T helper 17 and regulatory T-cell profile and graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia

Abstract

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is an effective treatment option for hereditary hemoglobin disorders, such as beta-thalassemia; However, this procedure is not without constraints, mainly engendering complications such as acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), chronic GvHD (cGvHD), and susceptibility to infections. The clinical outcomes of allo-HSCT are highly dependant on the quality and quantity of T-cell subsets reconstitution. Following the allo-HSCT of six pediatric patients afflicted with beta-thalassemia, their mononuclear cells were isolated, and then cultured with a combination of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin and Brefeldin A. The content of CD4 T-cell subsets, including T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs), were determined by specific conjugated-monoclonal antibodies three and six months post-HSCT. An increased frequency of total CD4 T-cells, Tregs and Th17 cells was observed at day 90 and 180 after allo-HSCT, albeit the numbers were still lower than that of our healthy controls. In patients who developed cGvHD, a lower Th17/Treg ratio was observed, owing it to a decreased proportion of Th17 cells. In conclusion, creating balance between Th17 and Treg subsets may prevent acute and chronic GvHD in patients after allo-HSCT.