1017-LBP: Expression profile of candidate t-cell immune response genes in patients after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Aim Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is dominant complication of the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) which results in significant morbidity and mortality of the patients. GVHD is caused by alloimmune reaction of donor T-lymphocytes against the recipient antigens. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate expression of the genes for 1) activating molecules of Th1 (TBX21) and Th2 (GATA3) lymphocytes and for 2) molecules that affect lymphocyte homing in target tissues during the GVHD development (ITGA4 and ITGB7). Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected to RNA protective medium from 30 patients designated for aHSCT at 7 events, i.e. before conditioning, before aHSCT (day 0), 14, 21, 28, 100 and 180 days after aHSCT. The relative expression of four investigated genes was determined by quantitative real-time PCR using PGK1 as a housekeeping gene. Results Relative expression of all studied genes was decreased after conditioning, which was in accordance with inhibition of the immune system during the preparative regimen. The expression of TBX21 mRNA increased after the transplantation and at 100 and 180 days after transplantation was up-regulated compared to that before conditioning (d100: p 0.005; d180: p Conclusions In summary, mRNA expression of the activating molecule of Th1 lymphocytes (TBX21, T-bet) is up regulated in a longer period after the transplantation. After enlargement of our study group we will further evaluate the mRNA expression of an expanded gene spectrum in relationship with the occurrence and severity of GVHD. Acknowledgment for grant support: IGAMZCRNT12454