Delayed administration of ixazomib modifies the immune response and prevents chronic graft-versus-host disease.

In this study, we aimed to modify the immune response in the long term after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) by using the proteasome inhibitor ixazomib (IXZ) at the late stages of the post-transplant period. This approach facilitated the immune reconstitution after transplantation. IXZ significantly prolonged survival and decreased the risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) in two different murine models without hampering the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect, as confirmed by bioluminescence assays. Remarkably, the use of IXZ was related to an increase of regulatory T cells both in peripheral blood and in the GvHD target organs and a decrease of effector donor T cells. Regarding B cells, IXZ treated mice had faster recovery of B cells in PB and of pre-pro-B cells in the bone marrow. Mice receiving ixazomib had a lower number of neutrophils in the GvHD target organs as compared to the vehicle group. In summary, delayed administration of IXZ ameliorated cGvHD while preserving GvL and promoted a pro-tolerogenic immune response after allo-BMT.

Polyphenolic Extract (PE) from Olive Oil Exerts a Potent Immunomodulatory Effect and Prevents Graft-versus-Host Disease in a Mouse Model.

Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances found in plants, with immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties that might be useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Polyphenolic extract (PE) obtained from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) decreased the activation and proliferation of activated T cells. In addition, a decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines was observed upon exposure to PE. Western blot assays showed a marked inhibition of Akt phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in activated T cells. In a murine model of acute GVHD, we observed that mice that received a diet supplemented in PE (600 ppm) presented a higher survival rate and lower risk of developing GVHD when compared with the group that received a control diet. Histopathologic examination showed a significantly lower gut involvement in mice receiving PE, with a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-17, and TNF-α) in serum and the reestablishment of butyrate concentration in the gut. In conclusion, PE obtained from EVOO exerted a potent immunomodulatory effect, reducing the activation and proliferation of activated T cells and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In a murine model of acute GVHD, a PE-supplemented diet reduced the incidence and severity of the disease and increased survival after transplantation.