Eicosanoid regulation of pulmonary innate immunity post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). 2007 Jan-Feb;55(1):1-12. doi: 10.1007/s00005-007-0001-2.

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a therapeutic option for a number of malignant and inherited disorders. However, the efficacy of this therapy is limited by a number of serious infectious and noninfectious complications. Pulmonary infections represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality post-HSCT and can occur both pre- and post-hematopoietic reconstitution. Susceptibility to Gram-negative bacterial infections despite full hematopoietic engraftment suggests that innate immunity remains impaired months to years post-HSCT. This review will describe the process and complications of HSCT and will summarize what is known about innate immune reconstitution post-HSCT. Data from the literature as well as our own laboratory will be presented to suggest that an eicosanoid imbalance characterized by over-production of prostaglandins and under-production of leukotrienes leads to impaired lung phagocyte function post-HSCT. Of therapeutic interest, strategies which limit production of prostaglandins can improve pulmonary host defense in animal HSCT models, which suggests that this may also be beneficial for human HSCT recipients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eicosanoids / adverse effects
  • Eicosanoids / biosynthesis
  • Eicosanoids / physiology*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Lung / cytology
  • Lung / immunology*
  • Lung / metabolism*

Substances

  • Eicosanoids