Xenogeneic Animal Models of Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is used to treat malignant and non-malignant blood disorders, but its efficacy is limited by the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Thus, better understanding and new biomarkers and therapies are required to combat this disease. Xenogeneic animal models of GVHD help to address these gaps and to translate findings from allogeneic animal models of GVHD and other laboratory findings to human allogeneic HSCT recipients. This chapter discusses different humanized mouse models used to study GVHD. Further, this chapter introduces a humanized rat model of GVHD, as well as other xenogeneic models of GVHD in which immune-deficient mice receive blood cells from dogs, cows, or horses. Collectively, this chapter serves as a brief account of xenogeneic animal models of GVHD.