Survival of patients with poor prognosis or relapsed haematopoietic malignancies can be markedly improved by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT reconstitutes the immune and haematopoietic systems after myeloablative conditioning and inhibits the recurrence of the malignancy by a graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) response mediated by donor T cells. However, significant post-transplant complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) continue to plague the event-free survival of this curative procedure. GVHD is facilitated by donor T cells that recognise histocompatibility antigens on host antigen presenting cells (APC), such as dendritic cells (DC). Current treatment options for GVHD are focused on these T cells. However, these treatments result in an increased incidence of infection, graft rejection and relapse. A novel means of immunosuppression in GVHD is the use of multi-potent, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). MSC are non-immunogenic cells that actively suppress T cell function in vitro, and can resolve steroid-refractory GVHD in the clinic. Despite their use in the clinic, there is a paucity of pre-clinical data. Our aim was to investigate the in vivo efficacy of MSC to control GVHD while maintaining the beneficial GVL effect, and to begin to understand the mechanism by which MSC exert their immunosuppressive effects. We isolated and characterised MSC from murine bone/bone marrow and demonstrated that they suppressed T cell proliferation in vitro, even at low ratios of 1 MSC per 100 T cells. This was true of both donor-derived MSC, and MSC derived from unrelated donors (third party). Importantly, we observed that MSC significantly reduced T cell production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IFNγ in culture supernatants and that IFNγ plays a key role in the ability of MSC to suppress T cell proliferation. In vivo, we examined the effects of donor-derived MSC on GVHD severity and onset in two myeloablative murine models of HSCT. A major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched donor-recipient pair combination was used as a proof–of-principle model [UBI-GFP/BL6 (H-2b)àBALB/c (H-2d)], and an MHC-matched, minor histocompatibility antigen (miHA) mismatched donor-recipient pair combination was used to mimic MHC-matched sibling transplantation [UBI-GFP/BL6 (H-2b)àBALB.B (H-2b)]. We examined a number of variables related to MSC infusion including timing, dose and route of injection. We found that early post transplant infusion of MSC by the intraperitoneal injection was most effective at delaying death from GVHD, compared to pre-transplant infusion or intravenous injection. Furthermore, we found that the dose of MSC was critical, as infusion of too few MSC was ineffective and infusion of too many MSC exacerbated the development of GVHD. Taken together, these results suggest that timing, dose and route of injection are all important factors to be considered to ensure successful therapeutic outcome. To investigate the in vivo mechanism of action, we conducted timed sacrifice experiments in the MHC-mismatched model to determine if MSC altered cytokine secretion and cellular effectors, such as DC, known to play a key role in GVHD. Despite the fact that MSC given post-HSCT enter an environment full of activated DC and IFNγ levels, by day 3 and 6 post infusion, these activated DC and IFNγ levels are decreased compared to controls or mice infused with MSC pre-transplant (p<0.05). This confirmed our in vitro data that IFNγ played an important role in MSC-mediated immunosuppression. In addition, when we removed a major source of IFNγ production in vivo by administering the T cell depleting antibody KT3 to mice with or without MSC, we found that although T cell depletion prolonged survival, MSC were unable to further enhance this effect. This was also true when MSC were used in combination with the conventional immunosuppressant cyclosporine. Finally, we examined whether the infusion of MSC would compromise the GVL effect. We found that whilst MSC could delay the onset of GVHD, in our model they did not alter the anti-tumour effects of the donor T cells. Overall, we have shown that MSC can delay but not prevent death from GVHD when administered at an appropriate time and dose and that IFNγ is required for MSC-mediated immunosuppression in our model. These data suggest that patients undergoing HSCT should be monitored for IFNγ, and administered MSC when high levels are reached. Whilst MSC may be a promising therapy for patients with severe GVHD, we highlight that further investigation is warranted before MSC are accepted for widespread use in the clinic. The risks and benefits for transplant recipients should be carefully considered before utilising MSC to treat or prevent GVHD.

