GVHD: A Continuing Barrier to the Safety of Allogeneic Transplantation (original) (raw)

Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are significant complications that hinder the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the underlying mechanisms of GVHD, emphasizing the importance of preclinical models in understanding pathophysiology, particularly in the activation of antigen presenting cells (APCs), and the subsequent immune responses. It highlights innovative assessment strategies and potential therapeutic approaches to enhance treatment outcomes for chronic GVHD, while discussing the immunosuppressive effects of GVHD on post-transplant immune defenses.