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Kompa KG, Trottier CA, Hyman CL, Kohli R. Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex Myositis in a patient with Graft versus Host disease. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac385. [PMID: 35991590 PMCID: PMC9387913 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) is a ubiquitous environmental pathogen that was infrequently reported as a cause of disease prior to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We present a case of MAC pyomyositis and bacteremia in a 59-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in remission after an allogenic stem cell transplant. His post-transplant course was complicated by graft-vs-host disease, requiring treatment with oral steroids and ruxolitinib. In this report we review the literature on disseminated MAC infection in patients living with and without HIV. We also propose a potential mechanism by which this patient may have developed disseminated disease. Disseminated MAC myositis is uncommon in persons living without HIV and requires a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin A Trottier
- Correspondence: C. Trottier, MD, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Box #41, 800 Washington Street, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111 ()
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Cattaneo D, Iurlo A. Immune Dysregulation and Infectious Complications in MPN Patients Treated With JAK Inhibitors. Front Immunol 2021; 12:750346. [PMID: 34867980 PMCID: PMC8639501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms are burdened by a reduced life expectancy mostly due to an increased risk of thrombo-hemorrhagic events, fibrotic progression/leukemic evolution, and infectious complications. In these clonal myeloid malignancies, JAK2V617F is the main driver mutation, leading to an aberrant activation of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. Therefore, its inhibition represents an attractive therapeutic strategy for these disorders. Several JAK inhibitors have entered clinical trials, including ruxolitinib, the first JAK1/2 inhibitor to become commercially available for the treatment of myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. Due to interference with the JAK-STAT pathway, JAK inhibitors affect several components of the innate and adaptive immune systems such as dendritic cells, natural killer cells, T helper cells, and regulatory T cells. Therefore, even though the clinical use of these drugs in MPN patients has led to a dramatic improvement of symptoms control, organ involvement, and quality of life, JAK inhibitors–related loss of function in JAK-STAT signaling pathway can be a cause of different adverse events, including those related to a condition of immune suppression or deficiency. This review article will provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on JAK inhibitors’ effects on immune cells as well as their clinical consequences, particularly with regards to infectious complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cattaneo
- Hematology Division, Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Iurlo
- Hematology Division, Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Quiros JR, Ross-Comptis J, Hathaway D, Sarfraz A, Sarfraz Z, Grigoryan Z, Romero KA, Gapizov A, Príncipe-Meneses FS, Somagutta MR, Riva-Moscoso A, Kapasi A. Ruxolitinib and the Mitigation of Severe COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Infect Chemother 2021; 53:436-448. [PMID: 34623777 PMCID: PMC8511368 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2020.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cause of end-organ damage and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is postulated to be connected to the uncontrolled increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The upregulation of many cytokines is dependent on signaling through the Janus kinase 1 (JAK-1) and JAK-2 pathways. Ruxolitinib, a JAK-1 and JAK-2 inhibitor, is documented to have potent anti-inflammatory activity by targeting several cytokines and growth factors with proposed efficacy in the cytokine storm observed in severe COVID-19 patients; therefore, this study examines the efficacy and tolerability of ruxolitinib for adult COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods This review was conducted using preferred reporting items for aystematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Six reviewers analyzed 1,120 results. Seven studies were selected and validated. A quantitative meta-analysis was further performed to evaluate clinical improvement at day 28, mortality at day 28, and oxygen requirements comparing treatment and standard of care groups. Results 168 individuals were involved in the studies selected: 122 in cohort studies, 4 in case reports, and 41 in randomized controlled studies. The ruxolitinib group had a higher likelihood of clinical improvement by the 28th day of treatment when assessed with the standard of care (SOC) group (odds ratio [OR]: 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53 - 4.16; P = 0.45; I2 = 0%). The SOC group was at a higher risk of experiencing serious adverse events (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.03 - 1.13; P = 0.07). Notably the SOC group had a higher likelihood of death (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.11-2.29; P = 0.07; I2 = 0%). Conclusion Prior studies on ruxolitinib have demonstrated it is able to decrease inflammatory markers. In recent studies on COVID-19, treatment with ruxolitinib decreased the time on mechanical ventilation, hospitalization time, and the need for vasopressor support. Additionally, ruxolitinib showed decreased mortality and demonstrated improvement in lung congestion as evidenced by computerized tomography imaging. These findings warrant further clinical investigation into Ruxolitinib as a potential treatment approach for severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge R Quiros
- St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George's, Grenada.,Broward Health Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhanna Grigoryan
- St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George's, Grenada
| | | | - Abubakar Gapizov
- St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George's, Grenada
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NK Cells in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174400. [PMID: 34503210 PMCID: PMC8431564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary NK cells are important innate immune effectors that contribute substantially to tumor control, however the role of NK cells in haematological cancers is not as well understood. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of the role of NK cells in the management of Ph+ Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, and emphasize the need and possible benefits of a more in-depth investigation into their role in classical MPNs and show potential strategies to harness the anti-tumoral capacities of NK cells. Abstract Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) comprise a heterogenous group of hematologic neoplasms which are divided into Philadelphia positive (Ph+), and Philadelphia negative (Ph−) or classical MPNs. A variety of immunological factors including inflammatory, as well as immunomodulatory processes, closely interact with the disease phenotypes in MPNs. NK cells are important innate immune effectors and substantially contribute to tumor control. Changes to the absolute and proportionate numbers of NK cell, as well as phenotypical and functional alterations are seen in MPNs. In addition to the disease itself, a variety of therapeutic options in MPNs may modify NK cell characteristics. Reports of suppressive effects of MPN treatment strategies on NK cell activity have led to intensive investigations into the respective compounds, to elucidate the possible negative effects of MPN therapy on control of the leukemic clones. We hereby review the available literature on NK cells in Ph+ and Ph− MPNs and summarize today’s knowledge on disease-related alterations in this cell compartment with particular focus on known therapy-associated changes. Furthermore, we critically evaluate conflicting data with possible implications for future projects. We also aim to highlight the relevance of full NK cell functionality for disease control in MPNs and the importance of considering specific changes related to therapy in order to avoid suppressive effects on immune surveillance.
