Bhlhe40 Promotes CD4+ T Helper 1 Cell and Suppresses T Follicular Helper Cell Differentiation during Viral Infection

In response to acute infection, naive CD4+ T cells primarily differentiate into T helper 1 (Th1) or T follicular helper (Tfh) cells that play critical roles in orchestrating cellular or humoral arms of immunity, respectively. However, despite the well established role of T-bet and BCL-6 in driving Th1 and Tfh cell lineage commitment, respectively, whether additional transcriptional circuits also underlie the fate bifurcation of Th1 and Tfh cell subsets is not fully understood. In this article, we study how the transcriptional regulator Bhlhe40 dictates the Th1/Tfh differentiation axis in mice. CD4+ T cell-specific deletion of Bhlhe40 abrogates Th1 but augments Tfh differentiation. We also assessed an increase in germinal center B cells and Ab production, suggesting that deletion of Bhlhe40 in CD4+ T cells not only alters Tfh differentiation but also their capacity to provide help to B cells. To identify molecular mechanisms by which Bhlhe40 regulates Th1 versus Tfh lineage choice, we first performed epigenetic profiling in the virus specific Th1 and Tfh cells following LCMV infection, which revealed distinct promoter and enhancer activities between the two helper cell lineages. Furthermore, we identified that Bhlhe40 directly binds to cis-regulatory elements of Th1-related genes such as Tbx21 and Cxcr6 to activate their expression while simultaneously binding to regions of Tfh-related genes such as Bcl6 and Cxcr5 to repress their expression. Collectively, our data suggest that Bhlhe40 functions as a transcription activator to promote Th1 cell differentiation and a transcription repressor to suppress Tfh cell differentiation.

Budesonide Prophylaxis Reduces the Risk of Engraftment Syndrome After Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND

Engraftment syndrome (ES) after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) encompasses a continuum of periengraftment complications characterized by noninfectious fever, rash, diarrhea, and capillary leak features.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the ES outcomes in 257 consecutive patients MM patients who underwent AHCT at our institution from 12/2017 to 11/2019 with budesonide prophylaxis (3 mg PO daily at day +5 post-AHCT till the time of discharge) (N = 109) and no prophylaxis (N = 148).

RESULTS

The rates of ES were significantly higher in the no prophylaxis group versus prophylaxis group [69 (46%) vs. 23 (21%); P< .001]. There was no significant difference in length of stay (LOS) [mean 15 (±3.2) vs. 16 (±2.8); P = .27] and 30-day readmission [9 (6%) vs. 8 (7%); P = .81] between the no prophylaxis and prophylaxis groups, respectively. On adjusted analysis, budesonide prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing ES [odds ratio (OR) 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.51); P< .0001]. There was no difference in the 30-day readmission rates [OR 1.12 (95% CI, 0.41-3.03); P = .81], but a trend for shorter LOS in the prophylaxis group [7.3% reduction in LOS (95% CI, -14.4% to 0%); P = .06].

CONCLUSION

Budesonide prophylaxis significantly reduces the risk of ES in MM patients undergoing AHCT. These promising results suggest the need for a randomized study investigate the role of budesonide for ES prophylaxis.

Incidence and characteristics of engraftment syndrome after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in light chain amyloidosis

Engraftment syndrome (ES), a complication of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT), can occur around the time of neutrophil recovery. We sought to identify the incidence of ES in light chain (AL) amyloidosis patients undergoing auto-HCT at our centre by evaluating 72 consecutive amyloidosis patients transplanted between 1999 and 2017. To assess trends in ES over time, patients were divided into two Eras (Era 1 = 1999-2008 and Era 2 = 2009-2017) based on year of auto-HCT. Twenty-two (31%) patients developed ES; three (16%) and 19 (36%) in Era 1 and 2, respectively (p = .1). Three (16%) and 51 (96%) patients in Era 1 and 2 received chemotherapy before auto-HCT (p =  <.001). The most common symptoms observed with ES in addition to fever was diarrhoea (73%), rash (68%), weight gain (56%) and non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (23%). Day 100 post-auto-HCT haematological response (19.5% vs. 14%, p = .7) or post-transplant best organ response (23% vs. 36%, p = .2) were not significantly different in patients who did not or did develop ES, respectively. In this single centre series, we define the incidence and characteristics of ES in AL amyloidosis patients undergoing auto-HCT.

