Long-term CXCR3 antagonist AMG487 mitigated acute graft-versus-host disease by inhibiting T cell activation in a murine model

Background

Lymphocyte migration plays a key role in the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). Blocking lymphocyte migration by targeting chemokine receptors, such as CXCR3, may be a promising strategy for preventing and treating aGVHD. Our previous studies have shown that short-term CXCR3 antagonist treatment combined with cyclosporine A alleviated aGVHD. However, the effect of long-term AMG487 treatment on aGVHD survival has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

A murine aGVHD model was used to examine the expression of CXCR3 in donor T cells. The effects of short- and long-term AMG487 treatment on aGVHD survival were assessed. The infiltration of donor T cells into the liver and spleen tissues and the activation of donor T cells in splenic tissues were also examined.

Results

CXCR3 was consistently highly expressed in donor T cells in a murine aGVHD model. Long-term AMG487 treatment, but not short-term, improved survival and aGVHD outcomes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, long-term AMG487 administration reduced the number of donor T cells in the liver but increased the number of donor T cells in the spleen (p < 0.05). Long-term AMG487 treatment also inhibited donor T cell activation in the spleen (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that long-term AMG487 treatment has a potential therapeutic effect on aGVHD and could be used as a novel therapy.