A quantitative assay for Epstein-Barr Virus-specific immunity shows interferon-gamma producing CD8+ T cells increase during immunosuppression reduction to treat posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease.
Reduction of immunosuppression (RIS) to allow development or recovery of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) immunity can be used to treat EBV-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Quantification of EBV-specific immunity would help assessment of the efficacy of RIS therapy. Use of intracellular cytokine staining and analysis by flow cytometry to monitor functional EBV-specific T-cell immunity was evaluated in healthy volunteers. The technique was then used to monitor EBV immunity in nine renal transplant patients with PTLD during RIS. The number of interferon (IFN)-gamma producing CD8+ T cells specific for EBV increased distinctly before regression of EBV+ PTLD tumors occurred. The findings confirm the importance of IFN-gamma producing CD8+ T cells in controlling the malignant EBV-transformed B cells of PTLD. The assay effectively quantified EBV immunity during RIS in transplant patients with PTLD.
Guppy
Amy E
AE
Department of Immunology, Royal Free & University College Medical School, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Rawlings
Eira
E
Madrigal
J Alejandro
JA
Amlot
Peter L
PL
Barber
Linda D
LD
D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007164:Immunosorbents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016207:Cytokines; D007164:Immunosorbents; D007371:Interferon-gamma