Increased regulatory T cell graft content is associated with improved outcome in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality, often due to the development of acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Low numbers or proportions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been reported in patients who develop GVHD. We undertook a systematic review of studies that reported the Treg composition of HSCT grafts in patients with haematological malignancies. Fourteen eligible studies were identified, eight of which stratified patients by Tregs (absolute dose or ratio to CD3+ or CD4+ cells). Meta-analyses showed that high levels of Tregs in the grafts were associated with improved overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0·42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·23–0·74, P = 0·003, 2 studies], with a significant reduction in non-relapse mortality (HR 0·30, 95% CI 0·14–0·64, P = 0·002, 2 studies) and a reduced risk of acute GVHD (relative risk (RR) 0·59, 95% CI 0·40–0·89, P = 0·01, 6 studies). The consistency of these findings strongly suggests that the Treg composition of HSCT grafts has a powerful effect on the success of allogeneic HSCT. The major challenge is to translate these findings into better selection of allografts and future donors to provide a substantial improvement in allogeneic HSCT outcomes and practice.