Graft-versus-host disease

Nat Rev Immunol. 2007 May;7(5):340-52. doi: 10.1038/nri2000.

Abstract

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (SCT) is a curative therapy for haematological malignancies and inherited disorders of blood cells, such as sickle-cell anaemia. Mature alphabeta T cells that are contained in the allografts reconstitute T-cell immunity and can eradicate malignant cells in the recipient. Unfortunately, these T cells recognize the recipient as 'non-self' and employ a wide range of immune mechanisms to attack recipient tissues in a process known as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The full therapeutic potential of allogeneic haematopoietic SCT will not be realized until approaches to minimize GVHD, while maintaining the positive contributions of donor T cells, are developed. This Review focuses on research in mouse models pursued to achieve this goal.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / prevention & control*
  • Hematologic Diseases / therapy*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Mice