Is CD34+ selection the best method for depletion of T and B cells?
Whether other methods of T- and B-cell depletion may enhance immune reconstitution without increasing the risk of GVHD is a matter of current investigations. Barfied et al showed that depletion of T and B cells from mobilized peripheral stem cells using anti-CD3 and anti-CD19 antibodies conjugated to magnetic microbeads and the CliniMACS device can be efficiently used without adverse effects on the graft.26 A prospective study combining CD3/CD19-depleted HSCT from KIR-incompatible donors with reduced-intensity conditioning for children with resistant leukaemia was initiated at our centre.Our preliminary experience demonstrates that the transplantation of stem cell grafts containing all cells except T- and B-lymphocytes is feasible and does not cause GVHD. We speculate that alloreactive donor NK cells support engraftment of highly T-cell-depleted allogeneic stem cell grafts, even after reduced-intensity conditioning.So far, the preferred donor for any patient undergoing HSCT has undoubt
