Cognitive impairments correlate with increased central nervous system immune activation after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Murine studies indicate that, after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT), donor-derived macrophages replace damaged microglia and alloreactive T-cells invade the central nervous system (CNS). The clinical relevance of this is unknown. We assessed CNS immune surveillance and metabolic activity involved in neuronal survival, in relation to fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in 25 long-term survivors after aHSCT. Patients with cognitive dysfunction exhibited increased proportions of activated T-cells and CD16 + NK-cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Immune cell activation was paralleled with reduced levels of anti-inflammatory factors involved in T-cell suppression (transforming growth factor-beta, programmed death ligand-1), NK-cell regulation (poliovirus receptor, nectin-2), and macrophage and microglia activation (CD200, chemokine [C-X3-C motif] ligand-1). Additionally, the CSF mRNA expression pattern was associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, proteomic, and transcriptomic studies demonstrated decreased levels of neuroprotective factors, and an upregulation of apoptosis pathway genes. The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism was activated in the CNS of all aHSCT patients, resulting in accumulation of neurotoxic and pro-inflammatory metabolites. Cognitive decline and fatigue are overlooked but frequent complications of aHSCT. This study links post-transplant CNS inflammation and neurotoxicity to our previously reported hypoactivation in the prefrontal cortex during cognitive testing, suggesting novel treatment targets.

Automated summary

Murine studies indicate that after aHSCT, donor-derived macrophages replace damaged microglia and alloreactive T-cells invade the central nervous system. In this study, CNS immune surveillance and metabolic activity were assessed in relation to cognitive dysfunction and fatigue in aHSCT patients. The results showed increased proportions of activated T-cells and CD16+ NK-cells in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with cognitive dysfunction. Immune cell activation was accompanied by reduced levels of anti-inflammatory factors and an upregulation of apoptosis pathway genes. The study suggests potential treatment targets for post-transplant CNS inflammation and neurotoxicity.