Survival of patients with poor prognosis or relapsed haematopoietic malignancies can be markedly improved by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT reconstitutes the immune and haematopoietic systems after myeloablative conditioning and inhibits the recurrence of the malignancy by a graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) response mediated by donor T cells. However, significant post-transplant complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) continue to plague the event-free survival of this curative procedure. GVHD is facilitated by donor T cells that recognise histocompatibility antigens on host antigen presenting cells (APC), such as dendritic cells (DC). Current treatment options for GVHD are focused on these T cells. However, these treatments result in an increased incidence of infection, graft rejection and relapse. A novel means of immunosuppression in GVHD is the use of multi-potent, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). MSC are non-immunogenic cells that actively suppress T cell function in vitro, and can resolve steroid-refractory GVHD in the clinic. Despite their use in the clinic, there is a paucity of pre-clinical data. Our aim was to investigate the in vivo efficacy of MSC to control GVHD while maintaining the beneficial GVL effect, and to begin to understand the mechanism by which MSC exert their immunosuppressive effects. We isolated and characterised MSC from murine bone/bone marrow and demonstrated that they suppressed T cell proliferation in vitro, even at low ratios of 1 MSC per 100 T cells. This was true of both donor-derived MSC, and MSC derived from unrelated donors (third party). Importantly, we observed that MSC significantly reduced T cell production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IFNγ in culture supernatants and that IFNγ plays a key role in the ability of MSC to suppress T cell proliferation. In vivo, we examined the effects of donor-derived MSC on GVHD severity and onset in two myeloablative murine models of HSCT. A major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched donor-recipient pair combination was used as a proof–of-principle model [UBI-GFP/BL6 (H-2b)àBALB/c (H-2d)], and an MHC-matched, minor histocompatibility antigen (miHA) mismatched donor-recipient pair combination was used to mimic MHC-matched sibling transplantation [UBI-GFP/BL6 (H-2b)àBALB.B (H-2b)]. We examined a number of variables related to MSC infusion including timing, dose and route of injection. We found that early post transplant infusion of MSC by the intraperitoneal injection was most effective at delaying death from GVHD, compared to pre-transplant infusion or intravenous injection. Furthermore, we found that the dose of MSC was critical, as infusion of too few MSC was ineffective and infusion of too many MSC exacerbated the development of GVHD. Taken together, these results suggest that timing, dose and route of injection are all important factors to be considered to ensure successful therapeutic outcome. To investigate the in vivo mechanism of action, we conducted timed sacrifice experiments in the MHC-mismatched model to determine if MSC altered cytokine secretion and cellular effectors, such as DC, known to play a key role in GVHD. Despite the fact that MSC given post-HSCT enter an environment full of activated DC and IFNγ levels, by day 3 and 6 post infusion, these activated DC and IFNγ levels are decreased compared to controls or mice infused with MSC pre-transplant (p<0.05). This confirmed our in vitro data that IFNγ played an important role in MSC-mediated immunosuppression. In addition, when we removed a major source of IFNγ production in vivo by administering the T cell depleting antibody KT3 to mice with or without MSC, we found that although T cell depletion prolonged survival, MSC were unable to further enhance this effect. This was also true when MSC were used in combination with the conventional immunosuppressant cyclosporine. Finally, we examined whether the infusion of MSC would compromise the GVL effect. We found that whilst MSC could delay the onset of GVHD, in our model they did not alter the anti-tumour effects of the donor T cells. Overall, we have shown that MSC can delay but not prevent death from GVHD when administered at an appropriate time and dose and that IFNγ is required for MSC-mediated immunosuppression in our model. These data suggest that patients undergoing HSCT should be monitored for IFNγ, and administered MSC when high levels are reached. Whilst MSC may be a promising therapy for patients with severe GVHD, we highlight that further investigation is warranted before MSC are accepted for widespread use in the clinic. The risks and benefits for transplant recipients should be carefully considered before utilising MSC to treat or prevent GVHD.

Survival of patients with poor prognosis or relapsed haematopoietic malignancies can be markedly improved by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT reconstitutes the immune and haematopoietic systems after myeloablative conditioning and inhibits the recurrence of the malignancy by a graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) response mediated by donor T cells. However, significant post-transplant complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) continue to plague the event-free survival of this curative procedure. GVHD is facilitated by donor T cells that recognise histocompatibility antigens on host antigen presenting cells (APC), such as dendritic cells (DC). Current treatment options for GVHD are focused on these T cells. However, these treatments result in an increased incidence of infection, graft rejection and relapse. A novel means of immunosuppression in GVHD is the use of multi-potent, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). MSC are non-immunogenic cells that actively suppress T cell function in vitro, and can resolve steroid-refractory GVHD in the clinic. Despite their use in the clinic, there is a paucity of pre-clinical data. Our aim was to investigate the in vivo efficacy of MSC to control GVHD while maintaining the beneficial GVL effect, and to begin to understand the mechanism by which MSC exert their immunosuppressive effects. We isolated and characterised MSC from murine bone/bone marrow and demonstrated that they suppressed T cell proliferation in vitro, even at low ratios of 1 MSC per 100 T cells. This was true of both donor-derived MSC, and MSC derived from unrelated donors (third party). Importantly, we observed that MSC significantly reduced T cell production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IFNγ in culture supernatants and that IFNγ plays a key role in the ability of MSC to suppress T cell proliferation. In vivo, we examined the effects of donor-derived MSC on GVHD severity and onset in two myeloablative murine models of HSCT. A major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched donor-recipient pair combination was used as a proof–of-principle model [UBI-GFP/BL6 (H-2b)àBALB/c (H-2d)], and an MHC-matched, minor histocompatibility antigen (miHA) mismatched donor-recipient pair combination was used to mimic MHC-matched sibling transplantation [UBI-GFP/BL6 (H-2b)àBALB.B (H-2b)]. We examined a number of variables related to MSC infusion including timing, dose and route of injection. We found that early post transplant infusion of MSC by the intraperitoneal injection was most effective at delaying death from GVHD, compared to pre-transplant infusion or intravenous injection. Furthermore, we found that the dose of MSC was critical, as infusion of too few MSC was ineffective and infusion of too many MSC exacerbated the development of GVHD. Taken together, these results suggest that timing, dose and route of injection are all important factors to be considered to ensure successful therapeutic outcome. To investigate the in vivo mechanism of action, we conducted timed sacrifice experiments in the MHC-mismatched model to determine if MSC altered cytokine secretion and cellular effectors, such as DC, known to play a key role in GVHD. Despite the fact that MSC given post-HSCT enter an environment full of activated DC and IFNγ levels, by day 3 and 6 post infusion, these activated DC and IFNγ levels are decreased compared to controls or mice infused with MSC pre-transplant (p<0.05). This confirmed our in vitro data that IFNγ played an important role in MSC-mediated immunosuppression. In addition, when we removed a major source of IFNγ production in vivo by administering the T cell depleting antibody KT3 to mice with or without MSC, we found that although T cell depletion prolonged survival, MSC were unable to further enhance this effect. This was also true when MSC were used in combination with the conventional immunosuppressant cyclosporine. Finally, we examined whether the infusion of MSC would compromise the GVL effect. We found that whilst MSC could delay the onset of GVHD, in our model they did not alter the anti-tumour effects of the donor T cells. Overall, we have shown that MSC can delay but not prevent death from GVHD when administered at an appropriate time and dose and that IFNγ is required for MSC-mediated immunosuppression in our model. These data suggest that patients undergoing HSCT should be monitored for IFNγ, and administered MSC when high levels are reached. Whilst MSC may be a promising therapy for patients with severe GVHD, we highlight that further investigation is warranted before MSC are accepted for widespread use in the clinic. The risks and benefits for transplant recipients should be carefully considered before utilising MSC to treat or prevent GVHD.

Introdução: Células-troco mesenquimais (CTM) vêm mostrando seus benefícios na doença do enxerto-versus-hospedeiro (DECH), observada no transplante de células tronco hematopoéticas (TCTH), existem três questões em aberto: (1) Expansão de CTM em meio de cultura suplementado com soro fetal bovino (SFB), pelo o risco de xenorreação; (2) Otimização de condições de cultura para a obtenção, em tempo hábil, de um numero que permita de 4 a 6 infusões de 2x106cells/kg do receptor; (3) Obter células do doador de medula óssea, evitando assim a utilização de um terceiro doador. Objetivos: Este estudo foi desenhado para comparar o lisado de plaquetas (LP) e o SFB na expansão de CTM, a densidade de plaqueamento das células e os dias entre cada passagem, e para investigar se as células nucleadas totais obtidas da bolsa e filtro do TCTH, podem ser utilizadas para expansão de CTM para utilização clínica. Métodos: Células residuais foram removidas do filtro e da bolsa utilizados para o TCTH, plaqueadas e depois da primeira passagem foram cultivadas em diferentes concentrações com SFB ou LP e observado o número de dias que levaram para chegar a 80% de confluência. Em seguida, as culturas com as mesmas densidades de plaqueamento foram suplementadas com LP ou SFB e depois de sete dias contou-se o número de células para analisar o quanto elas cresceram nesse período. Resultados: A proliferação de CTM, na presença de LP e SFB foi em média 11,88 e 2,5 vezes, respectivamente, num período de 7 dias. A concentração mais elevada de células usando LP demorou menos tempo para atingir a confluência, em comparação com os três inferiores. Este estudo sugere que o LP é a melhor escolha como suplemento para expandir CTM, e permite a proliferação de um número suficiente de CTM de doadores para uso clínico. / Introduction: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have shown their benefits in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), with three unsettled matters:(1) MSCs expansion in medium with Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) and its risk of xenoreaction; (2) The number of cells indicated for therapy is 2x106cells/Kg with the need to optimize expansion, number and time wise; and (3) the utilization of third party donors. Aims: This study was designed to compare the platelet lysate (LP) and FCS on the expansion of MSC, the optimal cell plating density and days between each pass, and to investigate if donor total nucleated cells (TNC) obtained from the washouts of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) explants can be expanded to be used at clinical grade. Methods: TNC were removed, plated and after the first passage were cultivated in different concentrations with FCS or PL and the number of days reach 80% of confluence was observed. Next, cultures with the same plating density were fed either with PL or FCS and after seven days counted to analyze how much they have grown in that period. Results: The proliferation of mesenchymal stromal cells in the presence of PL and SFB was averaged 11.88 and 2.5 times, respectively, in a period of 7 days. The highest concentration of plating cells using PL, took less time to reach confluence as compared with the three lower ones. This study suggests that the PL is the best choice as a supplement to expand MSC, and allows the proliferation of a sufficient number of donors MSC at P2 for clinical use.

Background e objetivo. A reconstituição celular hematopoiética com o transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas (TCTH) alogênicas é um método de tratamento estabelecido para uma variedade de doenças hematológicas, oncológicas e imunológicas. Entretanto, TCTH está associado a considerável morbimortalidade devido a fatores como recidiva da doença de base, grau de compatibilidade HLA, tipo de regime de condicionamento e infecções durante o período de neutropenia. Este estudo investigou a associação entre o aloantígenoneutrofílico humano (HNA) e o dia de pega, a ocorrência de DECH aguda e TRM em pacientes que foram submetidos a transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas alogênico. Tipo de estudo e local. Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Métodos. Avaliamos 27 pacientes transplantados entre maio de 2013 e abril de 2014 e seus respectivos doadores. A tipagem HNA foi realizada, nas amostras dos doadores, por PCR-SSP e os anticorpos anti-HNA foram detectados nos pacientes utilizando o kit LABSCREEN MULTI (LSMUTR – One Lambda). Resultados. A idade variou entre 1 a 63 anos, com uma média de 20,4 ± 17,5 anos. Dezenove pacientes eram pediátricos (<21 anos) com média de idade de 10,05 ± 6,4 anos e entre os pacientes adultos a média foi 42,2 ± 12,6 anos. Houve um discreto predomínio do sexo masculino 16 (59,3%). As leucemias agudas foram frequentes em 19 (70,4%) dos pacientes, outras doenças oncohematológicas malignas (Linfoma Hodgkin e Linfoma não Hodgkin) estiveram em 3 (11,1%) e as não malignas (síndrome mielodisplásica, osteopetrose, hemoglobinúria paroxicística noturna, aplasia e doença granulomatosa) estiveram em 6 (22,2%) dos casos. A maioria dos pacientes 19 (70,4%), apresentavam a doença há menos de 12 meses na época do transplante e 24 (88,9%) deles foram totalmente compatível com seus doadores quanto ao sistema HLA. O regime de condicionamento mieloablativo