Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Induction of Graft-versus-host Disease and In Vivo T Cell Monitoring Using an MHC-matched Murine Model
10:29

Induction of Graft-versus-host Disease and In Vivo T Cell Monitoring Using an MHC-matched Murine Model

Published on: August 29, 2012

Donor CD4+ T and B cells in transplants induce chronic graft-versus-host disease with autoimmune manifestations

Chunyan Zhang1, Ivan Todorov, Zhifang Zhang

  • 1The Beckman Research Institute, Gonda Building, R2017, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.

Blood
|December 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) involves autoimmune manifestations and can occur without a host thymus. Donor regulatory T cells (Treg) can prevent this process in recipients of allogeneic hemato-poietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Transplantation Biology
  • Autoimmunity

Background:

  • Chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a significant complication following allogeneic hemato-poietic cell transplantation (HCT), leading to substantial morbidity and mortality.
  • The underlying mechanisms of chronic GVHD, particularly the generation of autoreactive T and B cells, remain poorly understood.
  • Chronic GVHD can present with autoimmune features resembling scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pathogenesis of chronic GVHD, focusing on the role of autoreactive T and B cells.
  • To determine if the host thymus is required for the induction of chronic GVHD.
  • To evaluate the potential of donor T regulatory cells (Treg) in preventing chronic GVHD.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a novel chronic GVHD mouse model using DBA/2 spleen cells transplanted into BALB/c recipients (major histocompatibility complex-matched, minor antigen-mismatched).
  • Utilized euthymic, athymic (nu/nu), and adult-thymectomized BALB/c recipients to assess the role of the host thymus.
  • Investigated the requirement for specific donor cell populations (CD25-CD4+ T cells, B cells, CD25+CD4+ Treg cells) in disease induction and prevention.

Main Results:

  • Both euthymic and athymic BALB/c recipients developed chronic GVHD, characterized by autoantibodies, skin damage, and glomerulonephritis, indicating the host thymus is not required.
  • Disease induction necessitated the presence of donor CD25-CD4+ T cells and B cells.
  • Transplantation of donor CD25+CD4+ Treg cells effectively prevented chronic GVHD development.

Conclusions:

  • Host thymus is dispensable for the induction of chronic GVHD.
  • Quiescent autoreactive T and B cells from donors can be activated in allogeneic recipients, leading to autoimmune manifestations of chronic GVHD.
  • Donor Treg cells play a crucial suppressive role in mitigating chronic GVHD and its autoimmune sequelae.

More Related Videos

Trans-vivo Delayed Type Hypersensitivity Assay for Antigen Specific Regulation11:49

Trans-vivo Delayed Type Hypersensitivity Assay for Antigen Specific Regulation

Published on: May 2, 2013

Bone Marrow Transplantation Platform to Investigate the Role of Dendritic Cells in Graft-versus-Host Disease08:05

Bone Marrow Transplantation Platform to Investigate the Role of Dendritic Cells in Graft-versus-Host Disease

Published on: March 17, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants01:22

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants

Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Tissue Transplantation01:24

Tissue Transplantation

Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...