PI3Kδ inhibition augments the efficacy of rapamycin in suppressing proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)+ B cell lymphomas

Multi-modal analysis reveals tumor and immune features distinguishing EBV-positive and EBV-negative post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders

The oncogenic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can drive tumorigenesis with disrupted host immunity, causing malignancies including post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs). PTLD can also arise in the absence of EBV, but the biological differences underlying EBV(+) and EBV(-) B cell PTLD and the associated host-EBV-tumor interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we reveal the core differences between EBV(+) and EBV(-) PTLD, characterized by increased expression of genes related to immune processes or DNA interactions, respectively, and the augmented ability of EBV(+) PTLD B cells to modulate the tumor microenvironment through elaboration of monocyte-attracting cytokines/chemokines. We create a reference resource of proteins distinguishing EBV(+) B lymphoma cells from EBV(-) B lymphoma including the immunomodulatory molecules CD300a and CD24, respectively. Moreover, we show that CD300a is essential for maximal survival of EBV(+) PTLD B lymphoma cells. Our comprehensive multi-modal analyses uncover the biological underpinnings of PTLD and offer opportunities for precision therapies.

The IPTA Nashville consensus conference on post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after solid organ transplantation in children: IV-consensus guidelines for the management of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders in children and adolescents

The International Pediatric Transplant Association convened an expert consensus conference to assess current evidence and develop recommendations for various aspects of care relating to post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) after pediatric solid organ transplantation. This report addresses the outcomes of deliberations by the PTLD Management Working Group. A strong recommendation was made for reduction in immunosuppression as the first step in management. Similarly, strong recommendations were made for the use of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) as was the case for chemotherapy in selected scenarios. In some scenarios, there is uncoupling of the strength of the recommendations from the available evidence in situations where such evidence is lacking but collective clinical experiences drive decision-making. Of note, there are no large, randomized phase III trials of any treatment for PTLD in the pediatric age group. Current gaps and future research priorities are highlighted.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder: Update on treatment and novel therapies

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is rare and heterogeneous lymphoid proliferations that occur as a result of immunosuppression following solid organ transplant (SOT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) with the majority being driven by EBV. Although some histologies are similar to lymphoid neoplasms seen in immunocompetent patients, treatment of PTLD may be different due to difference in pathobiology and higher risk of treatment complications. The most common treatment approach in SOT PTLD after failing immunosuppression reduction (RIS) takes into consideration a risk-stratified sequential algorithm with rituximab +/- chemotherapy based on phase 2 studies. In HSCT PTLD, RIS alone and chemotherapy are usually ineffective making rituximab +/- RIS as the gold standard of frontline treatment. In this review, we give an update on the treatment of PTLD beyond RIS. We highlight the most recent studies that attempted to incorporate more aggressive chemotherapy regimens and novel treatments into the traditional risk-stratified sequential approach. We also discuss the role of EBV-cytotoxic T lymphocytes in treatment of EBV-driven PTLD. Other novel agents with potential role in PTLD will be discussed in addition to the challenges that could arise with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in this population.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders: new insights in pathogenesis, classification and treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication following transplantation from an allogeneic donor. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is involved in a substantial number of cases. In this review, we aim to summarize recent knowledge on pathogenesis, classification and treatment of EBV + PTLD.

RECENT FINDINGS

New insights in the complex oncogenic properties of EBV antigens noncoding Ribonucleic acids (RNAs), especially EBV MicroRNA (miRNAs), have increased our knowledge of the pathogenesis of EBV + PTLD. In addition the potential influence of EBV on the tumor microenvironment is becoming clearer, paving the way for new types of immunotherapy. Currently PTLD is classified according to the World Health Organization classification together with other lymphoproliferative disorders, based on the specific immunosuppression. However, a new framework integrating all types of lymphoproliferative disorders in all different settings of immune deficiency and dysregulation is needed. Although treatment of EBV + and EBV - PTLD was largely similar in the past, EBV-directed therapies are currently increasingly used.

SUMMARY

The use of EBV-directed therapies and new agents, based on better understanding of pathogenesis and classification of PTLD, will change the treatment landscape of EBV + PTLD in the next era.

Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Following Cardiac Transplantation

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a spectrum of lymphoid conditions frequently associated with the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and the use of potent immunosuppressive drugs after solid organ transplantation. PTLD remains a major cause of long-term morbidity and mortality following heart transplantation (HT). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a key pathogenic driver in many PTLD cases. In the majority of PTLD cases, the proliferating immune cell is the B-cell, and the impaired T-cell immune surveillance against infected B cells in immunosuppressed transplant patients plays a key role in the pathogenesis of EBV-positive PTLD. Preventive screening strategies have been attempted for PTLD including limiting patient exposure to aggressive immunosuppressive regimens by tailoring or minimizing immunosuppression while preserving graft function, anti-viral prophylaxis, routine EBV monitoring, and avoidance of EBV seromismatch. Our group has also demonstrated that conversion from calcineurin inhibitor to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, sirolimus, as a primary immunosuppression was associated with a decreased risk of PTLD following HT. The main therapeutic measures consist of immunosuppression reduction, treatment with rituximab and use of immunochemotherapy regimens. The purpose of this article is to review the potential mechanisms underlying PTLD pathogenesis, discuss recent advances, and review potential therapeutic targets to decrease the burden of PTLD after HT.

Sirolimus-Based Immunosuppression Is Associated with Decreased Incidence of Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder after Heart Transplantation: A Double-Center Study

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have been shown to reduce proliferation of lymphoid cells; thus, their use for immunosuppression after heart transplantation (HT) may reduce post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) risk. This study sought to investigate whether the sirolimus (SRL)-based immunosuppression regimen is associated with a decreased risk of PTLD compared with the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based regimen in HT recipients. We retrospectively analyzed 590 patients who received HTs at two large institutions between 1 June 1988 and 31 December 2014. Cox proportional-hazard modeling was used to examine the association between type of primary immunosuppression and PTLD after adjustment for potential confounders, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status, type of induction therapy, and rejection. Conversion from CNI to SRL as primary immunosuppression occurred in 249 patients (42.2%). During a median follow-up of 6.3 years, 30 patients developed PTLD (5.1%). In a univariate analysis, EBV mismatch was strongly associated with increased risk of PTLD (HR 10.0, 95% CI: 3.8-26.6; p < 0.001), and conversion to SRL was found to be protective against development of PTLD (HR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.80; p = 0.02). In a multivariable model and after adjusting for EBV mismatch, conversion to SRL remained protective against risk of PTLD compared with continued CNI use (HR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03-0.55; p = 0.006). In conclusion, SRL-based immunosuppression is associated with lower incidence of PTLD after HT. These findings provide evidence of a benefit from conversion to SRL as maintenance therapy for mitigating the risk of PTLD, particularly among patients at high PTLD risk.

Role of Radiotherapy in Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders: Three Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is an aggressive malignancy that occurs in patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It develops as the result of uncontrolled cell proliferations owing to reduced immunological surveillance. PTLD may occur with a various spectrum of clinical presentations, including both localized and extensive disease. Management can be significantly variable according both to the clinical presentation and to the histologic features. The most important systemic treatment strategies are reduction of immunosuppressive therapy, chemotherapy, anti B-cell antibodies, especially rituximab and cytokine-based therapies. The localized form of PTLD could be efficiently treated, and potentially cured, with surgery or radiotherapy (RT). Involved site RT may be a feasible effective option for the treatment of patients with PTLD, given the excellent radio-sensitivity of lymphoid disorders. In this report, we describe 3 adult patients with PTLD treated with moderate-dose RT (24-36 Gy) having a good local control with negligible toxicity. We also review the literature data on the role of radiation therapy in this particular setting.

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders: Current concepts and future therapeutic approaches

Transplant recipients are vulnerable to a higher risk of malignancy after solid organ transplantation and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) include a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from benign proliferation of lymphoid tissues to frank malignancy with aggressive behavior. Two main risk factors of PTLD are: Firstly, the cumulative immunosuppressive burden, and secondly, the oncogenic impact of the Epstein-Barr virus. The latter is a key pathognomonic driver of PTLD evolution. Over the last two decades, a considerable progress has been made in diagnosis and therapy of PTLD. The treatment of PTLD includes reduction of immunosuppression, rituximab therapy, either isolated or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, adoptive therapy, surgical intervention, antiviral therapy and radiotherapy. In this review we shall discuss the prevalence, clinical clues, prophylactic measures as well as the current and future therapeutic strategies of this devastating disorder.

Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 Regulates Host B Cell MicroRNA-155 and Its Target FOXO3a via PI3K p110α Activation

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is associated with potentially fatal lymphoproliferations such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), a serious complication of transplantation. The viral mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of EBV+ B cell lymphomas remain elusive but represent attractive therapeutic targets. EBV modulates the expression of host microRNAs (miRs), non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, to promote survival of EBV+ B cell lymphomas. Here, we examined how the primary oncogene of EBV, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), regulates host miRs using an established model of inducible LMP1 signaling. LMP1 derived from the B95.8 lab strain or PTLD induced expression of the oncogene miR-155. However, PTLD variant LMP1 lost the ability to upregulate the tumor suppressor miR-193. Small molecule inhibitors (SMI) of p38 MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K p110α inhibited upregulation of miR-155 by B95.8 LMP1; no individual SMI significantly reduced upregulation of miR-155 by PTLD variant LMP1. miR-155 was significantly elevated in EBV+ B cell lymphoma cell lines and associated exosomes and inversely correlated with expression of the miR-155 target FOXO3a in cell lines. Finally, LMP1 reduced expression of FOXO3a, which was rescued by a PI3K p110α SMI. Our data indicate that tumor variant LMP1 differentially regulates host B cell miR expression, suggesting viral genotype as an important consideration for the treatment of EBV+ B cell lymphomas. Notably, we demonstrate a novel mechanism in which LMP1 supports the regulation of miR-155 and its target FOXO3a in B cells through activation of PI3K p110α. This mechanism expands on the previously established mechanisms by which LMP1 regulates miR-155 and FOXO3a and may represent both rational therapeutic targets and biomarkers for EBV+ B cell lymphomas.

Dual blockade of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibits posttransplant Epstein-Barr virus B cell lymphomas and promotes allograft survival

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication of organ transplantation that often manifests as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B cell lymphomas. Current treatments for PTLD have limited efficacy and can be associated with graft rejection or systemic toxicities. The mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, suppresses tumor growth of EBV+ B cell lymphoma cells in vitro and in vivo; however, the efficacy is limited and clinical benefits of mTOR inhibitors for PTLD are variable. Here, we show constitutive activation of multiple nodes within the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in EBV+ PTLD-derived cell lines. Inhibition of either PI3K or Akt, with specific inhibitors CAL-101 and MK-2206, respectively, diminished growth of EBV+ B cell lines from PTLD patients in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, rapamycin combined with CAL-101 or MK-2206 had a synergistic effect in suppressing cell growth as determined by IC₅₀ isobolographic analysis and Loewe indices. Moreover, these combinations were significantly more effective than rapamycin alone in inhibiting tumor xenograft growth in NOD-SCID mice. Finally, both CAL-101 and MK-2206 also prolonged survival of heterotopic cardiac allografts in C57BL/6 mice. Thus, combination therapy with rapamycin and a PI3K inhibitor, or an Akt inhibitor, can be an efficacious treatment for EBV-associated PTLD, while simultaneously promoting allograft survival.

Epstein-Barr Virus Susceptibility in Activated PI3Kδ Syndrome (APDS) Immunodeficiency

Activated PI3Kδ Syndrome (APDS) is an inherited immune disorder caused by heterozygous, gain-of-function mutations in the genes encoding the phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) subunits p110δ or p85δ. This recently described primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) is characterized by recurrent sinopulmonary infections, lymphoproliferation, and susceptibility to herpesviruses, with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection being most notable. A broad range of PIDs having disparate, molecularly defined genetic etiology can cause susceptibility to EBV, lymphoproliferative disease, and lymphoma. Historically, PID patients with loss-of-function mutations causing defective cell-mediated cytotoxicity or antigen receptor signaling were found to be highly susceptible to pathological EBV infection. By contrast, the gain of function in PI3K signaling observed in APDS patients paradoxically renders these patients susceptible to EBV, though the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. At a cellular level, APDS patients exhibit deranged B lymphocyte development and defects in class switch recombination, which generally lead to defective immunoglobulin production. Moreover, APDS patients also demonstrate an abnormal skewing of T cells toward terminal effectors with short telomeres and senescence markers. Here, we review APDS with a particular focus on how the altered lymphocyte biology in these patients may confer EBV susceptibility.