foi utilizado em 16 (59,2%) dos pacientes e a profilaxia padrão para DECH (ciclosporina e metotrexate) foi utilizada em 15 (55,5%) dos pacientes. O dia de pega teve uma mediana de 19 e mínimo e máximo de 15 e 30, respectivamente. Quatro pacientes (14,8%) tiveram óbito antes da pega. Aproximadamente 63% (17 pacientes) apresentaram DECH aguda (em todos os estágios) e a taxa de mortalidade (TRM) foi de aproximadamente 44% dos casos (12 pacientes). Os pacientes que receberam TCTH de um doador aparentado tiveram TRM de aproximadamente 41% (7 pacientes) e os que receberam de um doador não aparentado foi de aproximadamente 45% (5 pacientes). A frequência dos antígenos HNA detectados nos doadores foi de 46,4% HNA-1a, 89,3% HNA-1b, 3,6% HNA-1c, 96,4% HNA-3a, 32,1% HNA-3b, 96,4% HNA-4a, 21,4% HNA-4b, 85,7% HNA-5a e 71,4% HNA-5b. A frequência dos anticorpos anti-HNA1a, anti-HNA1b, anti-HNA1c e anti-HNA2 no D0 foram respectivamente 46,4%, 42,9%, 42,9% e 53,6%. A associação entre a tipagem HNA dos doadores e anticorpos anti-HNAdos receptores com dia da pega, DECH aguda e TRM não mostrou correlação estatisticamente significativa. Conclusão. A frequência de HNA encontradanos doadores está de acordo com o descrito pela literatura. Contudo, a frequência dos anticorpos anti-HNAs foi bastante alta na população do estudo, embora a maioria apresentasse doença há menos de 12 meses até o transplante. Apesar de não encontrarmos uma correlação, novos estudos são necessários para melhor avaliar o papel do HNA no desfecho do TCTH. / Background and purpose. Hematopoietic cellular reconstruction with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established method of treatment for a variety of hematological, oncologic and immunologic diseases. However, HSCT is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality due to recurrence of underlying disease, incomplete HLA compatibility, type of conditioning regimen and infection during the unavoidable period of neutropenia. This study investigates a surrogate cause of morbidity: compatibility of Human Neutrophil Antigens (HNA) between donors and receivers and its association with day of engraftment, incidence of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) and total rate of mortality (TRM) in patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT. Type of study and location. Prospective cohort study carried out at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Brazil. Methods. We have studied 27 patients who underwent HSCT between May, 2013 and April, 2014, and their respective donors. HNA typing in the donors was performed by PCR-SSP (One Lambda) and anti-HNA antibodies in receivers were detected using the LABSCREEN MULTI kit (LSMUTR-One Lambda). Results. The age ranged from 1 to 63 years, with an average of 20.4 ± 17.5 years. Nineteen were pediatric patients (<21 years) with an average age of 10.05 ± 6.4 years, and among adult patients the average was 42.2 ± 12.6 years. There was a discreet male prevalence, 16 (59,3%). The acute leukemias were frequent in 19 (70,3%) of patients, other malignant onco-hematological diseases (Hodgkin Lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma) in 3 (11,1%) and non-malignant (myelodysplastic syndrome, osteopetrosis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, aplasia and granulomatous disease) in 6 (22,2%). Nineteen (70,3%) of the patients, had the disease for less than 12 months at the time of the transplant and 24 (88,9%) were fully HLA compatible with their donors. Myeloablative conditioning regimen was used in 16 (59,3%) of the patients and the standard prophylaxis for GVHD (cyclosporine and methotrexate) was used in 15 (55,5%) of the patients. The day of engraftment had a median of 19 and minimum and maximum of 15 and 30, respectively. Four patients (14,8%) died before the engraftment. Approximately 17 patients (63%) showed acute GVHD (in all stages) and the total rate of mortality (TRM) was approximately 44% of the cases (12 patients). Patients who received HSCT from a related donor had TRM of approximately 41% (7 patients) and those who have received an unrelated donor was approximately 45% (5 patients). The frequency of HNA antigens detected in donors was 46,4% HNA-1a, 89,3% HNA-1b, 3,6% HNA-1c, 96,4% HNA-3a, 32,1% HNA-3b, 96,4% HNA-4a, 21,4% HNA-4b, 85,7% HNA-5a and 71,4% HNA-5b. The frequency of antibodies anti-HNA1a, anti-HNA1b, anti-HNA1c and anti-HNA2 at D0 were respectively 46,4%, 42,9%, 42,9% and 53,6%. The association between the HNA donor typing and anti-HNA antibodies of receivers with day of the engraftment, acute GVHD and TRM showed no statistically significant correlation. Conclusion. The HNA frequency found in our donors was close to the described in the literature. The frequency of anti-HNAs antibodies, however, was quite high in our study population; although the majority presented the disease for less than 12 months before the transplant. The association between HNA donor typing and anti-HNA antibodies of patients with day of engraftment, acute GVHD incidence and TRM showed no statistically significant correlation. As the number of cases was small, further studies with higher numbers and with antigen/antibodies assayed in both sides of transplantation pairs, are needed to better assess the role of the HNAs on the outcome of HSCT.

