After chemotherapy, functional humoral response capacity is restored before complete restoration of lymphoid compartments

Abstract

SUMMARYChemotherapy has, besides the beneficial effects, several adverse effects. Suppression of the immune system is one of the most important problems. Infections caused by encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae are responsible for a major part of infectious problems during and after treatment. The splenic marginal zone is essential in the initiation of an immune response to encapsulated bacteria. In this study, we analysed the effects of three different cytostatic agents on humoral immune responses. We found a reduced, but detectable immune response capacity at two days after treatment although the marginal zone B cell population is severely reduced at this time point. Twenty-four days after cessation of treatment, the immune response capacity was largely restored although lymphoid compartments were still not completely restored at that time point. Apparently, the presence of only few marginal zone B cells is sufficient to evoke a rise in antibody titres and although antibody titre increases are low, even small rises are most likely clinically relevant.

Histopathological findings in the gastrointestinal tract of primate recipients of porcine renal xenografts following different immunosuppressive regimens

“…Taken together, these findings suggest that high doses of immunosuppressive agents in healthy non‐human primates lead to early and severe GI tract lesions. Although CYP and MTX are known to depress functional immune response [34], we found GALT in all cases and multifocal submucosal areas of heavy lymphoid infiltration in three animals. In the light of the results obtained, at least three considerations lead us to believe that the lesions observed are not compatible with post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs), according to the classification of Harris et al [37].…”

Immunologic Consequences of Chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

“…The naïve B cell subset appeared to be more significantly affected than either of the memory subsets and this subset is quantitatively the most significant in children. The non-switched memory B cell subset may represent a bloodstream stage comparable to marginal zone B cells 45 and marginal zone B cells have been previously implicated in poor vaccine responses 46-48 . The impact of our study is the clear clinically relevant finding of a marked depletion of antibody-competent B cells and a concomitant failure to respond to influenza vaccination.…”

B‐cell performance in chemotherapy: Unravelling the mystery of B‐cell therapeutic potential

“…88 Cisplatin had a minimal effect on B-cell counts and immune responses. 88 Combination chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, doxorubicin and L-asparaginase) depleted circulating B cells but not those in lymph nodes, thus preserving antibody production. 145 Methotrexate, Cisplatin, paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil inhibited B-cell proliferation to varying extents, with CP nearly completely blocking it.…”