Graft-Versus-Host Disease Mouse Models: A Clinical-Translational Perspective
Jessica Elliott1,2,3, Rachel Koldej4,5, Amit Khot6,5
1ACRF Translational Research Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. jessica.elliott2@mh.org.au.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 18, 2025
Summary
Mouse models are vital for studying graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and its treatment. However, understanding their limitations is crucial for applying lab findings to human transplantation and GVHD clinical practices.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Transplantation Science
Background:
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a significant complication following allogeneic transplantation.
- Mouse models are extensively used to study GVHD pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment strategies.
- Translating findings from preclinical models to human clinical practice presents challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current clinical practices in transplantation and GVHD management.
- To critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing mouse models of GVHD.
- To bridge the gap between preclinical research and clinical application in GVHD.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of established mouse models for GVHD.
- Review of current clinical protocols for GVHD prophylaxis and treatment.
- Discussion of the translational relevance of preclinical findings.
Main Results:
- Mouse models offer valuable insights into GVHD mechanisms but have inherent limitations.
- Discrepancies exist between murine models and human clinical scenarios.
- Careful consideration of model-specific attributes is necessary for accurate interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models are indispensable tools for GVHD research but require cautious interpretation.
- Understanding the limitations of mouse models is key to improving GVHD clinical outcomes.
- Future research should focus on developing more translatable models for GVHD.
Keywords:
Allogeneic stem cell transplantationClinical-translational researchGraft-versus tumor responseGraft-versus-host diseaseMouse modelsTransplantation

