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Biomedical subjects

M Jeannet

Publications and source records attributed to M Jeannet.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Replacement of HLA class II serology by the HLA-DR microtitre plate oligotyping assay: a one-year experience in unrelated bone marrow donor selection.

Because the selection of unrelated bone marrow donors requires a more accurate HLA-typing technique than is used for sibling donors, we have replaced class II serology by a rapid and highly discriminative HLA-DR DNA oligotyping assay on microtitre plates. We present here our 1-year experience with class II typing for 112 potential donors identified for 33 consecutive leukaemic patients. Although the donors were selected to be HLA-A, -B, -DR serologically identical, the microtitre plate oligotyping assay detected DR incompatibilities in 52.7% of the patient/donor pairs. One third was due to incorrect or incomplete typing of DR11 to DR16, the others to mismatches for the serologically indistinguishable subtypes of DR1, 11, 13 and 15, known to be relevant for T cell recognition.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

Detection of chimaerism after bone marrow transplantation using the double amplification refractory mutation system.

We have developed a highly sensitive double amplification refractory mutation system (double ARMS) for the detection of extremely low levels of mixed chimaerism after bone marrow transplantation. The system we chose for double ARMS analysis is a highly polymorphic region 5' to the human delta-globin gene. Double ARMS analysis was found to correlate well with an established minisatellite system and was shown to demonstrate a very low level of mixed chimaerism in cases undetectable by the latter method.

Base Sequence↗

Functional dissection of the serological DR LYGUE and genotypic DRB1*1303 specificities using a tetanus toxin-specific T-cell clone.

The DRB1 sequence of the homozygous cell line HAG (DR13-DwHAG-DQ7) represents a new DRB allele assigned DRB1*1103, whereas its DRB3 sequence corresponds to the previously described DRB3*0101 (DR52a) allele. The DRB1*1303 gene product is undetectable by current sera used in routine serology typing. We report here direct evidence that the MHC molecule encoded by the DRB1*1303 gene is functional in antigen presentation and in T-cell restriction. We describe a T-cell clone specific for tetanus toxin whose restriction pattern strictly follows the DRB1*1303 allele, as defined by oligonucleotide typing. It also follows the serologic reactivity with the serum LYGUE and also the DwHAG MLC-defined specificity pattern, with one exception. The potential functional sites for the DRB1*1303 gene product involved in T-cell restriction were deduced from sequence comparisons between DRB1*1303 and closely related DRB1 alleles. The relevant as substitutions were located within close proximity to each other on the HLA class II structural model. Our results demonstrate that 1) DRB1*1303 is functional in antigen presentation and T-cell restriction 2) the functional region involved in antigen presentation and T-cell restriction by DRB1*1303 can be defined structurally.

Alleles↗

HLA-B locus DNA typing: detection of B*7801 and seven additional alleles by BW6-specific exon 2 amplification.

A molecular approach to type a new HLA-B5 antigen, HLA-BSNA, characterized by its unusual association with the public determinant BW6, referred to as B*7801, has been designed. Antigens disclosing serological identity with SNA, BX1 and Te76 were also investigated. Based upon HLA-B exon 2 group-specific PCR, the following procedure was established: 5' and 3' primers were designed by targetting the codons 11-12 (AM) and 81-83 (LRG), respectively, in exon 2 (alpha 1 domain). The 5' primer discriminates with HLA-A, -C genes and pseudogenes, while the 3' primer detects the sequence encoding the BW6 epitope (NLRG) and discriminates it from the BW4 epitope. The combination of this pair of primers specifically amplifies 26 HLA-B alleles. Oligotyping for B*7801 was performed using a combination of two non-radioactively labeled SSO probes identifying positions T45 and D74 in exon 2. To resolve ambiguous hybridization patterns, an additional set of probes was used. The specificity of this BW6-group-specific amplification procedure was investigated on 150 genomic DNA samples. Among them, we obtained 94 amplified DNA products which were tested with eight SSOs. Beside B*7801, the following B alleles could be defined: B*0801, B*35, B*5401, B*5501-2, B*5601-2, B*1501-7 (including B62, B75 and B72) and B*4601. SNA, BX1 and Te76 DNA samples gave similar hybridization pattern providing a clue to the identity of these antigens. This "one PCR and two probes" procedure represents a simple oligotyping strategy which can also be applied to type many other HLA-B specificities.

Alleles↗

The T-lymphocyte response against myelin-associated glycoprotein and myelin basic protein in patients with multiple sclerosis.

In addition to myelin basic protein (MBP), other minor components of myelin, such as myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), may be important autoantigens in MS. To determine whether MAG might be involved in an autoimmune reaction in MS, we screened peripheral blood lymphocytes from MS patients and normal subjects for their sensitization to human MBP and MAG antigen using a [3H]thymidine incorporation assay. We recorded three patterns in MS patients: (1) patients who responded neither to MAG nor to MBP (4/11); (2) patients who responded to both MBP and MAG (5/11); and (3) patients who gave an exclusive response to MAG (2/11). The 10 healthy controls did not respond to either MAG or MBP. That some individuals with MS expressed a specific response against MAG and that more than 50% of MS patients expressed a sensitization to MAG suggest that MAG may have a role in the pathogenesis of MS.

