Acute graft-versus-host disease: a bench-to-bedside update

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hematology
• Transplantation

Background:

• Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) remains a significant complication following allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
• Advances in understanding the immune alloreactive response have driven innovation in aGVHD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent discoveries and innovations in the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of aGVHD.
• To highlight current clinical practices and future directions in aGVHD care.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature and clinical findings.
• Synthesis of data on novel prophylaxis strategies and therapeutic modalities.

Main Results:

• Significant innovations in prophylaxis strategies have been implemented, based on a refined understanding of immune responses.
• Future prevention and treatment approaches will likely involve multifaceted strategies including small molecules, cytokine enhancement, microbiota modulation, and graft manipulation.

Conclusions:

• While prophylaxis has improved, major challenges persist in treating established aGVHD, particularly in patients unresponsive to corticosteroids.
• Further research is urgently needed to resolve inflammation and promote immune reconstitution in refractory aGVHD cases.