Immune reconstitution after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation: impact of reduced intensity conditioning and CD3/CD19 depleted grafts

Leukemia. 2011 Jan;25(1):121-9. doi: 10.1038/leu.2010.235. Epub 2010 Oct 14.

Abstract

Haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (HHCT) using CD34 selected grafts is complicated by slow engraftment and immune reconstitution. Engraftment and immune reconstitution might be improved using CD3/CD19-depleted grafts and reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). We report on 28 patients after HHCT with CD3/CD19-depleted grafts using RIC, which were prospectively evaluated for engraftment and immune reconstitution. Engraftment was rapid with full chimerism reached on day +15 after HHCT. T-cell reconstitution was delayed with a median of 205 CD3+ cells/μl, 70 CD3+CD4+ cells/μl and 66 CD3+ CD8+ cells/μl on day +100, respectively. A skewed T-cell receptor-Vβ repertoire with oligoclonal T-cell expansions to day +100 and normalization after day +200 was observed. B-cell reconstitution was slow with a median of 100 CD19+ CD20+ cells/μl on day +150. Natural killer (NK) cell engraftment was fast reaching normal values on day +20. An increased natural cytotoxicity receptor and NKG2A, but decreased NKG2D and KIR expressions were observed on NK cells until day +100. We observed a positive impact of donor lymphocyte infusions on immune reconstitution. In conclusion, after HHCT, using CD3/CD19-depleted grafts and RIC, T- and B-cell reconstitution is delayed, whereas NK-cell reconstitution occurs early and fast.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD19 / physiology*
  • CD3 Complex / physiology*
  • Female
  • Haplotypes
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Transfusion
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / physiology
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Transplantation Conditioning*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD19
  • CD3 Complex
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell