An Analysis of Regulatory T-Cell and Th-17 Cell Dynamics during Cytomegalovirus Replication in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND: CMV-specific T-cells are crucial to control CMV-replication post-transplant. Regulatory T-cells (T-regs) are associated with a tolerant immune state and may contribute to CMV-replication. However, T-cell subsets such as T-regs and IL-17 producing T-cells (Th-17) are not well studied in this context. We explored T-regs and Th-17 frequencies during CMV-replication after transplantation. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 30 transplant patients with CMV-viremia. We quantified CMV-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells, T-regs (CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+)) and Th-17 frequencies using flow-cytometry and followed patients requiring anti-viral treatment. Two subsets were compared: anti-viral treatment requirement (n = 20) vs. spontaneous clearance of viremia (n = 10). RESULTS: Higher initial CMV-specific CD4(+) T-cells and lower T-regs were observed in patients with spontaneous clearance (p = 0.043; p = 0.021 respectively). Using a ratio of CMV-specific CD4(+) T-cells to T-regs allowed prediction of viral clearance with 80% sensitivity and 90% specificity (p = 0.001). One month after stop of treatment, the same correlation was observed in patients protected from CMV-relapse. The ratio of CMV-specific CD4(+) T-cells to T-regs allowed prediction of relapse with 85% sensitivity and 86% specificity (p = 0.004). Th-17 responses were not correlated with virologic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel insights into T-regs and Th-17 subpopulations during CMV-replication after transplantation. These preliminary data suggest that measurement of CMV-specific CD4(+) T-cells together with T-regs has value in predicting spontaneous clearance of viremia and relapse.