Submitted by Diogo Misoguti (diogo.misoguti@gmail.com) on 2016-07-08T18:20:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 cp124617.pdf: 1851616 bytes, checksum: 98299c340bd6b09b83e3fdf34f6adcf5 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Diogo Misoguti (diogo.misoguti@gmail.com) on 2016-07-08T18:20:49Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 cp124617.pdf: 1851616 bytes, checksum: 98299c340bd6b09b83e3fdf34f6adcf5 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-08T18:20:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 cp124617.pdf: 1851616 bytes, checksum: 98299c340bd6b09b83e3fdf34f6adcf5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Psicofarmacologia (AFIP) / Introdução: Transplante alogênico de células tronco hematopoéticas (TCTH) é uma importante terapia para doenças hematológicas, mas o sucesso de uma porção de transplantes é limitado pela doença do enxerto versus hospedeiro(GVHD). Os fatores de risco conhecidos para GVHD agudo (aGVHD) não fornecem uma estimativa precisa do risco individual e não auxiliam na individualização da terapia. Até o momento, não existe método diagnóstico que permita predizer aGVHD. A identificação de pacientes que desenvolverão aGVHD poderia permitir a individualização da terapia para uns e evitaria imunossupressão intensa para outros. Objetivos: Revelar um classificador molecular preditivo de aGVHD. Descobrir genes diferencialmente expressos e analisar eventos precoces que desencadeiam aGVHD. Explorar categorias funcionais e tipos celulares relacionados ao desenvolvimento de aGVHD. Casuística e métodos: Foram isolados, amplificados, marcados e co-hidridados com lâminas de microarray contendo 22.000 sondas, amostras de RNA mensageiro de 89 pacientes submetidos a TCTH HLA-idêntico mieloablativo ou de toxicidade reduzida, obtido de células mononucleares periféricas durante a enxertia medular. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo treino e grupo teste, um modo utilizado para construir um modelo que discrimine pacientes com e sem aGVHD, e para testar o modelo em amostras independentes. Os genes informativos foram selecionados utilizando recursive feature elimination, seguido de sete diferentes algoritmos de classificação multivariados para estabelecer o classificador molecular no grupo treino. Os genes diferencialmente expressos entre amostras de pacientes com e sem GVHD foram submetidos a análise de enriquecimento das vias funcionais e agrupados de acordo com o perfil de expressão com células e tecidos através do SymAtlas. Resultados: Encontramos um classificador molecular composto de 233 genes nas amostras do grupo treino, que foram selecionados baseados na mais precisa classificação. No grupo teste da amostra, cerca de 80% dos pacientes puderam ser classificados. Para estes pacientes, o classificador mostrou uma acurácia preditiva de 75% (sensibilidade de 71% e especificidade de 78%). Analisando a anotação funcional dos genes diferencialmente expressos, observamos que em pacientes que desenvolveram aGVHD, houve aumento de expressao de genes da resposta antimicrobiana, transporte de gases, metabolismo de hemoglobina, além das alarminas. Nestas amostras também observamos a diminuição da expressão da IL1 e outros genes envolvidos na via do NF-kB. Vários genes super-expressos no periodo precoce do aGVHD foram associados a células precursoras. Conclusões: Nossos resultados mostram que um classificador molecular é capaz de identificar pacientes sob alto risco de desenvolver aGVHD. Estabelecer métodos de diagnóstico preditivo para aGVHD é o primeiro passo para a individualização da estratégia terapêutica após TCTH. Além disso, os resultados da análise de enriquecimento funcional e a expressão de genes em diferentes populações celulares, sugerem que eventos precoces envolvendo múltiplas populações de células precursoras possam predefinir a interação futura entre o enxerto em desenvolvimento e o paciente. / Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an important last resort therapy for hematological diseases. Unfortunately, the success of a large proportion of these transplants is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Currently known risk factors for acute GVHD (histoincompatibility, sex mismatch, older patients, previous pregnancies) do not provide a precise estimate of individual patient risk and do not help for individualization of the therapy. Early identification of those patients who will develop aGVHD may allow for individualized treatment, and also for the reduction of unnecessary treatment for those patients not at risk. Nowadays, however, there is no diagnostic method that allows prediction of aGVHD. Objectives: The goal of our study was to reveal a gene expression profile that would predict the occurrence of aGVHD. In addition, using enrichment of gene ontology categories, to analyze differentially expressed genes in order to better understand biology of the events preceding aGVHD. Material and methods: we collected blood samples from 89 recipients of myeloablative and reduced conditioning regimen HLA-identical sibling allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants at the time of successful engraftment. We isolated total RNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, amplified it, labeled, and co-hybridized to the microarray slides containing probes for 22,000 genes..The patients were divided into training and test groups, the former used to build a model discriminating patients with and without aGVHD and the latter - to test the model on independent samples. We selected the informative genes using “recursive feature elimination” method followed by seven different multivariate classification algorithms in order to establish a molecular classifier in the training set. Then we validated this new classifier in the test set of patients.. We found differentially expressed genes using T-test and accepted those with estimated false discovery rate below 10%. We have used Biobase Explain to find enrichment of functional groups among differentially expressed genes.Results: We found a molecular classifier comprised by 233 gene probes in the training set of samples which were selected based on the most accurate classification. In the test group of samples, we found that 80% of patients could be classified based on the concordance between classification methods as described above. For these patients, the classifier showed 75% of a predictive accuracy (71% of sensitivity and 78% of specificity). Analysis of functional annotations of differentially expressed genes showed that patients that developed acute GVHD have increased expression of antimicrobial genes, hemaglobin metabolism genes and alarmins. In these samples we also observed decreased expression of IL-1 and other genes involved in NF-kB activation. Several genes up-regulated before aGVHD were associated with multiple types of precursor cells. Conclusion: Our results show that molecular profiling is able to identify patients under high risk of acute GVHD at the time of engraftment. Establishing of a predictive diagnostic method for aGVHD is the first step of individualization of therapeutic strategy after hematopoetic stem cell transplantation. In addition, the results of functional enrichment analysis and expression in different cell populations suggest that early events during engrafment involving precursor cell populations might predefine results of interaction between stem cell allograft and patient body.