Rapamycin enhances lytic replication of Epstein-Barr virus in gastric carcinoma cells by increasing the transcriptional activities of immediate-early lytic promoters

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a human herpesvirus, is linked to both epithelial and lymphoid malignancies. Induction of EBV reactivation is a potential therapeutic strategy for EBV-associated tumors. In this study, we assessed the effects of rapamycin on EBV reactivation in gastric carcinoma cells. We found that rapamycin upregulated expression of EBV lytic proteins and increased the viral proliferation triggered by the EBV lytic inducer sodium butyrate. Reverse transcription-qPCR, luciferase activity assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and western blotting were employed to explore the mechanism by which rapamycin promotes EBV reactivation. Our results showed that rapamycin treatment resulted in increased mRNA levels of EBV immediate-early genes. Rapamycin also enhanced the transcriptional activities of the EBV immediate-early lytic promoters Zp and Rp by strengthening Sp1 binding. Repression of the cellular ataxia telangiectasia-mutated/p53 pathway by siRNA-mediated knockdown of the ataxia telangiectasia-mutated gene significantly abrogated virus reactivation by rapamycin/sodium butyrate treatment, indicating that the ataxia telangiectasia-mutated/p53 pathway is involved in rapamycin-promoted EBV reactivation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that rapamycin might have the potential to enhance the effectiveness of oncolytic viral therapies developed for EBV-associated malignancies.

A biological network-based regularized artificial neural network model for robust phenotype prediction from gene expression data

BACKGROUND

Stratification of patient subpopulations that respond favorably to treatment or experience and adverse reaction is an essential step toward development of new personalized therapies and diagnostics. It is currently feasible to generate omic-scale biological measurements for all patients in a study, providing an opportunity for machine learning models to identify molecular markers for disease diagnosis and progression. However, the high variability of genetic background in human populations hampers the reproducibility of omic-scale markers. In this paper, we develop a biological network-based regularized artificial neural network model for prediction of phenotype from transcriptomic measurements in clinical trials. To improve model sparsity and the overall reproducibility of the model, we incorporate regularization for simultaneous shrinkage of gene sets based on active upstream regulatory mechanisms into the model.

RESULTS

We benchmark our method against various regression, support vector machines and artificial neural network models and demonstrate the ability of our method in predicting the clinical outcomes using clinical trial data on acute rejection in kidney transplantation and response to Infliximab in ulcerative colitis. We show that integration of prior biological knowledge into the classification as developed in this paper, significantly improves the robustness and generalizability of predictions to independent datasets. We provide a Java code of our algorithm along with a parsed version of the STRING DB database.

CONCLUSION

In summary, we present a method for prediction of clinical phenotypes using baseline genome-wide expression data that makes use of prior biological knowledge on gene-regulatory interactions in order to increase robustness and reproducibility of omic-scale markers. The integrated group-wise regularization methods increases the interpretability of biological signatures and gives stable performance estimates across independent test sets.

Viral load of EBV DNAemia is a predictor of EBV-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders in pediatric renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a severe complication of solid organ transplantation that can be classified into two major subtypes, namely, early lesions and non-early lesions, based on histopathological findings. In the vast majority of cases, proliferating cells are B lymphocytes and, most frequently, proliferation is induced by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.

METHODS

The aim of our study was to evaluate the natural history of EBV infection and its possible evolution toward PTLD in a pediatric cohort of patients who received a renal transplant between January 2000 and December 2013. A total of 304 patients were evaluated for this study, of whom 103 tested seronegative for EBV at transplantation.

RESULTS

Following transplantation, 50 of the 103 seronegative patients (48.5%) developed a first EBV infection, based on the results of PCR assays for EBV DNA, with 19 of these patients ultimately reverting to the negative state (<3000 copies/ml). Among the 201 seropositive patients only 40 (19.9%) presented a reactivation of EBV. Non-early lesions PTLD was diagnosed in ten patients, and early lesions PTLD was diagnosed in five patients. In all cases a positive EBV viral load had been detected at some stage of the follow-up. Having a maximum peak of EBV viral load above the median value observed in the whole cohort (59,909.5 copies/ml) was a significant and independent predictor of non-early lesions PTLD and all PTLD onset.

CONCLUSIONS

A high PCR EBV viral load is correlated with the probability of developing PTLD. The definition of a reliable marker is essential to identify patients more at risk of PTLD and to personalize the clinical approach to the single patient.

