The rejection of transplanted organs by the recipient’s immune system. Also known as hyperacute rejection. It is caused by the attack of the recipient’s T lymphocytes (i.e., T cells, a certain class of white blood cells) on the transplanted organ. The recipient’s T cells are able to distinguish between self and foreign cells, and are hence able to recognize the foreign (non-self) cells of the transplanted organ. They then, naturally, try to destroy the “foreign invaders” in the body. This then constitutes rejection of the transplanted organ. From this it should be understood that there is nothing wrong with the body, but that it is behaving exactly as it should.
A condition which develops when cells from the grafted tissue react against the person’s own tissue, causing skin disorders.
A rejection response that follows transplants. After a bone marrow transplant, for example, graft-versus-host disease occurs because the donor’s immune cells in the transplanted marrow make antibodies against the tissues of the person receiving the transplant. Treatment involves a careful balance of drugs that suppress the immune response but do not damage the new organ or tissue that was transplanted.
A condition that is a common complication of bone marrow transplant. It results from certain lymphocytes in the transplanted marrow attacking the transplant recipient’s tissues, which they identify as ‘foreign. GVHD may appear soon after a transplant or develop several months later. The condition, which is fatal in about a third of victims, may be prevented by immunosuppressant drugs such as ciclosporin.
Immunological injury suffered by an immunosuppressed recipient of a bone marrow transplant. The donated lymphoid cells (the “graft”) attack the recipient (the “host”), causing damage, especially to the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. GVH occurs in about 50% of allogeneic bone marrow transplants. It may develop in the first 60 days after transplantation (“acute” GVH).
A perilous complication arising from bone marrow transplants, wherein the donated marrow triggers an immune response against the recipient’s body, posing a significant threat to their life.
A bone marrow transplant can lead to a complication where specific immune system cells, known as killer T-lymphocytes, from the transplanted marrow attack the recipient’s tissues.
Graft-versus-host (GVH) disease can manifest shortly after transplantation or may take several months to become apparent. The initial indication is typically a skin rash, which might be succeeded by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, jaundice, inflammation of the eyes and mouth, and breathlessness. While most individuals with GVH recover within a year, around one in five may ultimately experience severe complications leading to fatality.
GVH (Graft-Versus-Host) disease can generally be avoided by administering immunosuppressant medications to all transplant recipients. In the event that the disease still develops despite preventive measures, it can be managed with corticosteroid drugs and immunosuppressants like ciclosporin. However, in certain instances, controlling the disease can pose challenges.