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Outcomes of Related and Unrelated Donor Searches Among Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Referred for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2019 Apr 12;:

Authors: Acevedo MJ, Wilder JS, Adams S, Davis J, Kelly C, Hilligoss D, Carroll E, Blacklock-Schuver B, Cole K, Kang EM, Hsu AP, Kanakry CG, Md DD, Md JAK

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are potentially cured by allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The spectrum of PIDs has expanded greatly beyond those that present in infancy or are diagnosed on newborn screening and require urgent, preemptive HCT. Many PID diagnoses are now made later in life and the role of HCT is only considered upon severe disease manifestations; in these cases, the kinetics and goals of a donor search may be different than for severe combined immunodeficiency. Across all PIDs, related donor searches have the additional selection factor of the inherited disease, such searches may yield more limited options than searches for patients with hematologic malignancies; thus, unrelated donor options often become more critical in these patients. We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of donor searches among PID patients referred for HCT at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where the minimum patient age for evaluation is 3 years old and where donor options included matched sibling or matched related (MSD/MRD), HLA-haploidentical (haplo), or 7-8/8 HLA-matched unrelated (mMUD/MUD) donors.
METHODS: Patient (n=161) and donor demographics, MUD search results, HLA typing, pedigrees, mutation testing, and donor selection data were collected. The National Marrow Donor Program HapLogic 8/8 HLA-match algorithm was used to predict the likelihood of a successful MUD search and categorized as very good, good, fair, poor, very poor, or futile per the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) Search Prognosis method.
RESULTS: There were significant differences by PID mode of inheritance in patient age, disposition (receipt of HCT or not), donor source, and donor relatedness. A related or unrelated donor option could be identified for 94% of patients. Of living 1st degree relatives (median 3 (range 0-12) per patient), a median of 1 donor remained for autosomal dominant and X-linked (XL) diseases after HLA typing, mutation testing, and other exclusions, and a median of 2 donors remained for autosomal recessive (AR) diseases. Among patients with a PID of known mode of inheritance (n=142), the best related donor was haplo for 99 (70%) patients, with 56 (39%) haplos age 40 years or older and 5 (4%) 2nd degree haplos; 13 (9%) had no family donor options. The best related donor was a heterozygote/asymptomatic carrier of the PID mutation in 36 (49%) patients with AR or XL disease (n=73). Among patients with MUD search performed (n=139), 53 (38%) had very poor/futile 8/8 MUD searches, including 6 (32%) of those with unknown PID mutation and therefore no family donor options. The MSKCC Search Prognosis was less favorable for those of non-European ancestry compared to European ancestry, p=0.002. The majority of patients of Hispanic or African ancestry had very poor/futile MUD searches, 71% and 63%, respectively. No HCT recipients with very poor/futile MUD searches (n=38) received 8/8 MUD grafts.
DISCUSSION: Alternative donor options, including haplo and unrelated donors, are critical to enable HCT for patients with PID. MUD search success remains low for those of non-European ancestry, and this is of particular concern for patients with PID due to an unknown genetic defect. Among PID patients, related donor options are reduced and haplos age 40 years+ and/or mutation carriers are often the best family option.

PMID: 30986499 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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A Novel Mutation in Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Treating the Family, Not Just the Patient.

Front Pediatr. 2019;7:107

Authors: Lutzkanin K, McKeone DJ, Greiner R, Andreae DA

Abstract
Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) is caused by genetic defects in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase leading to potentially severe infections with catalase positive micro-organisms. With the innate immune system being affected this disease usually presents before the age of 5 years with infections involving the skin, lung, liver or lymphnodes. Infections with specific catalase positive organisms, especially Burkholderia cepacia, Serratia, Nocardia and Chromobacterium violaceum prompt a workup for CGD in affected patients. In addition, a family history of CGD also warrants testing. The pattern of inheritance of CGD varies across geographic regions of the world and societies, with X-linked inheritance being most prevalent in the United States and Europe. Affected patients require life-long therapy with prophylactic antibiotics, antifungals, and possibly interferon-gamma. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is the only curative therapy known to date. Identification, diagnosis and management of patients with CGD usually involves a multi-specialty team including Pediatrics, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Hematology/Oncology and often also Pulmonology and GI/Hepatology. Frequent follow up is paramount for good outcomes; infections have to be recognized and treated promptly and often preemptively. This is challenging for most patients and their families but presents a significant barrier for patients with limited access to care, limited resources or other challenging social situations. This case report describes the difficulties of managing a family with a novel mutation and multiple affected family members in different custody arrangements. It highlights the importance of close contact and communication with the family in deciding on management and treatment options. Educating the family and patient is critical to avoid complications of the disease and allow shared decision making that ultimately leads to better outcomes.