FOXO in B-cell lymphopoiesis and B cell neoplasia

FOX O family transcription factors are important for differentiation and function of multiple cell types. In B lymphocytes they play a critical role. The activity of FOXOs is directly regulated both by signaling from B cell receptor (BCR) and cytokine receptors. FOXO1 action controls the transition between differentiation stages of B cell development. In comparison to other FOXO family members, FOXO1 plays a superior role in the regulation of early stages of B-cell differentiation. Although being known as a negative regulator of cell proliferation and therefore potential tumor suppressor, FOXO1 is downregulated only in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) subtypes. In non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) entities its expression is maintained at significant levels, raising the question on the role of FOXO-transcription factors in the proliferation and survival programs in the process of B cell differentiation as well as their contribution to the oncogenic programs of B-cell lymphomas. In particular, we discuss molecular mechanisms that might determine the switch between pro-apoptotic and pro-survival effects of FOXO1 and their interplay with specific differentiation programs.

Niclosamide inhibits lytic replication of Epstein-Barr virus by disrupting mTOR activation

Infection with the oncogenic γ-herpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) cause several severe malignancies in humans. Inhibition of the lytic replication of EBV and KSHV eliminates the reservoir of persistent infection and transmission, consequently preventing the occurrence of diseases from the sources of infection. Antiviral drugs are limited in controlling these viral infectious diseases. Here, we demonstrate that niclosamide, an old anthelmintic drug, inhibits mTOR activation during EBV lytic replication. Consequently, niclosamide effectively suppresses EBV lytic gene expression, viral DNA lytic replication and virion production in EBV-infected lymphoma cells and epithelial cells. Niclosamide exhibits cytotoxicity toward lymphoma cells and induces irreversible cell cycle arrest in lytically EBV-infected cells. The ectopic overexpression of mTOR reverses the inhibition of niclosamide in EBV lytic replication. Similarly, niclosamide inhibits KSHV lytic replication. Thus, we conclude that niclosamide is a promising candidate for chemotherapy against the acute occurrence and transmission of infectious diseases of oncogenic γ-herpesviruses.

Targeting of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to inhibit T cell activation and prevent graft-versus-host disease development

BACKGROUND

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) remains the major obstacle to successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, despite of the immunosuppressive regimens administered to control T cell alloreactivity. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is crucial in T cell activation and function and, therefore, represents an attractive therapeutic target to prevent GvHD development. Recently, numerous PI3K inhibitors have been developed for cancer therapy. However, few studies have explored their immunosuppressive effect.

METHODS

The effects of a selective PI3K inhibitor (BKM120) and a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor (BEZ235) on human T cell proliferation, expression of activation-related molecules, and phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins were analyzed. Besides, the ability of BEZ235 to prevent GvHD development in mice was evaluated.

RESULTS

Simultaneous inhibition of PI3K and mTOR was efficient at lower concentrations than PI3K specific targeting. Importantly, BEZ235 prevented naïve T cell activation and induced tolerance of alloreactive T cells, while maintaining an adequate response against cytomegalovirus, more efficiently than BKM120. Finally, BEZ235 treatment significantly improved the survival and decreased the GvHD development in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the use of PI3K inhibitors to control T cell responses and show the potential utility of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in GvHD prophylaxis.

Effect of mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibition on T cell function: potential role in graft-versus-host disease control

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for the activation and function of T cells, which play an essential role in the development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Despite its partial ability to block mTOR pathway, the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin has shown encouraging results in the control of GvHD. Therefore, we considered that simultaneous targeting of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes could exert a more potent inhibition of T cell activation and, thus, could have utility in GvHD control. To assess this assumption, we have used the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitors CC214-1 and CC214-2. In vitro studies confirmed the superior ability of CC214-1 versus rapamycin to block mTORC1 and mTORC2 activity and to reduce T cell proliferation. Both drugs induced a similar decrease in Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion, but CC214-1 was more efficient in inhibiting naïve T cell activation and the expression of T-cell activation markers. In addition, CC214-1 induced specific tolerance against alloantigens, while preserving anti-cytomegalovirus response. Finally, in a mouse model of GvHD, the administration of CC214-2 significantly improved mice survival and decreased GvHD-induced damages. In conclusion, the current study shows, for the first time, the immunosuppressive ability of CC214-1 on T lymphocytes and illustrates the role of CC214-2 in the allogeneic transplantation setting as a possible GvHD prophylaxis agent.

