Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis therapy

Mobilization of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Into Peripheral Blood for Collection by Leukapheresis Therapy

Leukapheresis is a therapeutic technique that separates white blood cells from the blood. The process also helps to improve the outcome of certain medical procedures, such as stem cell collection. Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), such as stem cells, is an important part of the leukapheresis process. This helps to increase the stem cell count in the blood that can later be collected via leukapheresis.

Mobilization of HPCs into the peripheral blood is induced by the use of hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs). These growth factors are secreted by the bone marrow and play a crucial role in controlling the production, differentiation, function, and maturation of HPCs. Growth factors trigger the mobilization process by increasing the number of stem cells in the peripheral blood. These cells are then collected using leukapheresis.

The most commonly used HGF is granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), which helps to promote the mobilization of HPCs into the peripheral blood. Alemtuzumab is another HGF which increases the mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). It is also used for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

The mobilizing agents used in leukapheresis therapy are generally well-tolerated and have minimal adverse effects. The mobilized HPCs can also be cultured in ex vivo conditions for further therapeutic applications.

Advantages of Leukapheresis

• Provides an easy and non-invasive way to collect large numbers of stem/progenitor cells from peripheral blood.
• Mobilization of HPCs into the peripheral blood can be easily induced with the help of HGFs.
• The mobilized cells can be used for therapeutic applications in conditions such as lymphoid malignancies, auto-immune diseases, and myelodysplastic syndromes
• The mobilizing agents used in leukapheresis therapy are well-tolerated and have minimal adverse effects.
• The mobilized HPCs can also be cultured in ex vivo conditions for further therapeutic applications.