PMID: 30984725 [PubMed]

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Mycobacteria-Specific T Cells May Be Expanded From Healthy Donors and Are Near Absent in Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders.

Front Immunol. 2019;10:621

Authors: Patel S, Lang H, Sani G, Freeman AF, Leiding J, Hanley PJ, Cruz CR, Grant M, Wang Y, Oshrine B, Palmer C, Holland SM, Bollard CM, Keller MD

Abstract
Mycobacterial Infections can be severe in patients with T-cell deficiency or phagocyte disorders, and treatment is frequently complicated by antimicrobial resistance. Restoration of T-cell immunity via stem cell transplantation facilitates control of mycobacterial infections, but presence of active infections during transplantation is associated with a higher risk of mortality. Adoptive T cell immunotherapy has been successful in targeting viruses, but has not been attempted to treat mycobacterial infections. We sought to expand and characterize mycobacterial-specific T-cells derived from healthy donors in order to determine suitability for adoptive immunotherapy. Mycobacteria-specific T-cells (MSTs) were generated from 10 healthy donors using a rapid ex vivo expansion protocol targeting five known mycobacterial target proteins (AG85B, PPE68, ESXA, ESXB, and ADK). MSTs were compared to T-cells expanded from the same donors using lysate from M. tuberculosis or purified protein derivative from M. avium (sensitin). MST expansion from seven patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) and two patients with IFN-γ autoantibodies and invasive M. avium infections. MSTs expanded from healthy donors recognized a median of 3 of 5 antigens, with production of IFN-γ, TNF, and GM-CSF in CD4+ T cells. Comparison of donors who received BCG vaccine (n = 6) to those who did not (n = 4) showed differential responses to PPE68 (p = 0.028) and ADK (p = 0.015) by IFN-γ ELISpot. MSTs expanded from lysate or sensitin also recognized multiple mycobacterial antigens, with a statistically significant differences noted only in the response to PPE68 (p = 0.016). MSTs expanded from patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) and invasive mycobacterial infections showed activity against mycobacterial antigens in only two of seven subjects, whereas both patients with IFN-γ autoantibodies recognized mycobacterial antigens. Thus, MSTs can be generated from donors using a rapid expansion protocol regardless of history of BCG immunization. Most tested PID patients had no detectable T-cell immunity to mycobacteria despite history of infection. MSTs may have clinical utility for adoptive immunotherapy in T-cell deficient patients with invasive mycobacterial infections.

PMID: 30984189 [PubMed – in process]

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Primary and Secondary Immunodeficiency Diseases in Oncohaematology: Warning Signs, Diagnosis, and Management.

Front Immunol. 2019;10:586

Authors: Sánchez-Ramón S, Bermúdez A, González-Granado LI, Rodríguez-Gallego C, Sastre A, Soler-Palacín P, ID-Signal Onco-Haematology Group

Abstract
Background: Immunodeficiencies (ID), in particular primary immunodeficiencies (PID), are often associated with haematological manifestations, such as peripheral cytopenias or lymphoproliferative syndromes. Early diagnosis and management have significant prognostic implications. Secondary immunodeficiencies (SID) may also be induced by oncohaematological diseases and their treatments. Haematologists and oncologists must therefore be aware of the association between blood disorders and cancer and ID, and be prepared to offer their patients appropriate treatment without delay. Our aim was to define the warning signs of primary and secondary IDs in paediatric and adult patients with oncohaematological manifestations. Methods: A multidisciplinary group of six experts (2 haematologists, 2 immunologists, and 2 paediatricians specializing in ID) conducted a literature review and prepared a document based on agreements reached an in-person meeting. An external group of 44 IDs specialists from all over Spain assessed the document and were consulted regarding their level of agreement. Results: This document identifies the haematological and extra-haematological diseases that should prompt a suspicion of PIDs in adults and children, in both primary care and haematology and oncology departments. Cytopenia and certain lymphoproliferative disorders are key diagnostic pointers. The diagnosis must be based on a detailed clinical history, physical exploration, complete blood count and standard laboratory tests. The immunological and haematological tests included in the diagnostic process will depend on the care level. Patients who are candidates for immunoglobulin replacement therapy must be carefully selected, and treatment should be offered as soon as possible to avoid the development of complications. Finally, this document recommends procedures for monitoring these patients. Conclusions: This document combines scientific evidence with the opinion of a broad panel of experts, and emphasizes the importance of an early diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications. The resulting document is a useful tool for primary care physicians and specialists who see both adult and paediatric patients with oncohaematological diseases.

