Lymphocyte reconstitution following autologous stem cell transplantation for progressive MS.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) may reset the immune repertoire.

Objective

The objective of this paper is to analyse lymphocyte recovery in patients with progressive MS treated with ASCT.

Methods

Patients with progressive MS not responding to conventional treatment underwent ASCT following conditioning with high-dose cyclophosphamide and antithymocyte globulin. Lymphocyte subset analysis was performed before ASCT and for two years following ASCT. Neurological function was assessed by the EDSS before ASCT and for three years post-ASCT.

Results

CD4+ T-cells fell significantly post-transplant and did not return to baseline levels. Recent thymic emigrants and naïve T-cells fell sharply post-transplant b

SUBMITTER: Cull G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5415040 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature