The role of B cells in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease
A Shimabukuro-Vornhagen, MJ Hallek… - Blood, The Journal …, 2009 - ashpublications.org
A Shimabukuro-Vornhagen, MJ Hallek, RF Storb, MS von Bergwelt-Baildon
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2009•ashpublications.orgAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an established treatment modality for
malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases. Acute and chronic graft-versus-host
diseases (GVHDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic stem cell
transplantation. T cells have been identified as key players in the graft-versus-host reaction
and, therefore, most established drugs used against GVHD target T cells. Despite our
knowledge on the pathogenesis of the GVH reaction, success of established therapies for …
malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases. Acute and chronic graft-versus-host
diseases (GVHDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic stem cell
transplantation. T cells have been identified as key players in the graft-versus-host reaction
and, therefore, most established drugs used against GVHD target T cells. Despite our
knowledge on the pathogenesis of the GVH reaction, success of established therapies for …
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an established treatment modality for malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases. Acute and chronic graft-versus-host diseases (GVHDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. T cells have been identified as key players in the graft-versus-host reaction and, therefore, most established drugs used against GVHD target T cells. Despite our knowledge on the pathogenesis of the GVH reaction, success of established therapies for prevention and treatment of GHVD is unsatisfactory. Recently, animal and human studies demonstrated that B cells are involved in the immunopathophysiology of acute and chronic GVHD. Early phase clinical trials of B-cell depletion with rituximab have shown beneficial effects on both acute and chronic GVHD. This review summarizes the current experimental and clinical evidence for the involvement of B cells in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic GVHD and discusses the clinical implications for the management of patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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