Umbilical cord blood regulatory T-cell expansion and functional effects of tumor necrosis factor receptor family members OX40 and 4-1BB expressed on artificial …

KL Hippen, P Harker-Murray, SB Porter… - Blood, The Journal …, 2008 - ashpublications.org
KL Hippen, P Harker-Murray, SB Porter, SC Merkel, A Londer, DK Taylor, M Bina…
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2008ashpublications.org
Previously, we showed that human umbilical cord blood (UCB) regulatory T cells (Tregs)
could be expanded approximately 100-fold using anti-CD3/28 monoclonal antibody (mAb)–
coated beads to provide T-cell receptor and costimulatory signals. Because Treg numbers
from a single UCB unit are limited, we explored the use of cell-based artificial antigen-
presenting cells (aAPCs) preloaded with anti-CD3/28 mAbs to achieve higher levels of Treg
expansion. Compared with beads, aAPCs had similar expansion properties while …
Abstract
Previously, we showed that human umbilical cord blood (UCB) regulatory T cells (Tregs) could be expanded approximately 100-fold using anti-CD3/28 monoclonal antibody (mAb)–coated beads to provide T-cell receptor and costimulatory signals. Because Treg numbers from a single UCB unit are limited, we explored the use of cell-based artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) preloaded with anti-CD3/28 mAbs to achieve higher levels of Treg expansion. Compared with beads, aAPCs had similar expansion properties while significantly increasing transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) secretion and the potency of Treg suppressor function. aAPCs modified to coexpress OX40L or 4-1BBL expanded UCB Tregs to a significantly greater extent than bead- or nonmodified aAPC cultures, reaching mean expansion levels exceeding 1250-fold. Despite the high expansion and in contrast to studies using other Treg sources, neither OX40 nor 4-1BB signaling of UCB Tregs reduced in vitro suppression. UCB Tregs expanded with 4-1BBL expressing aAPCs had decreased levels of proapoptotic bim. UCB Tregs expanded with nonmodified or modified aAPCs versus beads resulted in higher survival associated with increased Treg persistence in a xeno-geneic graft-versus-host disease lethality model. These data offer a novel approach for UCB Treg expansion using aAPCs, including those coexpressing OX40L or 4-1BBL.
ashpublications.org