PMID: 30984175 [PubMed – in process]

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Thymitis in chronic granulomatous disease.

Pediatr Int. 2019 Apr 14;:

Authors: Kanamori K, Tamura E, Onodera M, Ishiguro A, Kawai T

PMID: 30983070 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Lentiviral haemopoietic stem/progenitor cell gene therapy for treatment of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: interim results of a non-randomised, open-label, phase 1/2 clinical study.

Lancet Haematol. 2019 Apr 10;:

Authors: Ferrua F, Cicalese MP, Galimberti S, Giannelli S, Dionisio F, Barzaghi F, Migliavacca M, Bernardo ME, Calbi V, Assanelli AA, Facchini M, Fossati C, Albertazzi E, Scaramuzza S, Brigida I, Scala S, Basso-Ricci L, Pajno R, Casiraghi M, Canarutto D, Salerio FA, Albert MH, Bartoli A, Wolf HM, Fiori R, Silvani P, Gattillo S, Villa A, Biasco L, Dott C, Culme-Seymour EJ, van Rossem K, Atkinson G, Valsecchi MG, Roncarolo MG, Ciceri F, Naldini L, Aiuti A

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare, life-threatening, X-linked primary immunodeficiency characterised by microthrombocytopenia, infections, eczema, autoimmunity, and malignant disease. Lentiviral vector-mediated haemopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) gene therapy is a potentially curative treatment that represents an alternative to allogeneic HSPC transplantation. Here, we report safety and efficacy data from an interim analysis of patients with severe Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome who received lentiviral vector-derived gene therapy.
METHODS: We did a non-randomised, open-label, phase 1/2 clinical study in paediatric patients with severe Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, defined by either WAS gene mutation or absent Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) expression or a Zhu clinical score of 3 or higher. We included patients who had no HLA-identical sibling donor available or, for children younger than 5 years of age, no suitable 10/10 matched unrelated donor or 6/6 unrelated cord blood donor. After treatment with rituximab and a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen of busulfan and fludarabine, patients received one intravenous infusion of autologous CD34+ cells genetically modified with a lentiviral vector encoding for human WAS cDNA. The primary safety endpoints were safety of the conditioning regimen and safety of lentiviral gene transfer into HSPCs. The primary efficacy endpoints were overall survival, sustained engraftment of genetically corrected HSPCs, expression of vector-derived WASP, improved T-cell function, antigen-specific responses to vaccinations, and improved platelet count and mean platelet volume normalisation. This interim analysis was done when the first six patients treated had completed at least 3 years of follow-up. The planned analyses are presented for the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT01515462) and EudraCT (number 2009-017346-32).
FINDINGS: Between April 20, 2010, and Feb 26, 2015, nine patients (all male) were enrolled of whom one was excluded after screening; the age range of the eight treated children was 1·1-12·4 years. At the time of the interim analysis (data cutoff April 29, 2016), median follow-up was 3·6 years (range 0·5-5·6). Overall survival was 100%. Engraftment of genetically corrected HSPCs was successful and sustained in all patients. The fraction of WASP-positive lymphocytes increased from a median of 3·9% (range 1·8-35·6) before gene therapy to 66·7% (55·7-98·6) at 12 months after gene therapy, whereas WASP-positive platelets increased from 19·1% (range 4·1-31·0) to 76·6% (53·1-98·4). Improvement of immune function was shown by normalisation of in-vitro T-cell function and successful discontinuation of immunoglobulin supplementation in seven patients with follow-up longer than 1 year, followed by positive antigen-specific response to vaccination. Severe infections fell from 2·38 (95% CI 1·44-3·72) per patient-year of observation (PYO) in the year before gene therapy to 0·31 (0·04-1·11) per PYO in the second year after gene therapy and 0·17 (0·00-0·93) per PYO in the third year after gene therapy. Before gene therapy, platelet counts were lower than 20 × 109 per L in seven of eight patients. At the last follow-up visit, the platelet count had increased to 20-50 × 109 per L in one patient, 50-100 × 109 per L in five patients, and more than 100 × 109 per L in two patients, which resulted in independence from platelet transfusions and absence of severe bleeding events. 27 serious adverse events in six patients occurred after gene therapy, 23 (85%) of which were infectious (pyrexia [five events in three patients], device-related infections, including one case of sepsis [four events in three patients], and gastroenteritis, including one case due to rotavirus [three events in two patients]); these occurred mainly in the first 6 months of follow-up. No adverse reactions to the investigational drug product and no abnormal clonal proliferation or leukaemia were reported after gene therapy.
INTERPRETATION: Data from this study show that gene therapy provides a valuable treatment option for patients with severe Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, particularly for those who do not have a suitable HSPC donor available.
FUNDING: Italian Telethon Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline, and Orchard Therapeutics.