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Botta C, Indrieri A, Garofalo E, Biamonte F, Bruni A, Pasqua P, Cesario F, Costanzo FS, Longhini F, Mendicino F. COVID-19: High-JAKing of the Inflammatory "Flight" by Ruxolitinib to Avoid the Cytokine Storm. Front Oncol 2021; 10:599502. [PMID: 33489899 PMCID: PMC7819896 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.599502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in December 2019, world health-system has been severely impacted with increased hospitalization, Intensive-Care-Unit (ICU) access and high mortality rates, mostly due to severe acute respiratory failure and multi-organ failure. Excessive and uncontrolled release of proinflammatory cytokines (cytokine release/storm syndrome, CRS) have been linked to the development of these events. The recent advancements of immunotherapy for the treatment of hematologic and solid tumors shed light on many of the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, thus rendering desirable a multidisciplinary approach to improve COVID-19 patients' outcome. Indeed, currently available therapeutic-strategies to overcome CRS, should be urgently evaluated for their capability of reducing COVID-19 mortality. Notably, COVID-19 shares different pathogenic aspects with acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD), hemophagocytic-lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), myelofibrosis, and CAR-T-associated CRS. Specifically, similarly to aGVHD, an induced tissue damage (caused by the virus) leads to increased cytokine release (TNFα and IL-6) which in turn leads to exaggerated dendritic cells, macrophages (like in HLH) and lymphocytes (as in CAR-T) activation, immune-cells migration, and tissue-damage (including late-stage fibrosis, similar to myelofibrosis). Janus Kinase (JAK) signaling represents a molecular hub linking all these events, rendering JAK-inhibitors suitable to limit deleterious effects of an overwhelming inflammatory-response. Accordingly, ruxolitinib is the only selective JAK1 and JAK2-inhibitor approved for the treatment of myelofibrosis and aGVHD. Here, we discuss, from a molecular and hematological point of view, the rationale for targeting JAK signaling in the management of COVID-19 patients and report the clinical results of a patient admitted to ICU among the firsts to be treated with ruxolitinib in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cirino Botta
- Hematology Unit, Department of Hemato-Oncology, "Annunziata" Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Alessia Indrieri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Garofalo
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Flavia Biamonte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Bruni
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pino Pasqua
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, "Annunziata" Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Francesco Cesario
- Hematology Unit, Department of Hemato-Oncology, "Annunziata" Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
| | | | - Federico Longhini
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Mendicino
- Hematology Unit, Department of Hemato-Oncology, "Annunziata" Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
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Elli EM, Baratè C, Mendicino F, Palandri F, Palumbo GA. Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-inflammatory and Immunosuppressive Activity of Ruxolitinib. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1186. [PMID: 31788449 PMCID: PMC6854013 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The JAK-STAT signaling pathway plays a central role in signal transduction in hematopoietic cells, as well as in cells of the immune system. The occurrence in most patients affected by myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) of driver mutations resulting in the constitutive activation of JAK2-dependent signaling identified the deregulated JAK-STAT signal transduction pathway as the major pathogenic mechanism of MPNs. It also prompted the development of targeted drugs for MPNs. Ruxolitinib is a potent and selective oral inhibitor of both JAK2 and JAK1 protein kinases. Its use in patients with myelofibrosis is associated with a substantial reduction in spleen volume, attenuation of symptoms and decreased mortality. With growing clinical experience, concerns about infectious complications, and increased risk of B-cell lymphoma, presumably caused by the effects of JAK1/2 inhibition on immune response and immunosurveillance, have been raised. Evidence shows that ruxolitinib exerts potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Cellular targets of ruxolitinib include various components of both the innate and adaptive immune system, such as natural killer cells, dendritic cells, T helper, and regulatory T cells. On the other hand, immunomodulatory properties have proven beneficial in some instances, as highlighted by the successful use of ruxolitinib in corticosteroid-resistant graft vs. host disease. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of published evidence addressing the key question of the mechanisms underlying ruxolitinib-induced immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Maria Elli
- Hematology Division and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Ospedale San Gerardo, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Claudia Baratè
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Hematology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Mendicino
- Hematology Unit, Department of Hemato-Oncology, Ospedale Annunziata, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Palandri
- Institute of Hematology "L. and A. Seràgnoli", Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alberto Palumbo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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