Graft versus host disease and cytokines
Itoh, T.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 61(9): 1504-1511
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 14515716 Document Number: 556280
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(Allo-HSCT) is a standard therapy for hematological malignancies. However, graft versus host disease(GVHD) remains one of the major obstacles for successful Allo-HSCT. The insight into the pathogenesis of GVHD has been profoundly improved by recent advances in our understanding of the immune system and progress of the molecular biology. A primary causes for GVHD are the inappropriate production of cytokines and dysregulation of complex cytokine network occurs in the three sequential steps: conditioning regimen, donor T cell activation and effector mechanisms. This short review discusses the interaction between the cytokines and the cellular effector of GVHD in each step.