PMID: 30981783 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Epilepsy and seizures in young people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: Prevalence and links with other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Epilepsia. 2019 Apr 11;:

Authors: Eaton CB, Thomas RH, Hamandi K, Payne GC, Kerr MP, Linden DEJ, Owen MJ, Cunningham AC, Bartsch U, Struik SS, van den Bree MBM

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The true prevalence of epileptic seizures and epilepsy in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is unknown, because previous studies have relied on historical medical record review. Associations of epilepsy with other neurodevelopmental manifestations (eg, specific psychiatric diagnoses) remain unexplored.
METHODS: The primary caregivers of 108 deletion carriers (mean age 13.6 years) and 60 control siblings (mean age 13.1 years) completed a validated epilepsy screening questionnaire. A subsample (n = 44) underwent a second assessment with interview, prolonged electroencephalography (EEG), and medical record and epileptologist review. Intelligence quotient (IQ), psychopathology, and other neurodevelopmental problems were examined using neurocognitive assessment and questionnaire/interview.
RESULTS: Eleven percent (12/108) of deletion carriers had an epilepsy diagnosis (controls 0%, P = 0.004). Fifty-seven of the remaining 96 deletion carriers (59.4%) had seizures or seizurelike symptoms (controls 13.3%, 8/60, P < 0.001). A febrile seizure was reported for 24.1% (26/107) of cases (controls 0%, P < 0.001). One deletion carrier with a clinical history of epilepsy was diagnosed with an additional type of unprovoked seizure during the second assessment. One deletion carrier was newly diagnosed with epilepsy, and two more with possible nonmotor absence seizures. A positive screen on the epilepsy questionnaire was more likely in deletion carriers with lower performance IQ (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, P = 0.018), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (OR 3.28, P = 0.021), autism symptoms (OR 3.86, P = 0.004), and indicative motor coordination disorder (OR 4.56, P = 0.021).
SIGNIFICANCE: Even when accounting for deletion carriers diagnosed with epilepsy, reports of seizures and seizurelike symptoms are common. These may be “true” epileptic seizures in some cases, which are not recognized during routine clinical care. Febrile seizures were far more common in deletion carriers compared to known population risk. A propensity for seizures in 22q11.2DS was associated with cognitive impairment, psychopathology, and motor coordination problems. Future research is required to determine whether this reflects common neurobiologic risk pathways or is a consequence of recurrent seizures.

PMID: 30977115 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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The Clinical Features of Bronchiectasis Associated with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, Common Variable Immunodeficiency and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia–Results from the U.S. Bronchiectasis Research Registry.

Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2019 Apr 09;6(2):

Authors: Eden E, Choate R, Barker A, Addrizzo-Harris D, Aksamit TR, Daley CL, Daniels MLA, DiMango A, Fennelly K, Griffith DE, Johnson MM, Knowles MR, Metersky ML, Noone PG, O’Donnell AE, Olivier KN, Salathe MA, Schmid A, Thomashow B, Tino G, Turino GM, Winthrop KL

