Plasma CXCL9 elevations correlate with chronic GVHD diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) lacks validated biomarkers for diagnosis.
• Accurate biomarkers are crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and validate protein biomarkers for the early detection of de novo-onset chronic GVHD.
• To assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of candidate proteins, particularly CXCL9.

Main Methods:

• Protein microarray and ELISA were used to compare protein expression in cGVHD patients and controls.
• Candidate proteins were validated in independent patient cohorts using plasma concentration analysis.
• Statistical analysis included ROC curves and multivariable regression to assess discriminatory value.

Main Results:

• Five candidate proteins (CXCL9, IL2Rα, elafin, CD13, BAFF) distinguished cGVHD from controls.
• CXCL9 demonstrated the highest discriminatory value (AUC = 0.83).
• Elevated CXCL9 plasma concentrations were significantly associated with higher cGVHD frequency in two independent cohorts, even after adjusting for clinical factors.

Conclusions:

• CXCL9 is a validated and elevated biomarker in patients with newly diagnosed chronic GVHD.
• CXCL9 holds significant potential for early diagnosis and risk stratification of cGVHD.
• Further research may incorporate CXCL9 into clinical diagnostic algorithms for cGVHD.