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BK virus-specific T-cell immune reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Authors :
Espada E
Cheng MP
Kim HT
Woolley AE
Avigan JI
Forcade E
Soares MVD
Lacerda JF
Nikiforow S
Gooptu M
Romee R
Alyea EP
Armand P
Cutler CS
Ho VT
Koreth J
Antin JH
Soiffer RJ
Marty FM
Ritz J
Source :
Blood advances [Blood Adv] 2020 May 12; Vol. 4 (9), pp. 1881-1893.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Clinical disease caused by BK virus reactivation is a frequent complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Because of the lack of effective antiviral agents, BK virus-specific T cells are emerging as a potential therapy for BK virus disease, but the immune response to BK virus after allogeneic HCT has not been well characterized. Our study describes reconstitution of BK virus-specific T-cell immunity in 77 adult patients after HCT. All patients had urinary symptoms, and urine was tested for BK virus replication; 33 patients were positive for BK virus (cases), and 44 were negative (controls). In BK virus cases, the median time to first positive test was 75 days (range, 2-511). BK virus cases had lower CD4 T-cell counts 3 to 9 months after transplant, but CD8 T-cell counts were similar in cases and controls. BK virus-specific T cells were identified by cytokine flow cytometry in cryopreserved samples collected prospectively. BK virus-specific CD4 T cells producing T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines recovered quickly after HCT. BK virus-specific T cells were detected more frequently in patients with BK virus reactivation at most time points, and CD4 T cells producing Th1 cytokines were more frequent than BK virus-specific cytolytic CD8 T cells. Early detection of interferon-γ+ and cytolytic BK virus-specific CD4 T cells was associated with lower rates of hematuria among cases. Overall, our study describes recovery of BK virus-specific T cells after HCT and the distinct roles for BK virus-specific T cells in the development and resolution of clinical symptoms.<br /> (© 2020 by The American Society of Hematology.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2473-9537
Volume :
4
Issue :
9
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Blood advances
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
32374880
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001120