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Th2 cells in allo HSCTT

Th2 Cells

Daniel H Fowler, M.D.

Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is primarily limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In murine models, we have demonstrated that donor CD4+ T cells of Th1 cytokine phenotype (defined by their secretion of IL-2 and IFN-gamma) mediate GVHD. In contrast, donor CD4+ T cells of Th2 phenotype (defined by their secretion of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10) do not generate GVHD, and abrogate Th-1-mediated GVHD. Importantly, we have demonstrated that enrichment of murine allografts with Th2 cells reduces GVHD without impairing the ability of donor T cells to prevent graft rejection. These studies indicate that the administration of Th2 cells after allogeneic transplantation represents a strategy for achieving alloengraftment with reduced GVHD.

In addition to GVHD, allogeneic PBSCT has been limited by the toxicity associated with conventional myeloablative preparative regimens. Such regimens, which typically utilize total body irradiation (TBI) and high-dose chemotherapy, were once considered essential for the prevention of graft rejection. However, recent clinical studies have shown that non-myeloablative doses of fludarabine-based chemotherapy can result in alloengraftment. In murine models, we have demonstrated that severe host T cell depletion induced by combination fludarabine and cytoxan can prevent even fully-MHC mismatched marrow graft rejection. Although non-myeloablative regimens may reduce regimen-related toxicity, such transplants have been associated with a 30 to 40% incidence of severe acute GVHD that is similar to rates observed with myeloablative regimens. Because non-myeloablative regimens appear to be associated with reduced regimen-related toxicity, we have elected to conduct this phase I study of Th2 cells in the setting of an immunoablative (non-myeloablative) preparative regimen.

Patients with leukemia in clinical remission, and patients with refractory lymphoid malignancy will be candidates for this HLA-matched allogeneic PBSCT protocol. Patients will receive novel induction regimen (fludarabine and EPOCH) and transplant preparative regimen (fludarabine and cytoxan) designed to maximally deplete host immune T cells capable of mediating graft rejection. After induction and preparative regimen chemotherapy, patients will receive an unmanipulated, G-CSF mobilized PBSC graft. In the initial six patients receiving this transplant procedure at the NCI, graft rejection has been successfully prevented (100% donor chimerism by day 30 post-transplant). Importantly, GVHD has been observed in all six patients, with three of the six patients developing severe GVHD (grade III). Given that this regimen successfully achieves donor engraftment, and is associated with significant GVHD, this transplant regimen represents an excellent clinical setting for the evaluation of Th2 cells.

Using this non-myeloablative allogeneic PBSCT approach, we will perform a Phase I study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of administering donor Th2 cells on day 1 post-transplant. Prior to transplantation, donor CD4+ T cells will be stimulated in vitro using culture conditions that support the generation of donor CD4 cells of the Th2 cytokine profile. If this Phase I study demonstrates that Th2 cell administration is safe and feasible, a Phase III study will be performed to evaluate whether Th2 cell administration reduces the incidence and severity of GVHD. Successful implementation of this Th2 strategy will greatly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with allogeneic PBSCT, and may also represent an approach to stem cell transplantation in patients lacking an HLA-matched donor.

Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is primarily limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In murine models, we found that donor CD4+ Th1 cells (secretion of IL-2 and IFN-Gamma) mediate GVHD. In contrast, donor Th2 cells (secretion of IL-4 and IL-10) do not generate GVHD, and abrogate Th1-mediated GVHD. We also found that murine allografts enriched with Th2 cells reduced GVHD without impairing the ability of donor T cells to prevent graft rejection. These studies indicate that donor Th2 cells may be a new approach to reducing GVHD.

In addition to GVHD, allogeneic PBSCT has been limited by toxicity associated with conventional myeloablative preparative regimens. Although non-myeloablative regimens may reduce regimen-related toxicity, such transplants have been associated with a 30 to 40% incidence of severe acute GVHD (similar to rates observed with myeloablative regimens). Because non-myeloablative regimens appear to have reduced regimen-related toxicity, we have conducted this pilot study of Th2 cells in the setting of an immunoablative (non-myeloablative) preparative regimen.

In this protocol, patients with lymphoid or hematologic malignancy receive induction therapy (fludarabine and EPOCH) and transplant chemotherapy (fludarabine and cytoxan) to deplete host T cells that mediate graft rejection. In our initial NCI cohort receiving HLA-matched sibling, G-CSF mobilized PBSCT on this protocol (n=19), graft rejection was prevented in all cases, with most recipients having 100% donor chimerism by day 28 post-SCT. With this reduced intensity regimen, GVHD remained a significant complication, with 6/19 recipients having grade II and 6/19 recipients having grade III acute GVHD. Importantly, potent graft-versus-tumor responses were observed, with 9/19 patients remaining in complete remission at a median of 17 months post-SCT.

Given that this allogeneic SCT regimen achieves engraftment and durable anti-tumor responses, yet is associated with GVHD, this protocol represents an appropriate setting for evaluation of donor Th2 cells. Initial patients will receive Th2 cells in a phase I manner. Three patients will receive 5 x 10(6) Th2/kg, six patients will receive 2.5 x 10(7) Th2/kg, and six patients will receive 1.25 x 10(8) Th2/kg. The highest dose of Th2 cells that results in an acceptable toxicity profile (not more than 1/6 serious adverse events) and a favorable rate of acute GVHD (not more than 2/6 cases of grade II or greater acute GVHD) will be selected for the phase II study arm. Eighteen patients will be treated with allogeneic SCT and Th2 cells on this phase II study arm. In the event that Th2 recipients have reduced GVHD, further clinical trials involving Th2 cells will be warranted.

Donor Th2 Cells to Prevent Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Bone Marrow Transplants

Pilot Study of Donor Th2 Cells for the Prevention of Graft-Versus-Host Disease in the Setting of Non-Myeloablative, HLA-Matched Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Study title	NCT ID	Conditions	Interventions	Eligibility	Organization	Link
Donor Th2 Cells to Prevent Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Bone Marrow Transplants	NCT00001830	Chronic Lymphoc... Graft vs Host D... Hodgkin's Disea... Multiple Myelom... Non Hodgkin's L...	Th2 cells in al... Th2 Cells	12 Years - 75 Years	National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Donor Th2 Cells to Prevent Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Bone Marrow Transplants	NCT00001830	Chronic Lymphoc... Graft vs Host D... Hodgkin's Disea... Multiple Myelom... Non Hodgkin's L...	Th2 cells in al... Th2 Cells	12 Years - 75 Years	National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

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