Regulation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated graft rejection following bone marrow transplantation

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes have been implicated as the effector cell mediating graft rejection following human allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. We have studied a BMT patient who rejected haploidentical T cell- depleted marrow. In vitro studies demonstrated that the circulating lymphocytes were CD3⁺ and CD8⁺, of recipient origin, and exhibited selective cytotoxicity against donor-specific class I major histocompatibility complex antigens. Cytotoxicity was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies directed against CD3, CD8, CD2, and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 on the T cell, and against MHC class I proteins on the target cell. Furthermore, these circulating cells inhibited the in vitro growth and differentiation of enriched donor bone marrow progenitor cells, an inhibition that was partially reversed by anti-CD3 MAb. Donor-specific recipient-derived CTL may mediate resistance to engraftment, and CTL activity may be inhibited by a number of MAb. The implications of these findings for host preparation and treatment are discussed.