INTRODUCTION

The objective of our study was to assess relationships between circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) populations and T cell subsets, up-regulating PD-1 and TIM-3, as well as their intended association with several post-transplant clinical factors.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with multiple myeloma (MM) were enrolled in the study. Circulating LinHLA-DRCD33CD66b polymorphonuclear (PMN) MDSCs, CD14HLA-DR monocytic (M) MDSCs, PD-1/TIM-3 CD4 and CD8 T cells were assessed with flow cytometry at the engraftment and following six post-transplant months. The frequencies of patients with common post-transplant complications, antibacterial treatment, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration during the neutropenia period were investigated.

RESULTS

TIM-3 CD4 and CD8 T cell counts were negatively associated with M-MDSCs at the engraftment. Both PD-1/TIM-3 T cells and MDSCs at the engraftment did not differ between the patients with or without febrile episodes, oral mucositis, and enteropathy during the neutropenia period. Relative counts of PMN-MDSCs were significantly lower in MM patients who received carbapenems compared to those treated with cefepime. Short-term G-CSF administration was associated with an increase in M-MDSCs.

CONCLUSION

Following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), cellular interactions and the possible impact of therapeutic interventions on the immune recovery have not been fully investigated and may be of interest as predictive biomarkers and targets for novel therapies.