Specific self-antigen-driven immune response in pericardial effusion as an isolated GVHD manifestation

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2010 Jun;45(6):1084-7. doi: 10.1038/bmt.2009.314. Epub 2009 Nov 16.

Abstract

Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade have been described as GVHD manifestations in the post transplant period. Direct evidence of GVHD-related TCR or B-cell receptor clones in patients with pericardial effusion has never been described. Using several methods, including FACS and spectratyping analysis to assess T- and B-cell clonality and to quantify TCR excision circles to assess newly thymus-derived T cells, we were able to show expansion of oligoclonal T-cell populations and the possible presence of early/premature B cells in the pericardial effusion but not in peripheral mononuclear cells. This may explain the presentation of an isolated GVHD manifestation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantigens / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Clone Cells / immunology
  • Clone Cells / pathology
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / pathology
  • Hematologic Diseases / complications
  • Hematologic Diseases / therapy
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / immunology*
  • Pericardial Effusion / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Autoantigens