Mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using inhibitors of CXCR4 and VLA-4

Leukemia. 2012 Jan;26(1):34-53. doi: 10.1038/leu.2011.197. Epub 2011 Sep 2.

Abstract

Successful hematopoietic stem cell transplant requires the infusion of a sufficient number of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) that are capable of homing to the bone marrow cavity and regenerating durable trilineage hematopoiesis in a timely manner. Stem cells harvested from peripheral blood are the most commonly used graft source in HSCT. Although granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is the most frequently used agent for stem cell mobilization, the use of G-CSF alone results in suboptimal stem cell yields in a significant proportion of patients. Both the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the integrin α(4)β(1) (very late antigen 4 (VLA-4)) have important roles in the homing and retention of HSPCs within the bone marrow microenvironment. Preclinical and/or clinical studies have shown that targeted disruption of the interaction of CXCR4 or VLA-4 with their ligands results in the rapid and reversible mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells into the peripheral circulation and is synergistic when combined with G-CSF. In this review, we discuss the development of small-molecule CXCR4 and VLA-4 inhibitors and how they may improve the utility and convenience of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Lineage
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Integrin alpha4beta1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / genetics

Substances

  • CXCR4 protein, human
  • Integrin alpha4beta1
  • Receptors, CXCR4