikezoe
- Department of Hematology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.,Fukushima Global Medical Science Center, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Koeppen S, Thirugnanasambanthan A, Koldehoff M. Neuromuscular complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:2337-41. [PMID: 24682581 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2225-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of neuromuscular symptoms in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for treatment of malignant hematopoietic disease. METHODS Among 247 outpatients after allogeneic HSCT, we conducted a prospective non-interventional study between July 2011 and August 2013. During follow-up visits, clinical and electrophysiological findings were correlated to the presence of autoantibodies/alloantibodies and to frequencies of lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood. RESULTS Resulting in an incidence of 8.1 %, 20 patients were diagnosed with neuromuscular complications at a median onset of 12 months post-transplant. Five patients (25 %) were identified with polyneuropathy (PNP), ten patients (50 %) with combined PNP and myopathy, four patients (20 %) with myopathy or polymyositis (PM), and one patient (5 %) with myasthenia gravis (MG). Immune-mediated sensorimotor PNP after HSCT is characterized by a predominantly axonal lesion and can be overlapping with neurotoxic side effects. The latency between HSCT and development of PM varied between 60 days and 72 months. In general, PM occurs parallel to graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) after tapering of immunosuppressive medication. Typical clinical features are proximal bilateral limb weakness with muscle atrophy. Autoantibodies (Ab) were detected in 12 patients, myositis-specific Ab only in one patient. In patients with progressive neurological symptoms, a decrease in the CD4/CD8 T cell ratio was observed. CONCLUSIONS GvHD-related myositis appeared similar to idiopathic myositis regarding clinical and electromyographical findings. As outcome measure, sequential analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood seems to be more suitable than Ab measurements. Whereas peripheral neuropathies are commonly observed shortly after HSCT, MG is a rare complication in the late post-HSCT phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Koeppen
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Muscle-specific kinase antibody associated myasthenia gravis after bone marrow transplantation. Neuromuscul Disord 2014; 24:148-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
8
|
Rezania K, Soliven B, Baron J, Lin H, Penumalli V, van Besien K. Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune manifestation of lymphoma and lymphoproliferative disorders: case reports and review of literature. Leuk Lymphoma 2011; 53:371-80. [PMID: 21864038 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2011.615426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Rezania
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Grauer O, Wolff D, Bertz H, Greinix H, Kühl JS, Lawitschka A, Lee SJ, Pavletic SZ, Holler E, Kleiter I. Neurological manifestations of chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: report from the Consensus Conference on Clinical Practice in chronic graft-versus-host disease. Brain 2010; 133:2852-65. [PMID: 20846944 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awq245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A major obstacle of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is graft-versus-host disease, an immune-mediated disorder that affects multiple tissues and organs with varying severity. Neurological complications of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease are rare but can produce severe clinical problems with significant morbidity and mortality. In this article, we review neurological manifestations of chronic graft-versus-host disease that comprise immune-mediated neuropathies, myasthenia gravis and myositis in the peripheral nervous system and various cerebrovascular complications, demyelination and immune-mediated encephalitis in the central nervous system. The National Institutes of Health consensus on criteria for clinical trials in chronic graft-versus-host disease recommended that the diagnosis of chronic graft-versus-host disease of the nervous system can be made only when other organs are affected by graft-versus-host disease and frequent neurological differential diagnoses such as drug-induced toxicities or opportunistic infections are excluded. The Consensus Conference on Clinical Practice in chronic graft-versus-host disease, held in autumn 2009 in Regensburg, aimed to summarize the literature and to provide guidelines for the diagnostic approach in children and adults with neurological manifestations of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Moreover, we present therapeutic recommendations and their level of evidence for the management of these complications. Overlapping symptoms and comorbidities after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the limited knowledge about the underlying biological mechanisms of chronic graft-versus-host disease affecting the nervous system emphasize the need for further experimental and clinical investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Grauer
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 84, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Atassi N, Amato AA. Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) antibody-associated myasthenia gravis after bone marrow transplantation. Muscle Nerve 2008; 38:1074-5. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.21023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
11
|
Abstract
Neuromuscular complications in transplant recipients are common and contribute to morbidity and mortality. Complications such as acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies and toxic myopathies are related to the changes in immune modulation that occur after transplantation or result from immunosuppressive treatment toxicity. Alternatively, other complications such as myositis, myasthenia gravis, and mononeuropathy multiplex may result from a dysimmune systemic disorder such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, graft-versus-host disease or hepatitis C virus or hepatitis B virus chronic infection. Lastly, some of these complications, e.g., compression or stretch of individual nerves or plexus, are commonly seen in a postoperative setting and are not specific of patients with organ transplantation. This review focuses on the characteristic features, management, prognosis and pathophysiology of common and immune-related neuromuscular complications in organ transplant recipients.
