Graft-versus-host (GVHD) is a medical condition that can occur after an organ or tissue transplant, particularly bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. It is an immune response in which the transplanted cells, known as the graft, recognize the recipient's body as foreign and attack it.
The term "graft-versus-host" highlights the interaction between the graft (the donated cells or tissue) and the host (the recipient's body). GVHD primarily affects individuals who have undergone an allogeneic transplant, which involves receiving tissue or cells from a genetically different donor.
The condition typically manifests as an inflammatory reaction, leading to damage in various organs such as the skin, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. Acute GVHD often occurs within the first 100 days after transplantation and may present as skin rashes, diarrhea, and liver dysfunction. Chronic GVHD, on the other hand, occurs beyond 100 days and may result in persistent organ damage and dysfunction.
GVHD can have serious implications and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. That is why it is closely monitored and managed by healthcare professionals. Treatment approaches often involve immunosuppressive medications to suppress the overly aggressive immune response.
Prevention of GVHD primarily involves thorough matching of the donor and recipient for human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and other tissue factors. Additionally, prophylactic measures may be employed, such as medications to modulate the immune system, to reduce the risk of developing GVHD.
In summary, graft-versus-host is an immune response that occurs after a transplant, in which the transplanted cells attack the recipient's body. It can lead to organ damage and dysfunction, and it is crucially managed through immunosuppressive therapies and preventive measures.
