Human peripheral blood Valpha24+ Vbeta11+ NKT cells expand following administration of alpha-galactosylceramide-pulsed dendritic cells.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

We have undertaken the first clinical trial involving the administration of alpha-GalactosylCeramine (alpha-GalCer)-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) to human subjects, to determine safety, optimal dose, optimal administration route and immunological effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Subjects (n = 4) with metastatic malignancy received two infusions of alpha-GalCer-pulsed DCs intravenously, and two infusions intradermally. The percentages of Valpha24 Vbeta11 NKT cells in peripheral blood (PB) were determined by three-colour flow cytometry and the PB NKT cell numbers were calculated using the total number of PB lymphocytes/ml determined by automated full-blood counts.

RESULTS:

No serious treatment related adverse events were observed during the study period. Administration of alpha-GalCer-pulsed DCs in vivo can significantly (P < 0.03) increase PB Valpha24+ Vbeta11+ NKT cell numbers above pretreatment baseline levels after the transient fall in the NKT numbers within 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS:

Administration of alpha-GalCer-pulsed DCs is well tolerated, modulates PB Valpha24+ Vbeta11+ NKT cells and may have a role in the therapy of malignancies sensitive to activities of Valpha24+ Vbeta11+ NKT cells, or for autoimmune diseases.

• Authors: M Okai, M Nieda, A Tazbirkova, D Horley, A Kikuchi, S Durrant, T Takahashi, A Boyd, R Abraham, H Yagita, T Juji, A Nicol
• Journal: Vox sanguinis (Vox Sang) Vol. 83 Issue 3 Pg. 250-3 (Oct 2002) ISSN: 0042-9007 [Print] England
• PMID: 12366768 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Galactosylceramides

Topics

• Blood Cells
• Cell Division
• Dendritic Cells (immunology, transplantation)
• Flow Cytometry
• Galactosylceramides (immunology)
• Humans
• Immunotherapy, Adoptive (methods)
• Killer Cells, Natural (cytology, immunology)
• Lymphocyte Count
• Neoplasms (therapy)
• T-Lymphocytes (cytology, immunology)
• Treatment Outcome