Concurrent blockade of alpha4-integrin and CXCR4 in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell mobilization

Stem Cells. 2009 Apr;27(4):836-7. doi: 10.1002/stem.9.

Abstract

The important contributions of the alpha4 integrin VLA-4 and the CXCR4/SDF-1 axis in mobilization have been demonstrated and thereby, these pathways can be suggested as rational targets for clinical stem cell mobilization in the absence of cytokine use. alpha4-blockade alone (in humans, macaques and mice), or genetic ablation of alpha4-integrin in mice, provides reproducible, but modest mobilization. Similarly, CXCR4 blockade with small-molecule antagonists mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells in all three species, but at least with the established single-injection schedule, the mobilization efficiency is marginally sufficient for clinical purposes. Hypothesizing that the different molecular targets (alpha4-integrin vs. CXCR4) might allow for additive mobilization effects, we therefore tested the efficacy of the combination of alpha4-integrin blockade with anti-functional antibodies and CXCR4 blockade with the small-molecule inhibitor AMD3100 in macaques, or the combination of conditional alpha4-integrin ablation and AMD3100 in mice. Mobilization was at least additive. While the prolonged effects of alpha4-blocking antibodies may not be suitable for clinical mobilization, future availability of small-molecule alpha4-antagonists in combination with AMD3100 could provide an alternative to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antibodies, Blocking / pharmacology
  • Benzylamines
  • Cyclams
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization / methods*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / physiology
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Integrin alpha4 / immunology
  • Integrin alpha4 / metabolism*
  • Macaca
  • Mice
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Antibodies, Blocking
  • Benzylamines
  • Cyclams
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Integrin alpha4
  • plerixafor