Adult↗

Adoptive immunotherapy for recurrent CML after BMT.

Three patients with CML who relapsed after transplantation with T-depleted BM from their HLA-identical siblings were treated with transfusions of donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in combination with (short) IFN alpha 2 therapy. CML was successfully controlled as shown by the complete disappearance of Philadelphia-positive metaphases within 90 days of treatment. This treatment appears to be very effective as neither bcr-abl transcripts nor markers specific for hematological cells of recipient origin could be detected by very sensitive PCR techniques. Two patients treated in chronic phase are without evidence of disease 300 and 360 days after treatment. The third patient, treated in accelerated phase, died with BM aplasia, 39 days following PBMC infusions. Failure to detect residual donor-derived granulocytes, as was the case in this patient prior to initiating adoptive immunotherapy, may indicate loss of donor-derived BM activity. This may help predict and possibly prevent the occurrence of life-threatening aplasia after successful clearance of malignant hematopoiesis.

Acute Disease↗

Characterization of pretransplant CTL activity in "perfectly matched" unrelated bone marrow donor/recipient combinations.

To characterize the pre-transplant cytotoxic T cell precursor (CTLp) activity of unrelated bone marrow donors towards their HLA-ABDR compatible recipients, we have established T cell clones from the primary (positive) CTLp cultures. Two "perfectly matched" oligo-typed DR/DQ identical combinations and two A/B identical, DR subtype incompatible combinations have been studied in detail. Analysis of the clones shows that in the first two combinations the alloreactivity was directed towards a subtype of A2 (A205) and a subtype of Bw60 respectively. In the other two cases, where class II incompatibilities were present, we have not yet defined the exact specificity. However, because the majority of recipient specific clones were of the CD8 phenotype, it is very likely that also in these two cases differences in class I are being recognized.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

[Swiss Register for unrelated bone marrow donors: preliminary results].

Bone marrow transplantation from the unrelated volunteer donor is today a realistic possibility for patients lacking an HLA-identical family donor. In 1988, the Swiss Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry was founded to coordinate such bone marrow transplants and create the Swiss volunteer donor registry. Thus for a search has been initiated for 71 patients and 16 transplants have been performed. Donor and recipient were HLA-A-, -B- identical by serology and HLA-Dr-identical by DNA-oligotyping. 10 of the 16 patients are alive without signs of basic disease 2 weeks to 2 years and 4 months after the transplant. These results illustrate that unrelated donor transplantation, using careful selection criteria, is a realistic new therapeutic modality.

Adolescent↗

Evolution of mixed chimerism after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation as determined on granulocytes and mononuclear cells by the polymerase chain reaction.

To evaluate the clinical relevance of mixed chimerism (MC) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), we developed a method based on amplification of DNA minisatellites by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This sensitive method by which MC lower than 1% can be detected is applicable to any patient-donor pair. Furthermore, because the analysis requires only small amounts of DNA, it allowed us to analyze samples early after BMT and during graft rejection. Results were obtained within 48 hours after blood sampling. Determination of MC in granulocytes (GR) and in mononuclear cells (Mnc) was performed in 20 patients treated for various hematologic malignancies. In patients who received untreated BM, recipient cells disappeared rapidly after BMT. In patients transplanted with T-cell-depleted BM, MC occurred in 15 of 16 cases. The percentage of host Mnc was always significantly higher than the percentage of host GR. The evolution of MC in patients who received T-cell-depleted marrow showed distinct patterns depending on whether patients remained in continuous complete remission, relapsed, or rejected their grafts. During complete remission, a relatively stable and significant number of host cells could be detected during the first 2 years after transplantation. Thereafter, their number decreased, but even after 4 years, low numbers of host cells could persist. When the patients relapsed, an increase in host Mnc was monitored without significant changes in the number of donor Mnc. In contrast, after the relapse, donor GR were no longer detected. Two cases of graft rejection were studied. Directly after the onset of the rejection, donor GR and Mnc disappeared rapidly. During that period, no significant changes in the number of host Mnc were detected.

Adult↗

Renal retransplantation in Switzerland: poor HLA matching of first and subsequent allografts does not appear to affect overall graft survival.

