Graft versus host disease

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is the principal complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). N Vascular endothelial damage and increased secretion of pro- inflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of lung disorders. N Acute and subacute patterns of lung injury include: idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, organising pneumonia, alveolar haemorrhage, capillaritis, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders. N CMV infection is the most frequent viral complication in patients undergoing HSCT and acute GVHD significantly affects active CMV infection recurrence. N GVHD has beneficial effect of on the incidence of leukaemia relapse and increase the overall survival of patients with leukaemia: this phenomenon is known as the graft- versus-tumour (GVT) effect. N New insights from basic immunology, preclinical models and clinical studies have led to novel approaches for prevention and treatment.