MicroRNAs in graft-versus-host disease: a review of the latest data

Detectable in biopsies and body fluids, the measurement of a single or panels of microRNAs have been reported to be quite sensitive and specific for the prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of many diseases. Interest in the use of microRNAs as biomarkers and eventual therapeutic targets has increased exponentially in the last decade. However, in the field of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the discovery of their involvement in biological processes and their predictive value is only emerging. With 30-75% of patients developing GVHD following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant and the absence of routinely used predictive biomarkers, microRNAs are promising for early detection and follow-up of this condition. We aim to summarize the current knowledge on the involvement of these small RNAs in the pathophysiology of this disease. We also review studies investigating the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for early detection, follow-up, and prognosis of GVHD.