Recipient Immune Modulation with Atorvastatin for Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis after Allogeneic Transplantation

Atorvastatin administration to both the donors and recipients of matched related donor (MRD) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) as acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis has been shown to be safe and effective. However, its efficacy as acute GVHD prophylaxis when given only to allo-HCT recipients is unknown. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of atorvastatin-based acute GVHD prophylaxis given only to the recipients of MRD (n = 30) or matched unrelated donor (MUD) (n = 39) allo-HCT, enrolled in 2 separate cohorts. Atorvastatin (40 mg/day) was administered along with standard GVHD prophylaxis consisting of tacrolimus and methotrexate. All patients were evaluable for acute GVHD. The cumulative incidences of grade II to IV acute GVHD at day +100 in the MRD and MUD cohorts were 9.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0 to 20%) and 29.6% (95% CI,15.6% to 43.6%), respectively. The cumulative incidences of grade III and IV acute GVHD at day +100 in the MRD and MUD cohorts were 3.4% (95% CI, 0 to 9.7%) and 18.3% (95% CI, 6.3% to 30.4%), respectively. The corresponding rates of moderate/severe chronic GVHD at 1 year were 28.1% (95% CI, 11% to 45.2%) and 38.9% (95% CI, 20.9% to 57%), respectively. In the MRD cohort, the 1-year nonrelapse mortality, relapse rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 6.7% (95% CI, 0 to 15.4%), 43.3% (95% CI, 24.9% to 61.7%), 50% (95% CI, 32.1% to 67.9%), and 66.7% (95% CI, 49.8% to 83.6%), respectively. The respective figures for the MUD cohort were 10.3% (95% CI, 8% to 19.7%), 20.5% (95% CI, 7.9% to 33.1%), 69.2% (95% CI, 54.7% to 83.7%), and 79.5% (95% CI, 66.8% to 92.2%), respectively. No grade 4 toxicities attributable to atorvastatin were seen. In conclusion, the addition of atorvastatin to standard GVHD prophylaxis in only the recipients of MRD and MUD allo-HCT appears to be feasible and safe. The preliminary efficacy seen here warrants confirmation in randomized trials.

Human leukocyte antigen supertype matching after myeloablative hematopoietic cell transplantation with 7/8 matched unrelated donor allografts: a report from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research

The diversity of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II alleles can be simplified by consolidating them into fewer supertypes based on functional or predicted structural similarities in epitope-binding grooves of HLA molecules. We studied the impact of matched and mismatched HLA-A (265 versus 429), -B (230 versus 92), -C (365 versus 349), and -DRB1 (153 versus 51) supertypes on clinical outcomes of 1934 patients with acute leukemias or myelodysplasia/myeloproliferative disorders. All patients were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research following single-allele mismatched unrelated donor myeloablative conditioning hematopoietic cell transplantation. Single mismatched alleles were categorized into six HLA-A (A01, A01A03, A01A24, A02, A03, A24), six HLA-B (B07, B08, B27, B44, B58, B62), two HLA-C (C1, C2), and five HLA-DRB1 (DR1, DR3, DR4, DR5, DR9) supertypes. Supertype B mismatch was associated with increased risk of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (hazard ratio =1.78, P=0.0025) compared to supertype B match. Supertype B07-B44 mismatch was associated with a higher incidence of both grade II-IV (hazard ratio=3.11, P=0.002) and III-IV (hazard ratio=3.15, P=0.01) acute graft-versus-host disease. No significant associations were detected between supertype-matched versus -mismatched groups at other HLA loci. These data suggest that avoiding HLA-B supertype mismatches can mitigate the risk of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease in 7/8-mismatched unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation when multiple HLA-B supertype-matched donors are available. Future studies are needed to define the mechanisms by which supertype mismatching affects outcomes after alternative donor hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Salvage second hematopoietic cell transplantation in myeloma

