Enhancement of hematopoietic reconstitution with recombinant cytokines: effect of rhIL-6 in combination with rhGM-CSF and rhIL-3 on unmodified or T cell-depleted bone marrow.

We have investigated the response of unmanipulated and lymphocyte-depleted BM cells (BMC), pretreated with monoclonal rat antihuman lymphocyte (CD52) antibody (Campath-1G) used for prevention of GvHD, to incubation with rhIL-6 alone or in combination with rhGM-CSF, rhIL-3, or both. We investigated optimal conditions needed for incubation of human BMC under conditions that can be upscaled for clinical application prior to autologous (auto-BMT) and allogeneic blood or BM transplantation (allo-BMT). When used as a single agent, rhIL-6 showed no or a minimal effect in enhancing in vitro CFU-GM colony formation of human BMC. A potent additive effect was obtained when rhIL-6 was added to rhGM-CSF, rhIL-3, or a combination of both. Binding of the mAb Campath-1G, which is used for in vivo and in vitro depletion of immunocompetent lymphocytes to BMC, did not reduce the enhancing effect of a combination of rhGM-CSF and rhIL-3 on CFU-GM in the presence or absence of rhIL-6. Our present and previously published observations suggest that enhancement of hematopoiesis by rhIL-6 and other hematopoietic growth factors is T cell independent. Based on the present observations, pilot clinical studies to determine the potential benefit of in vitro activation of BMC prior to BMT with various cytokine combinations, including rhIL-6, seems justified. Our goal is to enhance hematopoietic reconstitution in vivo, focusing on possible enhancement of platelet reconstitution in vivo toward safer auto-BMT and more effective allo-BMT with better engraftment of T cell-depleted allografts while avoiding GvHD.