High Cytokine Responses and Altered T Cell Activation in DRESS Patients
at Risk for Multiple Drug Hypersensitivity
Abstract
Background: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic
symptoms (DRESS) is a severe multi-organ drug hypersensitivity reaction
(DHR) involving T cells. DRESS patients have a heightened risk
(~25%) of developing multiple drug hypersensitivity (MDH)
to unrelated drugs from the first reaction. This project aims to
characterise DRESS, focusing on those with and without MDH, to identify
potential biomarkers for further drug reactions. Methods: This
multicentre cross-sectional study analysed clinical features and immune
responses, including T cell activation and in vitro cytokine
secretion using Cyto-LTT. The study included 20 DRESS patients (12 with
MDH), 8 maculopapular exanthema (MPE) patients (4 with MDH), and a
control group of 9 healthy donors (HD). Clinical assessments included
detailed histories, skin testing, and the RegiSCAR score for diagnosing
DRESS. Results: The Cyto-LTT improved diagnostic sensitivity,
particularly in DRESS patients, identifying 19% of drugs that were
negative by skin testing. MDH patients’ leukocytes exhibited stronger
and broader secretions of cytokines and cytotoxic mediators, up to
ten-fold higher compared to DHR patients with a single drug
sensitisation. T cells from recovered delayed DHR patients exhibited
signs of chronic activation after resolution, with elevated CD69 and
PD-1 but reduced CD38 and OX-40 levels compared to HD.
Conclusion: Recovered delayed DHR patients display an altered T
cell activation profile suggesting a “chronic disease” state, possibly
explaining the heightened risk of MDH. Increased cytokine secretions,
such as stimulation index > 10, especially for cytotoxic
mediators, may differentiate those at risk for MDH.