Clonal hematopoiesis and inflammation: A review of mechanisms and clinical implications

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) involves somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC).
• CH is associated with aging, increased risk of hematologic malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory conditions.
• The interplay between CH, aging, and inflammation is a growing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complex relationship between inflammation and CH.
• To summarize current understanding of how inflammation influences CH and vice versa.
• To highlight the implications for preventing myeloid malignancy.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article.
• Synthesizes findings from observational and experimental studies.
• Focuses on the pathophysiologic and clinical aspects of the CH-inflammation interaction.

Main Results:

• CH may be a common factor in age-related inflammatory diseases.
• Inflammation can promote the development and expansion of CH clones.
• The bidirectional relationship between CH and inflammation is central to disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• The relationship between inflammation and CH is critical for understanding aging-related diseases.
• Targeting this relationship may offer therapeutic strategies to prevent myeloid malignancy progression.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex interactions.