Introdução: Células-troco mesenquimais (CTM) vêm mostrando seus benefícios na doença do enxerto-versus-hospedeiro (DECH), observada no transplante de células tronco hematopoéticas (TCTH), existem três questões em aberto: (1) Expansão de CTM em meio de cultura suplementado com soro fetal bovino (SFB), pelo o risco de xenorreação; (2) Otimização de condições de cultura para a obtenção, em tempo hábil, de um numero que permita de 4 a 6 infusões de 2x106cells/kg do receptor; (3) Obter células do doador de medula óssea, evitando assim a utilização de um terceiro doador. Objetivos: Este estudo foi desenhado para comparar o lisado de plaquetas (LP) e o SFB na expansão de CTM, a densidade de plaqueamento das células e os dias entre cada passagem, e para investigar se as células nucleadas totais obtidas da bolsa e filtro do TCTH, podem ser utilizadas para expansão de CTM para utilização clínica. Métodos: Células residuais foram removidas do filtro e da bolsa utilizados para o TCTH, plaqueadas e depois da primeira passagem foram cultivadas em diferentes concentrações com SFB ou LP e observado o número de dias que levaram para chegar a 80% de confluência. Em seguida, as culturas com as mesmas densidades de plaqueamento foram suplementadas com LP ou SFB e depois de sete dias contou-se o número de células para analisar o quanto elas cresceram nesse período. Resultados: A proliferação de CTM, na presença de LP e SFB foi em média 11,88 e 2,5 vezes, respectivamente, num período de 7 dias. A concentração mais elevada de células usando LP demorou menos tempo para atingir a confluência, em comparação com os três inferiores. Este estudo sugere que o LP é a melhor escolha como suplemento para expandir CTM, e permite a proliferação de um número suficiente de CTM de doadores para uso clínico. / Introduction: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have shown their benefits in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), with three unsettled matters:(1) MSCs expansion in medium with Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) and its risk of xenoreaction; (2) The number of cells indicated for therapy is 2x106cells/Kg with the need to optimize expansion, number and time wise; and (3) the utilization of third party donors. Aims: This study was designed to compare the platelet lysate (LP) and FCS on the expansion of MSC, the optimal cell plating density and days between each pass, and to investigate if donor total nucleated cells (TNC) obtained from the washouts of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) explants can be expanded to be used at clinical grade. Methods: TNC were removed, plated and after the first passage were cultivated in different concentrations with FCS or PL and the number of days reach 80% of confluence was observed. Next, cultures with the same plating density were fed either with PL or FCS and after seven days counted to analyze how much they have grown in that period. Results: The proliferation of mesenchymal stromal cells in the presence of PL and SFB was averaged 11.88 and 2.5 times, respectively, in a period of 7 days. The highest concentration of plating cells using PL, took less time to reach confluence as compared with the three lower ones. This study suggests that the PL is the best choice as a supplement to expand MSC, and allows the proliferation of a sufficient number of donors MSC at P2 for clinical use.

Background e objetivo. A reconstituição celular hematopoiética com o transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas (TCTH) alogênicas é um método de tratamento estabelecido para uma variedade de doenças hematológicas, oncológicas e imunológicas. Entretanto, TCTH está associado a considerável morbimortalidade devido a fatores como recidiva da doença de base, grau de compatibilidade HLA, tipo de regime de condicionamento e infecções durante o período de neutropenia. Este estudo investigou a associação entre o aloantígenoneutrofílico humano (HNA) e o dia de pega, a ocorrência de DECH aguda e TRM em pacientes que foram submetidos a transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas alogênico. Tipo de estudo e local. Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Métodos. Avaliamos 27 pacientes transplantados entre maio de 2013 e abril de 2014 e seus respectivos doadores. A tipagem HNA foi realizada, nas amostras dos doadores, por PCR-SSP e os anticorpos anti-HNA foram detectados nos pacientes utilizando o kit LABSCREEN MULTI (LSMUTR – One Lambda). Resultados. A idade variou entre 1 a 63 anos, com uma média de 20,4 ± 17,5 anos. Dezenove pacientes eram pediátricos (<21 anos) com média de idade de 10,05 ± 6,4 anos e entre os pacientes adultos a média foi 42,2 ± 12,6 anos. Houve um discreto predomínio do sexo masculino 16 (59,3%). As leucemias agudas foram frequentes em 19 (70,4%) dos pacientes, outras doenças oncohematológicas malignas (Linfoma Hodgkin e Linfoma não Hodgkin) estiveram em 3 (11,1%) e as não malignas (síndrome mielodisplásica, osteopetrose, hemoglobinúria paroxicística noturna, aplasia e doença granulomatosa) estiveram em 6 (22,2%) dos casos. A maioria dos pacientes 19 (70,4%), apresentavam a doença há menos de 12 meses na época do transplante e 24 (88,9%) deles foram totalmente compatível com seus doadores quanto ao sistema HLA. O regime de condicionamento mieloablativo