Collapse
|
12
|
Vinzio S, Lioure B, Grunenberger F, Schlienger JL, Goichot B. [Auto-immune-like disease post-bone marrow transplantation]. Rev Med Interne 2004; 25:514-23. [PMID: 15219370 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2003.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2003] [Accepted: 12/21/2003] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is based on destruction of the patient's bone marrow with rescue of haematopoietic stem cells from a donor. Chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVH) is the major complication post-BMT and mimics some autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma, sicca syndrome, primary biliary cirrhosis and an increased prevalence of various autoantibodies. Other autoimmune-like manifestations have been reported as case reports or short series. The most common are myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, autoimmune cytopenias and Graves' disease or autoimmune hypothyroidism. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS These diseases occur mainly in association with chronic GVH. The pathophysiology of chronic GVH and other autoimmune-like diseases post-BMT remains poorly understood. Different mechanisms have been postulated. Most of the autoimmune events (either chronic GVH or more specific diseases) seem to be related to a poor or inadequate immunologic recovery post-BMT with an imbalance between autoregulatory and autoreactive lymphocytes. Microchimerism and molecular mimicry have been recently evocated. A minority of cases (autoimmune thyroid disorders) is attributed to the direct transfer of autoreactive cells from donor to patient (adoptive immunity). FUTURE PERSPECTIVES Despite physiopathologic uncertainty, these autoimmune-like disorders post-BMT are an interesting model for primary autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Vinzio
- Service de médecine interne et nutrition, hôpital de Hautepierre, avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg cedex, France.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rabinstein AA, Dispenzieri A, Micallef IN, Inwards DJ, Litzow MR, Wijdicks EFM. Acute neuropathies after peripheral blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantation. Muscle Nerve 2003; 28:733-6. [PMID: 14639588 DOI: 10.1002/mus.10485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular complications are not uncommon after bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, especially in patients with allogeneic transplantations and graft-versus-host disease. The pathogenesis of these complications remains unclear, but the changes in immune modulation that occur after transplantation are likely to play a key role. We describe 4 patients who developed brachial plexopathy (3 cases) or multiple lumbosacral radiculopathies (1 case) between 5 days and 4 months after autologous peripheral blood stem cell (3 cases) or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation without evidence of graft-versus-host disease (1 case). Infectious, tumor-related, toxic, and metabolic causes were excluded in all cases. Recovery was limited in two cases and nearly complete in the other two patients. Brachial plexopathies and polyradiculopathies are potential complications of peripheral blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantation. It is possible that these disorders may be the result of autoimmune phenomena directed against specific nerve antigens.
Collapse
|
14
|
Drachman DB, Jones RJ, Brodsky RA. Treatment of refractory myasthenia: "rebooting" with high-dose cyclophosphamide. Ann Neurol 2003; 53:29-34. [PMID: 12509845 DOI: 10.1002/ana.10400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) who do not respond to conventional immunotherapeutic agents, or cannot tolerate their side effects, are considered "refractory." Ablation of the immune system followed by bone marrow transplant has been shown to cure experimental MG in rats. It is now known that immunoablative treatment with high-dose cyclophosphamide does not damage hematopoietic "stem cells," permitting repopulation of the immune system without bone marrow transplant. Recent evidence indicates that this treatment can induce durable remissions in autoimmune diseases. We treated three myasthenic patients, for whom treatment with thymectomy, plasmapheresis, and conventional immunotherapeutic agents failed, by using high-dose cyclophosphamide (50mg/kg/day intravenously for 4 days) followed by granulocyte colony stimulating factor. All three patients tolerated the treatment well and have had marked improvement in myasthenic weakness, permitting reduction of immunosuppressive medication to minimal levels. Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody levels decreased in two AChR antibody-positive patients, and anti-MuSK antibody levels decreased in one "AChR antibody-negative" patient. The patients have been followed for up to 3.5 years, with no recurrence of symptoms. High-dose cyclophosphamide treatment appears to be an effective and safe treatment for selected patients with refractory MG. Further follow-up of these and additional patients will be needed to determine whether the benefit is durable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Drachman
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kotani A, Takahashi A, Koga H, Morita R, Fukuyama H, Ichinohe T, Ishikawa T, Hori T, Uchiyama T. Myasthenia gravis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation treated with mycophenolate mofetil monitored by peripheral blood OX40+ CD4+ T cells. Eur J Haematol 2002; 69:318-20. [PMID: 12460238 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0609.2002.02789.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A patient who developed myasthenia gravis (MG) 25 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplant was immunologically analyzed. OX40+CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood prominently increased one month before the onset of MG. CD4/CD8 ratios, usually abnormally inverted in patients with chronic graft-vs.-host disease (cGVHD), showed pseudonormalization during the course of MG. We succeeded in uneventful rapid tapering of prednisolone (PSL) using mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Monitoring of OX40+CD4+ T cells supported the tapering of PSL and MMF as a marker of cGVHD activity. This case suggested the utility of MMF and monitoring of OX40+CD4+ T cells in the management of cGVHD-associated autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai Kotani
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|