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Updated: May 3, 2026
High Throughput Sequential ELISA for Validation of Biomarkers of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Published on: October 31, 2012
Serum microRNA155 is increased in patients with acute graft-versus-host disease
Lin-Na Xie1, Fang Zhou, Xi-Min Liu
1Department of Hematology, The General Hospital of Jinan Military District, Jinan, China.
Abstract:
To explore the clinical relevance of three lymphocyte-related serum microRNAs (miR-155, miR-214, and miR-326) to the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), 64 subjects who received allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT) were recruited in this study, of whom 19 subjects did not develop GVHD, 25 subjects were diagnosed with acute GVHD (aGVHD), and 20 subjects were diagnosed with chronic GVHD (cGVHD). Serum miRNAs were determined by real-time RT-PCR. Expression level of miRNAs and the expression signatures of miRNAs as a panel were analyzed among the three groups. The expression level of miR-214 and miR-326 showed no significant difference between GVHD and non-GVHD groups. However, miR-155 was significantly up-regulated in GVHD patients. There was a correlation between the level of miR-155 and the severity of aGVHD. Moreover, serum IFN-gamma, IL-17, and IL-9 levels were higher in aGVHD patients with high miR-155. In conclusion, the expression level of lymphocyte-related miR-155 in serum was significantly increased in aGVHD patients. The miR-155 may be considered as a potential targeted therapy for aGVHD patients.
Insights
Serum miR-155 levels are significantly elevated in patients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after stem cell transplantation. This microRNA may serve as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for acute GVHD.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are implicated in immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical relevance of serum lymphocyte-related microRNAs (miR-155, miR-214, miR-326) in the pathogenesis of GVHD.
- To assess the potential of these miRNAs as biomarkers for GVHD.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 64 patients undergoing allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT).
- Serum miRNA expression levels (miR-155, miR-214, miR-326) were quantified using real-time RT-PCR.
- Expression levels were analyzed in patients with and without GVHD, including acute GVHD (aGVHD) and chronic GVHD (cGVHD).
- Correlation with GVHD severity and associated cytokine levels (IFN-gamma, IL-17, IL-9) was examined.
Main Results:
- Serum miR-214 and miR-326 levels did not differ significantly between GVHD and non-GVHD groups.
- Serum miR-155 was significantly up-regulated in patients with GVHD compared to non-GVHD controls.
- A positive correlation was observed between miR-155 levels and the severity of aGVHD.
- Elevated levels of IFN-gamma, IL-17, and IL-9 were found in aGVHD patients with high miR-155 expression.
Conclusions:
- Serum miR-155 is significantly increased in patients with acute GVHD following allo-PBSCT.
- miR-155 shows potential as a diagnostic biomarker for aGVHD.
- miR-155 may represent a novel therapeutic target for managing aGVHD.