Comprehensive phenotypic characterization of PTLD reveals potential reliance on EBV or NF-κB signalling instead of B-cell receptor signalling

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a major problem in transplant medicine. So far, the insights into pathogenesis and potentially druggable pathways in PTLD remain scarce. We investigated a cohort of PTLD patients, consisting of both polymorphic (n = 3) and monomorphic (n = 19) B-cell lymphoproliferations. Several signalling pathways, cell of origin of PTLD and their relation to viruses were analysed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Most PTLD were of activated B-cell origin. Two-thirds of cases showed an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of the neoplastic cells. NF-κB signalling components were present in the majority of cases, except for EBV-infected cases with latency type III lacking CD19 and upstream B-cell signalling constituents. Proteins involved in B-cell receptor signalling like Bruton tyrosine kinase were only present in a minority of cases. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) was expressed in 94% of cases and the druggable PI3K class 1 catalytic subunit p110 in 76%, while proteins of other signalling transduction pathways were expressed only in single cases. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed three distinct subgroups: (i) related to EBV infection, mainly latency type III and mostly lacking CD19, upstream B-cell signalling and NF-κB constituents; (ii) mostly related to EBV infection with expression of the alternative NF-κB pathway compound RelB, CD10, and FOXP1 or MUM1; and finally, (iii) mostly unrelated to virus infection with expression of the classic NF-κB pathway compound p65. EBV and NF-κB are important drivers in PTLD in contrast to B-cell receptor signalling. The main signal transduction pathway is related to PI3K. This links PTLD to other subgroups of EBV-related lymphomas, highlighting also new potential treatment approaches. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disease After Solid Organ Transplantation: Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Management

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a potentially fatal complication after (solid organ) transplantation, which is highly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The EBV-specific cytotoxic T cell response that is essential in controlling the virus in healthy individuals is suppressed in transplant recipients using immunosuppressive drugs. A primary EBV infection in EBV-seronegative patients receiving an EBV-seropositive donor organ or a reactivation in those who are already latently infected pretransplantation can lead to uninhibited growth of EBV-infected B cells and subsequently to PTLD. Effective preventive strategies, such as vaccines and antiviral agents, are lacking. Because not every transplant recipient with increasing EBV viral load develops PTLD, it is hard to decide how intensively these patients should be monitored and how and when a preemptive intervention should take place. There is a need for other tools to help predict the development of PTLD in patients at risk to make timing and strategy of preemptive intervention easier and more reliable.

The cornerstone of the treatment of patients with PTLD is restoring the host's immunity by reduction of immunosuppressive drug therapy. American and British guidelines recommend to add rituximab monotherapy or rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone, depending on histology and clinical characteristics. Although response to these therapies is good, toxicity is a problem, and PTLD still has a relatively high mortality rate. An evolving therapy, especially in PTLD occurring in allogeneic stem cell transplantation, is restoring the host's immune response with infusion of EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells. This may also play a role in the future in both prevention and treatment of PTLD in SOT.

Effects of mTOR and calcineurin inhibitors combined therapy in Epstein-Barr virus positive and negative Burkitt lymphoma cells

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a severe complication in solid organ transplant recipients, which is highly associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection in pediatric patients and occasionally presents as Burkitt- or Burkitt-like lymphoma. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been described as a possible antitumor target whose inhibition may influence lymphoma development and proliferation after pediatric transplantation. We treated Epstein-Barr virus positive (Raji and Daudi) and negative (Ramos) human Burkitt lymphoma derived cells with mTOR inhibitor everolimus alone and in combination with clinically relevant immunosuppressive calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus or cyclosporin A). Cell proliferation, toxicity, and mitochondrial metabolic activity were analyzed. The effect on mTOR Complex 1 downstream targets p70 S6 kinase, eukaryotic initiation factor 4G, and S6 ribosomal protein activation was also investigated. We observed that treatment with everolimus alone significantly decreased Burkitt lymphoma cell proliferation and mitochondrial metabolic activity. Everolimus in combination with cyclosporin A had a stronger suppressive effect in Epstein-Barr virus negative but not in Epstein-Barr virus positive cells. In contrast, tacrolimus completely abolished the everolimus-mediated suppressive effects. Moreover, we showed a significant decrease in activation of mTOR Complex 1 downstream targets after treatment with everolimus that was attenuated when combined with tacrolimus, but not with cyclosporin A. For the first time we showed the competitive effect between everolimus and tacrolimus when used as combination therapy on Burkitt lymphoma derived cells. Thus, according to our in vitro data, the combination of calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A with everolimus is preferred to the combination of tacrolimus and everolimus.

