A review on prevention of graft-versus-host disease by the donor t regulatory cells with conventional t cells

Abstract

Graft-versus host disease is the major risk after stem cell transplantation. Stem cells of the donor, after transplantation attacks the immune system of the recipient’s body and causes graft-versus host disease. Regulatory T cells represent a novel cell based approach for potentially reducing the risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subpopulation of CD4⁺ T cells by the suppressive action on immune responses. These cells are also responsible for limiting tissue damage during ongoing and resolving immune responses. Before haemopoeitic stem cell transplantation, infusion of donor T regulatory cells with conventional T cells prevent graft versus host disease and promotes immune system recovery. After infusion of activated donor regulatory T cells the release of interleukin-10 and repress the activation of conventional T cells and thereby blocks rejection. Regulatory T cells and conventional T cells control adaptive immunity against pathogens and cancer by activating other effector immune cells.