Impaired NK cells and increased T regulatory cell numbers during cytotoxic maintenance therapy in AML

Leuk Res. 2014 Aug;38(8):964-9. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2014.05.014. Epub 2014 Jun 2.

Abstract

Cyclic cytotoxic maintenance therapy can be applied to patients with AML in post-remission. We studied the immune status of AML patients in complete remission and the effect of maintenance therapy on different immune cell populations. Patients in complete remission had reduced NK, TH and Treg counts and a reduced NK activation capacity. In the course of cytotoxic maintenance therapy, NK counts further declined, while TH and Treg cells increased, with lower proliferative potential of TH cells. We conclude that immunotherapeutic approaches in post-remission have to consider reduced NK cell function and further impairment of cellular immune responses during cytotoxic therapy.

Keywords: Acute myeloid leukemia; Cytotoxic therapy; Immunomonitoring; Maintenance therapy; NK cell; T regulatory cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / physiology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / drug therapy*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Maintenance Chemotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Remission Induction
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / physiology