Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is still one of the major complications following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) triggered by alloreactive donor T cells. Whereas murine data have clearly shown the beneficial effects of regulatory T cells (Tregs) on the development of GvHD, data from the human system are rare mainly due to low cell numbers of circulating or organ-infiltrating Tregs in lymphopenic patients. Here, we present a comparative analysis of Tregs from patients with and without acute/ chronic GvHD designed as a dynamical approach studying the whole genome profile over the first 6 months after SCT. For this purpose, blood samples were collected monthly for FACS-based isolation of CD4+CD25highCD127low/- Tregs. The Treg transcriptome showed a high stability in the first half year representing the most sensitive time window for tolerance induction. However, the comparison of the Treg transcriptome from patients with and without GvHD uncovered regulated gene transcripts that point to a reduced suppressive function of Tregs with diminished migration capacity to the target organs likely contributing to the development of GvHD. These findings highlight the critical role of human Tregs in the pathophysiology of GvHD and identify novel targets for the manipulation of Tregs to optimize cellular immune intervention strategies.
Human regulatory T cells in allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Specimen part, Disease, Disease stage, Time
View SamplesHuman Tregs isolated from PBMCs were cultured in the absence or presence of IL-12 (20ng/ml) for four days and were performed mRNA-seq. Overall design: mRNA profiles of human Treg stimulated with IL-12 (Th1 condition)
Activated β-catenin in Foxp3<sup>+</sup> regulatory T cells links inflammatory environments to autoimmunity.
Age, Subject
View Samples