In Switzerland graft survival after primary renal transplantation can be considered as satisfactory, although our current policy does not favour HLA compatibility except for acute rejectors or sensitized patients. This low level of HLA matching could result in increased sensitization and affect subsequent graft survival. A total of 318 non-primary renal transplants were performed in 293 recipients during the period 1981-1990. Of these, 271 were second transplants, 40 were third transplants and seven were fourth or fifth transplants. Survival rates at 1, 2 and 5 years were 75%, 68% and 60% for second grafts, and 72%, 60% and 54% for third grafts, respectively. Results after multiple grafts were poor, but our experience was limited. The number of sensitized patients (peak PRA > 50%) awaiting retransplantation slightly increased (51 to 69), but decreased as a proportion (72% to 66%). Our policy of relying only marginally on HLA compatibility does not appear to have affected our results adversely.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Apparent HLA DR triplet due to the coexpression of a DRB5-encoded molecule on a DR1 haplotype.

HLA DR1 molecules are coded by a single polymorphic DRB1 gene. We have observed rare DR1 cells in one Caucasoid family and three unrelated individuals that also reacted with some anti-DR2 sera. Since the second DR antigen was normally expressed, these cells appeared as triplets. Contrary to serology, the cells were not typed by HTCs defining Dw2, Dw12, and Dw21. Further investigations on these unusual DR1+2* haplotypes were conducted by DNA oligotyping and by sequencing of the DRB first-domain exon. The results showed that these DR1 haplotypes, besides their DRB1*0101 allele, carried also a DRB5*0101 allele.

Adult↗

The decrease in organ donations from 1985 to 1990 caused by increasing medical contraindications and refusals by relatives.

After the progressive improvement in the results of organ transplantation we now face the challenge of shortage in organ supply. The decreasing number of organ retrievals performed in 1990 at our hospital has raised questions concerning loss of potential organ donors and opposition to donation by the next of kin. We investigated these questions and the number of organs available per million inhabitants in the area covered by our university hospital. Our surgical intensive care unit provides about 85% of all organ donations for this area. To this end, all 375 deaths occurring in the surgical ICU during the period between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 1990 were analyzed. Of 138 brain-stem deaths, 43 presented medical contraindications preventing organ harvesting for transplantation. Consent for donation was sought from the families of the 95 remaining potential donors and was refused for 17 patients. Organ retrieval followed all of the 78 agreements to donate, so that no suitable donor was lost. Over the 6 years surveyed, a progressive decrease in organs procured was observed, due to an increase of medical contraindications to organ harvesting for transplantation (P less than 0.001) and a higher rate of refusals to donate organs (P less than 0.002). The rate of kidney retrieval was thereby reduced from 45 to less than 25 per million population per year between 1985 and 1990 for our hospital's catchment area. The reasons cited by the families for denying organ donation suggest that the publicity campaigns aimed at the medical community and the public concerning organ transplant programs should be modified, and that a careful selection of indications for transplantation seems mandatory.

Attitude↗

[Polymorphism of HLA class I loci HLA-A, -B, -C, in the Mandenka population from eastern Senegal].

A sample of 162 Mandenkalu from Eastern Senegal has been typed for three HLA class I loci: HLA-A, -B and -C. The Mandenka population presents a very high genetic variability with 15 alleles for locus A, 24 alleles for locus B, and at least 8 alleles for locus C. The calculated heterozygosities for the three loci A, B, and C are respectively 0.884, 0.944 and 0.829. The Mandenkalu allelic frequencies are close to that found in other sub-Saharan populations. They show, however, some peculiarities like the occurrence of the Bw 56 allele and the high frequencies of both B5 and B35.

Alleles↗

Clonal imbalances of serum immunoglobulins after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: an analysis by high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

The clonality pattern of immunoglobulins (Igs) produced after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) was studied by high-resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) of serum samples and purified Igs. With this technique, the light (L) chain of a monoclonal Ig usually appears as a single spot. Thus, the degree of clonal diversity of the functional B cells can be appreciated by the electrophoretic pattern of the serum L chains. Furthermore, 2D-PAGE allows a semi-quantitative determination of prominent Ig clones according to the size of L chain spots. We found that serum electrophoretograms of 8/19 patients after BMT (5-9 months) revealed L chain patterns which were similar to those of normal polyclonal Igs, that is, less than five distinguishable small spots among a cloud-like indiscrete L chain spots region ('polyclonal' pattern). A spectrum of clonal abnormalities was observed on the electrophoretograms of 11/19 patients: in five patients, multiple small L chain spots (corresponding to Ig concentrations between 0.2 and 2 g/l) were detected ('oligoclonal' pattern), whereas in six others, 'typical' monoclonal Igs (Ig concentrations > 2 g/l) were observed with (3/19 patients) or without (3/19 patients) multiple small clonal components. Sequential analysis of serum obtained from patients at different times after BMT revealed that imbalanced clonal reconstitution was transient and evolved towards apparently normal polyclonal Ig production. Our observations show that the development of clonal 'gammopathies' after BMT is a frequent, but not obligatory phenomenon. It may reflect a transient restriction of the B cell repertoire either through a limited outgrowth of precursor cells or through selective antigenic pressures.

Antibody Diversity↗