foi utilizado em 16 (59,2%) dos pacientes e a profilaxia padrão para DECH (ciclosporina e metotrexate) foi utilizada em 15 (55,5%) dos pacientes. O dia de pega teve uma mediana de 19 e mínimo e máximo de 15 e 30, respectivamente. Quatro pacientes (14,8%) tiveram óbito antes da pega. Aproximadamente 63% (17 pacientes) apresentaram DECH aguda (em todos os estágios) e a taxa de mortalidade (TRM) foi de aproximadamente 44% dos casos (12 pacientes). Os pacientes que receberam TCTH de um doador aparentado tiveram TRM de aproximadamente 41% (7 pacientes) e os que receberam de um doador não aparentado foi de aproximadamente 45% (5 pacientes). A frequência dos antígenos HNA detectados nos doadores foi de 46,4% HNA-1a, 89,3% HNA-1b, 3,6% HNA-1c, 96,4% HNA-3a, 32,1% HNA-3b, 96,4% HNA-4a, 21,4% HNA-4b, 85,7% HNA-5a e 71,4% HNA-5b. A frequência dos anticorpos anti-HNA1a, anti-HNA1b, anti-HNA1c e anti-HNA2 no D0 foram respectivamente 46,4%, 42,9%, 42,9% e 53,6%. A associação entre a tipagem HNA dos doadores e anticorpos anti-HNAdos receptores com dia da pega, DECH aguda e TRM não mostrou correlação estatisticamente significativa. Conclusão. A frequência de HNA encontradanos doadores está de acordo com o descrito pela literatura. Contudo, a frequência dos anticorpos anti-HNAs foi bastante alta na população do estudo, embora a maioria apresentasse doença há menos de 12 meses até o transplante. Apesar de não encontrarmos uma correlação, novos estudos são necessários para melhor avaliar o papel do HNA no desfecho do TCTH. / Background and purpose. Hematopoietic cellular reconstruction with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established method of treatment for a variety of hematological, oncologic and immunologic diseases. However, HSCT is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality due to recurrence of underlying disease, incomplete HLA compatibility, type of conditioning regimen and infection during the unavoidable period of neutropenia. This study investigates a surrogate cause of morbidity: compatibility of Human Neutrophil Antigens (HNA) between donors and receivers and its association with day of engraftment, incidence of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) and total rate of mortality (TRM) in patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT. Type of study and location. Prospective cohort study carried out at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Brazil. Methods. We have studied 27 patients who underwent HSCT between May, 2013 and April, 2014, and their respective donors. HNA typing in the donors was performed by PCR-SSP (One Lambda) and anti-HNA antibodies in receivers were detected using the LABSCREEN MULTI kit (LSMUTR-One Lambda). Results. The age ranged from 1 to 63 years, with an average of 20.4 ± 17.5 years. Nineteen were pediatric patients (<21 years) with an average age of 10.05 ± 6.4 years, and among adult patients the average was 42.2 ± 12.6 years. There was a discreet male prevalence, 16 (59,3%). The acute leukemias were frequent in 19 (70,3%) of patients, other malignant onco-hematological diseases (Hodgkin Lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma) in 3 (11,1%) and non-malignant (myelodysplastic syndrome, osteopetrosis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, aplasia and granulomatous disease) in 6 (22,2%). Nineteen (70,3%) of the patients, had the disease for less than 12 months at the time of the transplant and 24 (88,9%) were fully HLA compatible with their donors. Myeloablative conditioning regimen was used in 16 (59,3%) of the patients and the standard prophylaxis for GVHD (cyclosporine and methotrexate) was used in 15 (55,5%) of the patients. The day of engraftment had a median of 19 and minimum and maximum of 15 and 30, respectively. Four patients (14,8%) died before the engraftment. Approximately 17 patients (63%) showed acute GVHD (in all stages) and the total rate of mortality (TRM) was approximately 44% of the cases (12 patients). Patients who received HSCT from a related donor had TRM of approximately 41% (7 patients) and those who have received an unrelated donor was approximately 45% (5 patients). The frequency of HNA antigens detected in donors was 46,4% HNA-1a, 89,3% HNA-1b, 3,6% HNA-1c, 96,4% HNA-3a, 32,1% HNA-3b, 96,4% HNA-4a, 21,4% HNA-4b, 85,7% HNA-5a and 71,4% HNA-5b. The frequency of antibodies anti-HNA1a, anti-HNA1b, anti-HNA1c and anti-HNA2 at D0 were respectively 46,4%, 42,9%, 42,9% and 53,6%. The association between the HNA donor typing and anti-HNA antibodies of receivers with day of the engraftment, acute GVHD and TRM showed no statistically significant correlation. Conclusion. The HNA frequency found in our donors was close to the described in the literature. The frequency of anti-HNAs antibodies, however, was quite high in our study population; although the majority presented the disease for less than 12 months before the transplant. The association between HNA donor typing and anti-HNA antibodies of patients with day of engraftment, acute GVHD incidence and TRM showed no statistically significant correlation. As the number of cases was small, further studies with higher numbers and with antigen/antibodies assayed in both sides of transplantation pairs, are needed to better assess the role of the HNAs on the outcome of HSCT.