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) as initial therapy of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) improves survival. However, data to support this approach for relapsed/progressive disease after initial AHCT (AHCT1) are limited. Using Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research data, we report the outcomes of 187 patients who underwent a second AHCT (AHCT2) for the treatment of relapsed/progressive MM. Planned tandem AHCT was excluded. Median age at AHCT2 was 59 years (range, 28 to 72), and median patient follow-up was 47 months (range, 3 to 97). Nonrelapse mortality after AHCT2 was 2% at 1 year and 4% at 3 years. Median interval from AHCT1 to relapse/progression was 18 months, and median interval between transplantations was 32 months. After AHCT2, the incidence of relapse/progression at 1 and 3 years was 51% and 82%, respectively. At 3 years after AHCT2, progression-free survival was 13%, and overall survival was 46%. In multivariate analyses, those relapsing ≥36 months after AHCT1 had superior progression-free (P = .045) and overall survival (P = .019). Patients who underwent AHCT2 after 2004 had superior survival (P = .026). AHCT2 is safe and feasible for disease progression after AHCT1. In this retrospective study, individuals relapsing ≥36 months from AHCT1 derived greater benefit from AHCT2 compared with those with a shorter disease-free interval. Storage of an adequate graft before AHCT1 will ensure that the option of a second autologous transplantation is retained for patients with relapsed/progressive MM.

T cell-depleted partial matched unrelated donor transplant for advanced myeloid malignancy: KIR ligand mismatch and outcome

To evaluate the applicability of high-dose conditioning, CD34 selection, and enhanced natural killer (NK) cell alloreactivity reported as promising after haploidentical transplantation, we tested the same strategy for patients with advanced/high-risk myeloid leukemia lacking either related or well-matched unrelated donors (URD). In a prospective multicenter clinical trial using pretransplantation conditioning of thiotepa (5 mg/kg/day × 2), fludarabine (40 mg/mg/M(2)/day × 5), and total body radiation (800 cGy) plus thymoglobulin (2.5 mg/kg/day × 2), as well as a CD34 selected filgrastim stimulated peripheral blood graft from a partial matched URD, we treated 24 patients. The patients (median age 40 [range: 22-61]) were mismatched at 1-3 of 10 HLA loci with their donors; all were mismatched at HLA-C. Thirty-seven percent were ethnic or racial minorities. Twenty-one of 24 engrafted promptly with 1 primary graft failure and 2 early deaths. The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) (34%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 14-54%), chronic GVHD (20%, 95% CI, 2%-38%), and relapse (26%, 95% CI, 8%-84%) were unaffected by KIR ligand donor:recipient mismatch (n = 5) versus KIR ligand match (n = 19). Only 3 (12%) had grade III-IV GVHD. Nonrelapse occurred in 17% (95% CI, 30%-31%) by 100 days and in 35% (95% CI, 15%-55%) by 1 year. Two-year survival and leukemia-free survival were each 40% (95% CI, 21%-59%) and was similar in KIR ligand matched or mismatched patients. Infections, mostly in the first 2 months, were frequent, and were the cause of death in 5 patients (35% of deaths). T cell recovery and NK cell proliferation and functional maturation were not altered by KIR ligand match or mismatch status. For these high-risk patients, this high intensity regimen and T depleted approach yielded satisfactory outcomes, but logistical difficulties in arranging URD grafts for patients with high-risk, unstable leukemia limited accrual. Improvements in peritransplantation disease control and additional measures to augment the allogeneic graft-versus-leukemia effect are still required.

Donor leukocyte infusions for multiple myeloma

Donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) has well-documented activity in CML, but the role of DLI in other diseases is less well defined. To evaluate the strategy in multiple myeloma (MM) we evaluated 25 MM patients from 15 centers who were treated with DLI. Patients with persistent or recurrent disease after allogeneic BMT received DLI from the original marrow donor (23 matched related, one mismatched family, and one matched unrelated). Chemotherapy was given before DLI in three patients. Two of 22 patients responded completely to DLI alone and three patients responded to the combination of DLI and chemotherapy. Nine patients who had not had sufficient disease control after DLI were given additional DLIs; five of these patients had either complete (two) or partial (three) responses. Thirteen of 25 evaluable patients developed acute GVHD and 11 of 21 evaluable patients developed chronic GVHD; all responders developed GVHD. No patients developed post-DLI pancytopenia. Four patients had responses which lasted >1 year after DLI, three patients had responses which lasted <1 year, and three patients had ongoing responses but with follow-up <1 year. In conclusion, DLI has anti-myeloma activity but the strategy is limited by no response or short duration of response in a significant percentage of patients and by significant GVHD in the majority of the responders.