Epstein-Barr virus-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in solid organ transplant recipients

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) contributes to the pathogenesis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in more than 70% of cases. EBV DNAemia surveillance has been reported to assist in the prevention and treatment of PTLD in hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Derived from experience in HSCT and taking into account that PCR-based EBV monitoring techniques are currently available in most solid organ transplant (SOT) centres, there is a great interest in EBV surveillance and prevention of PTLD in SOT recipients. In the present document we have tried to address from a practical perspective different important topics regarding the prevention and management of EBV-related PTLD in SOT. To this end, available information on SOT was analysed and combined with potentially useful data from HSCT and expert observations. The document is therefore structured according to different specific questions, each of them culminating in a consensus opinion of the panel of European experts, grading the answers according to internationally recognized levels of evidence. The addressed issues were grouped under the following topics. (i) Timing and epidemiological data of PTLD. Prophylaxis guided by clinical risk factors of early and late PTLD in SOT. (ii) Relationship of EBV DNAemia load monitoring and the development of PTLD in solid organ transplant recipients. (iii) Monitoring of EBV DNAemia after SOT. Which population should be monitored? What is the optimal timing of the monitoring? (iv) Management of SOT recipients with persistent and/or increasing EBV DNAemia.

How I treat posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a potentially fatal disorder arising after solid organ transplant (SOT) or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Iatrogenically impaired immune surveillance and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) primary infection/reactivation are key factors in the pathogenesis. However, current knowledge on all aspects of PTLD is limited due to its rarity, morphologic heterogeneity, and the lack of prospective trials. Furthermore, the broad spectrum of underlying immune disorders and the type of graft represent important confounding factors. Despite these limitations, several reviews have been written aimed at offering a guide for pathologists and clinicians in diagnosing and treating PTLD. Rather than providing another classical review on PTLD, this "How I Treat" article, based on 2 case reports, focuses on specific challenges, different perspectives, and novel insights regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of PTLD. These challenges include the wide variety of PTLD presentation (making treatment optimization difficult), the impact of EBV on pathogenesis and clinical behavior, and the controversial treatment of Burkitt lymphoma (BL)-PTLD.

The role of PI3K/Akt in human herpesvirus infection: From the bench to the bedside

The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway regulates several key cellular functions including protein synthesis, cell growth, glucose metabolism, and inflammation. Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to manipulate this signaling pathway to ensure successful virus replication. The human herpesviruses undergo both latent and lytic infection, but differ in cell tropism, growth kinetics, and disease manifestations. Herpesviruses express multiple proteins that target the PI3K/Akt cell signaling pathway during the course of their life cycle to facilitate viral infection, replication, latency, and reactivation. Rare human genetic disorders with mutations in either the catalytic or regulatory subunit of PI3K that result in constitutive activation of the protein predispose to severe herpesvirus infections as well as to virus-associated malignancies. Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway or its downstream proteins using drugs already approved for other diseases can block herpesvirus lytic infection and may reduce malignancies associated with latent herpesvirus infections.

The interplay between Epstein-Barr virus and B lymphocytes: implications for infection, immunity, and disease

Human B cells are the primary targets of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. In most cases, EBV infection is asymptomatic because of a highly effective host immune response, but some individuals develop self-limiting infectious mononucleosis, while others develop EBV-associated lymphoid or epithelial malignancies. The viral and immune factors that determine the outcome of infection are not understood. The EBV life cycle includes a lytic phase, culminating in the production of new viral particles, and a latent phase, during which the virus remains largely silent for the lifetime of the host in memory B cells. Thus, in healthy individuals, there is a tightly orchestrated interplay between EBV and the host that allows the virus to persist. To promote viral persistence, EBV has evolved a variety of strategies to modulate the host immune response including inhibition of immune cell function, blunting of apoptotic pathways, and interfering with antigen processing and presentation pathways. In this article, we focus on mechanisms by which dysregulation of the host B cell and immune modulation by the virus can contribute to development of EBV+ B cell lymphomas.