Pathogenesis of Graft-Versus-Host Disease

The document discussed the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a complex immune reaction where donor lymphoid cells attack host tissues following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. It highlighted the challenges in understanding and manipulating this reaction to favor a graft-versus-tumor effect. Various animal models were used to study GVHD, with the parent into F1 hybrid model and the Korngold and Sprent model being notable for their insights into chronic and acute GVHD, respectively. In humans, GVHD resulted in epithelial cell damage across multiple organs, including the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract, with acute GVHD presenting as a triad of dermatitis, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis. Chronic GVHD led to more extensive tissue damage and immune deficiencies. The study emphasized the role of epithelial stem cell domains as common target regions in GVHD due to their proliferative nature.