Donor leukocyte infusions in acute lymphocytic leukemia

Donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) has well-documented activity in CML but the role of DLI in other diseases is less well defined. To evaluate the strategy in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) we evaluated 44 ALL patients from 27 centers who were treated with DLI. Patients with persistent or recurrent disease received DLI from the original marrow donor (30 matched related, four mismatched family, and 10 matched unrelated). Chemotherapy was given before DLI to 28 patients. Of 15 patients who received no pre-DLI chemotherapy, two achieved complete remissions, lasting 1112 and 764+ days. In four patients who received DLI as consolidation of remission induced by chemotherapy or immunosuppression-withdrawal, duration of remission post DLI was 65, 99, 195 and 672+ days. Of 25 patients who received DLI in the nadir after chemotherapy, 13 survived > or =30 days post DLI but did not achieve remission, seven died within less than 30 days post DLI, and five entered remissions that lasted 42, 68, 83, 90, 193 days. Seven patients who did not respond to the initial DLI received a second DLI; none of these patients attained durable remission. Eighteen of 37 evaluable patients developed acute GVHD and five of 20 evaluable patients developed chronic GVHD. Overall actuarial survival is 13% at 3 years. In conclusion, DLI has limited benefit in ALL. New approaches are needed in this group of patients.

Third-party-mediated graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease after T-cell-depleted bone marrow transplantation, as demonstrated by hypervariable DNA probes and HLA-DR polymorphism

Graft rejection after marrow transplantation is generally thought to be mediated by alloreactive immune effector cells of host origin. Transfused blood products also contain immune cells capable of alloreactivity against both donor graft and host. To reduce the risk of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft rejection, standard procedure is to irradiate all blood products with at least 1,500 rad before transfusion. We report a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia who developed graft rejection and GVHD after receiving a T-cell-depleted transplant from a serologically HLA-A, B, DR/DQ matched and mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) nonreactive unrelated donor. Cytogenetic analysis of marrow cells collected at the time of graft rejection revealed a PH1-negative female karyotype that was not consistent with donor cells. Use of specific minisatellite DNA probes (YNH 24, H-RAS, and 3' HVR) revealed the exclusive presence of third-party (neither donor nor recipient) restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms (RFLP) in both peripheral blood and marrow. Repeat RFLP analysis 3 days later showed persistence of this unique third-party banding pattern. DNA-based HLA-typing, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and oligonucleotide probe hybridization, also showed these cells to be derived from an individual whose HLA-DR type was distinct from donor and recipient. Together, these findings suggested the presence of a proliferating population of transfused cells possessing alloreactivity against both donor graft and host, despite prior irradiation of all blood products with 2,000 rad. Limiting dilution analysis to assess the frequency of irradiated lymphocytes able to respond to mitogen revealed an approximate 5- to 6-log reduction at 1,500 to 2,000 rad as compared with unirradiated controls. These data indicate that a small percentage of lymphocytes can survive irradiation at these doses and suggest that existing blood-product irradiation guidelines may require reassessment, especially in T-cell-depleted transplant recipients.

Estrogen receptors and the pattern of relapse in breast cancer

To determine if the pattern of relapse in patients with breast cancer was influenced by the presence or absence of hormonal receptors, we examined 300 patients with breast cancer who had estrogen receptor (ER) assays performed on their primary tumors. A multivariate discriminant analysis of the initial site of recurrence was performed, and we included in the analysis such factors as ER status, menopausal status, axillary lymph node involvement, and the interaction between menopausal status and ER status. Estrogen receptor status was found to be the single most important independent variable associated with the pattern of recurrence. There was significantly higher likelihood of visceral metastasis with ER-negative tumors, 52.1% as opposed to 5.38% for ER-positive tumors. Conversely, there was a high frequency of osseous relapse with ER-positive tumors, 60.4%, as opposed to 13.4% for ER-negative tumors. We also found that postmenopausal women tended to be ER positive more often than premenopausal women, and progesterone receptor status appears to be a good indicator for five-year disease-free survival in patients without axillary node involvement. With the progression of disease, there was a loss of receptors, even without therapeutic intervention.