Abstract
Objective: This study compares and contrasts the clinical features of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis with 3 uncommon disorders known to be associated with bronchiectasis but with distinctly different underlying defined pathophysiologic derangements, namely severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).
Methods: The Bronchiectasis Research Registry provides a central database for studying patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. This report consists of information from 13 U.S. sites pertaining to the 3 study diagnoses. Patients with AATD (SZ and ZZ phenotypes only), CVI (patients with IgG≤500), PCD (history of physician diagnosed Kartagener’s syndrome or PCD), and patients with confirmed absence of the above 3 diagnoses (idiopathic control group) were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were computed for the main demographic and clinical characteristics of the sample stratified by group. Values between the groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test, and Chi-squared/ Fisher’s exact tests respectively. The significance level was set at 0.05. Software SAS 9.4 was used to perform the statistical analyses.
Results: Of the 2170 participants in the database enrolled as of January 2017, 615 respondents had sufficient data and were included in the analyses. Patients with PCD (n=79, mean age 41.9 years [standard deviation (SD)=14.5]) were significantly younger than patients with AATD (n=58, mean age 66.9 [SD=10.7]), CVI (n=18, mean age 66.7 years [SD=10.5]) or the idiopathic group (n=460, mean age 64.2 [SD=15.9]), p<.0001. Compared to other groups, those with PCD had lower pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] forced vital capacity [FVC] and FEV1/FVC ratio) (p<0.01), and a greater proportion of them reported having exacerbations and/or hospitalizations in the past 2 years (p<0.01). Overall, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were the organisms most commonly isolated from sputum. Mycobacterial infection was most commonly reported in those with AATD.
Conclusion: This report from the U.S. Bronchiectasis Research Registry compares and contrasts differences in the clinical features of patients suffering from 3 rare conditions, with different underlying causes, to those without. The group with PCD had more symptoms, greater morbidity, lower lung function and more commonly were infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A greater percentage of those with AATD reported mycobacterial lung involvement.

PMID: 30974050 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Common variable immunodeficiency patients display elevated plasma levels of granulocyte activation markers elastase and myeloperoxidase.

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2019 Jan-Dec;33:2058738419843381

Authors: Litzman J, Chovancová Z, Bejdák P, Litzman M, Hel Z, Vlková M

Abstract
Common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVIDs) represent a group of primary immunodeficiency diseases characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and dysfunctional immune response to invading pathogens. Previous studies have indicated that CVID is associated with microbial translocation and systemic myeloid cell activation. The goal of this study was to determine whether patients with CVID display elevated systemic levels of markers of granulocyte activation and whether the levels are further influenced by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) infusions. The plasma levels of granulocyte activation markers elastase and myeloperoxidase were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 46 CVID patients and 44 healthy controls. All CVID patients were in a stable state with no apparent acute infection. In addition, granulocyte activation markers’ plasma levels in 24 CVID patients were determined prior to and 1 h following IVIg administration. Neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase plasma levels were significantly higher in CVID patients than in healthy controls. Systemic elastase levels were further increased following IVIg administration. In vitro stimulation of 13 CVID patients’ whole blood using IVIg in a therapeutically relevant dose for 2 h resulted in a significant increase in plasma elastase levels compared to unstimulated blood. The data presented here indicate that CVID is associated with chronic granulocytic activation which is further exacerbated by administering IVIg. Increased myeloperoxidase and elastase levels may contribute to associated comorbidities in CVID patients.

PMID: 30968712 [PubMed – in process]

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Lifelong immunoglobulin replacement is not always necessary: A case description of a patient with recurrent infections and hypogammaglobulinemia.

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2019 Jan-Dec;33:2058738419843364

Authors: Napiorkowska-Baran K, Janicki R, Koltan S, Szynkiewicz E, Bartuzi Z

Abstract
Humoral immunodeficiency with accompanying infections is an indication for human immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Whether treatment will be lifelong or necessary only temporarily depends on the nature of deficiency: primary (persistent) or secondary (persistent or transient). It is not always easy to distinguish between primary and secondary immunodeficiency, especially in adults. The article presents a case of a 39-year-old patient with anamnesis and medical tests results that suggested primary humoral immunodeficiency. The deficiency was diagnosed for the first time at the age of 38, when the patient was pregnant. The patient was qualified for immunoglobulin G replacement therapy. Clinical improvement was achieved. After the end of pregnancy, systematic improvement in immunological parameters was observed, suggesting the resolution of immunodeficiency. A decision was made to discontinue immunoglobulin replacement. Due to the ability to respond to vaccine, confirmed during diagnosis, preventive vaccines were recommended. There was no recurrence of serious infections. The clinical course finally enabled a diagnosis of secondary immunodeficiency. The presented case shows the importance of an active approach to the diagnostic and therapeutic process, constant assessment of clinical course, monitoring of IgG concentrations, and the awareness that in the situation when we do not have a genetic confirmation of the disease, the diagnosis may change.

PMID: 30968707 [PubMed – in process]

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