Transfer of allogeneic CD62L- memory T cells without graft-versus-host disease.

The major challenge in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is how to transfer allogeneic T-cell immunity without causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Here we report a novel strategy to selectively prevent GVHD by depleting CD62L(+) T cells (naive and a subset of memory T cells). In unprimed mice, CD62L(-) T cells (a subset of memory T cells) failed to proliferate in response to alloantigens (which the mice have never previously encountered) and were unable to induce GVHD in allogeneic hosts. CD62L(-) T cells contributed to T-cell reconstitution by peripheral expansion as well as by promoting T-cell regeneration from bone marrow stem/progenitor cells. CD62L(-) T cells from the animals previously primed with a tumor cell line (BCL1) were able to inhibit the tumor growth in vivo but were unable to induce GVHD in the third-party recipients. This novel technology may allow transfer of allogeneic recall antitumor and antimicrobial immunity without causing GVHD.

Duke Scholars

Author Nelson Jen An Chao Medicine, Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy

Author Jun Chen Medicine, Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy