Elimination of graft-versus-host disease by in-vitro depletion of alloreactive lymphocytes with a monoclonal rat anti-human lymphocyte antibody (CAMPATH-1).

Journal article

A new monoclonal rat anti-human lymphocyte antibody (CAMPATH-1) which lyses cells with autologous human complement was used for depletion of T lymphocytes from human bone-marrow allografts in vitro before transplantation in 11 high-risk patients. HLA-matched siblings were used as marrow donors. T-cell depletion was substantial when measured by E-rosette formation (0-0.18% residual T cells) and immunofluorescence with a monoclonal anti-T-cell antibody (0-0.5%). No anti-graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis was given after transplantation. Rapid engraftment was reported in all patients, and the post-transplantation course was uneventful. No signs of graft-versus-host disease developed in any of the patients, who were observed for a maximum period of 12 months. The method might be suitable for larger-scale studies in high-risk patients. The late graft failure seen in 2 patients may reflect residual host resistance uncompromised by GvHD.

Authors: Waldmann, H; Polliak, A; Hale, G; Or, R; Cividalli, G

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Lancet
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 8401
• Pages: 483-486
• Publication date: 1984-09-01
• DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(84)92564-9
• EISSN: 1474-547X
• ISSN: 0140-6736
• Language: English
• Keywords: Female; Humans; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Lymphocytes; Graft vs Host Disease; Infant; Child; Adult; Male; Animals; Lymphocyte Depletion; Prospective Studies; Rats; Methods; Bone Marrow Transplantation