Role of CD8 Regulatory T Cells versus Tc1 and Tc17 Cells in the Development of Human Graft-versus-Host Disease

J Immunol Res. 2017:2017:1236219. doi: 10.1155/2017/1236219. Epub 2017 Jan 9.

Abstract

CD8+ T cells that secrete proinflammatory cytokines play a central role in exacerbation of inflammation; however, a new subpopulation of CD8 regulatory T cells has recently been characterized. This study analyzes the prominent role of these different subpopulations in the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Samples from 8 healthy donors mobilized with Filgrastim® (G-CSF) and 18 patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) were evaluated by flow cytometry. Mobilization induced an increase in Tc1 (p < 0.01), Th1 (p < 0.001), Tc17 (p < 0.05), and CD8+IL-10+ cells (p < 0.05), showing that G-CSF induces both pro- and anti-inflammatory profiles. Donor-patient correlation revealed a trend (p = 0.06) toward the development of GVHD in patients who receive a high percentage of Tc1 cells. Patients with acute GVHD (aGVHD), either active or controlled, and patients without GVHD were evaluated; patients with active aGVHD had a higher percentage of Tc1 (p < 0.01) and Tc17 (p < 0.05) cells, as opposed to patients without GVHD in whom a higher percentage of CD8 Treg cells (p < 0.01) was found. These findings indicate that the increase in Tc1 and Tc17 cells is associated with GVHD development, while regulatory CD8 T cells might have a protective role in this disease. These tests can be used to monitor and control GVHD.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Filgrastim / therapeutic use
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology*
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / immunology*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Filgrastim