O principal fator de risco para tuberculose (TB) em receptores de transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas (TCTH) é viver em regiões de alta endemicidade da doença, uma vez que a imunossupressão favorece a reativação da tuberculose latente (TBL). O diagnóstico da TBL pela prova tuberculínica (PT) tem limitações nos imunocomprometidos e testes de detecção de interferon gama podem ser vantajosos. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram comparar a PT com o QuantiFERON® TB-Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) no diagnóstico da TBL e determinar a incidência de TB em duas coortes de pacientes submetidos ao TCTH. Duas coortes foram analisadas prospectivamente. Coorte1: receptores de TCTH incluídos desde o período pré-transplante. Coorte 2: receptores de TCTH com doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro (DECH) crônica em atividade. A PT e o QFT-GIT foram realizados imediatamente após a inclusão em ambas as coortes. Pacientes na coorte 1 com diagnóstico de TBL receberam profilaxia com isoniazida (INH) por nove meses. Na coorte 2, os pacientes foram acompanhados clinicamente, sem receber profilaxia. TB ativa foi investigada prospectivamente de acordo com definição de caso e por coletas periódicas de escarro. Entre os candidatos ao TCTH, a prevalência de TBL detectada pela PT foi de 4,7% e de 7,1% pelo QFT-GIT. Entre os receptores com DECH crônica a prevalência de TBL detectada pela PT foi de 5,3% e de 12,5% pelo QFT-GIT. A comparação entre as técnicas revelou boa concordância (kappa=0.60). Não houve casos de TB na coorte 1. A incidência cumulativa de TB na coorte 2 foi de 3%. Em comparação com alguns estudos, nossos resultados apresentaram menor prevalência de TB, com menos resultados indeterminados pelo QFT-GIT e melhor concordância entre ambos os testes. É provável que a introdução de profilaxia com INH seja benéfica também para os pacientes com DECH crônica. / The main risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (HSCT) is to live in regions of high endemicity of the disease, since immunosuppression favors the reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The diagnosis of LTBI by the tuberculin test (TT) has limitations in the immunocompromised hosts and the interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) may be advantageous. The objectives of the present study were to compare the TT with QuantiFERON® TB-Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) in the diagnosis of LTBI and to determine the incidence of TB in two cohorts of patients undergoing HSCT. Two cohorts were analyzed prospectively. Cohort 1: HSCT recipients included since the pre-transplant period. Cohort 2: TCTH recipients with active chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD). TT and QFT-GIT were performed immediately after inclusion in both cohorts. Patients in cohort 1 with diagnosis of LTBI received prophylaxis with isoniazid (INH) for 9 months. In cohort 2, the patients were followed up clinically, without receiving prophylaxis. Active TB was investigated prospectively according to a case definition criteria and periodic sputum sampling. Among the HSCT candidates, the prevalence of LTBI detected by TT was 4.7% and 7.1% by QFT-GIT. Among the recipients with chronic GVHD, the prevalence of LTBI detected by TT was 5.3% and 12.5% by QFT-GIT. The comparison between the techniques showed good agreement (kappa = 0.60). There were no cases of TB in cohort 1. The cumulative incidence of TB in cohort 2 was 3%. Compared with some studies, our results showed a lower prevalence of LTBI, with less indeterminate results by QFT-GIT and better agreement between both tests. It is likely that prophylaxis with INH is also beneficial for patients with chronic GVHD.

Introdução: Células-troco mesenquimais (CTM) vêm mostrando seus benefícios na doença do enxerto-versus-hospedeiro (DECH), observada no transplante de células tronco hematopoéticas (TCTH), existem três questões em aberto: (1) Expansão de CTM em meio de cultura suplementado com soro fetal bovino (SFB), pelo o risco de xenorreação; (2) Otimização de condições de cultura para a obtenção, em tempo hábil, de um numero que permita de 4 a 6 infusões de 2x106cells/kg do receptor; (3) Obter células do doador de medula óssea, evitando assim a utilização de um terceiro doador. Objetivos: Este estudo foi desenhado para comparar o lisado de plaquetas (LP) e o SFB na expansão de CTM, a densidade de plaqueamento das células e os dias entre cada passagem, e para investigar se as células nucleadas totais obtidas da bolsa e filtro do TCTH, podem ser utilizadas para expansão de CTM para utilização clínica. Métodos: Células residuais foram removidas do filtro e da bolsa utilizados para o TCTH, plaqueadas e depois da primeira passagem foram cultivadas em diferentes concentrações com SFB ou LP e observado o número de dias que levaram para chegar a 80% de confluência. Em seguida, as culturas com as mesmas densidades de plaqueamento foram suplementadas com LP ou SFB e depois de sete dias contou-se o número de células para analisar o quanto elas cresceram nesse período. Resultados: A proliferação de CTM, na presença de LP e SFB foi em média 11,88 e 2,5 vezes, respectivamente, num período de 7 dias. A concentração mais elevada de células usando LP demorou menos tempo para atingir a confluência, em comparação com os três inferiores. Este estudo sugere que o LP é a melhor escolha como suplemento para expandir CTM, e permite a proliferação de um número suficiente de CTM de doadores para uso clínico. / Introduction: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have shown their benefits in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), with three unsettled matters:(1) MSCs expansion in medium with Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) and its risk of xenoreaction; (2) The number of cells indicated for therapy is 2x106cells/Kg with the need to optimize expansion, number and time wise; and (3) the utilization of third party donors. Aims: This study was designed to compare the platelet lysate (LP) and FCS on the expansion of MSC, the optimal cell plating density and days between each pass, and to investigate if donor total nucleated cells (TNC) obtained from the washouts of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) explants can be expanded to be used at clinical grade. Methods: TNC were removed, plated and after the first passage were cultivated in different concentrations with FCS or PL and the number of days reach 80% of confluence was observed. Next, cultures with the same plating density were fed either with PL or FCS and after seven days counted to analyze how much they have grown in that period. Results: The proliferation of mesenchymal stromal cells in the presence of PL and SFB was averaged 11.88 and 2.5 times, respectively, in a period of 7 days. The highest concentration of plating cells using PL, took less time to reach confluence as compared with the three lower ones. This study suggests that the PL is the best choice as a supplement to expand MSC, and allows the proliferation of a sufficient number of donors MSC at P2 for clinical use.