Question

What is graft versus host disease?

1) Mechanism and clinical presentation
2) Risk factors
3) Both mechanism and clinical presentation, and risk factors
4) None of the above

Answer 1

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a transplant reaction where the transplanted tissue attacks the recipient's cells. It can cause a variety of symptoms and is influenced by genetic factors. Immunosuppressive therapy is commonly used to prevent GVHD.

Step-by-step explanation:

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a specific type of transplantation reaction that occurs primarily in recipients of bone marrow transplants and peripheral blood stem cells. It happens when the transplanted tissue recognizes the host cells as non-self and activates the donor's cytotoxic T cells to attack the recipient's cells. The clinical presentation of GVHD can vary, but it often includes symptoms such as rash and damage to the liver and mucosa.

The risk factors for GVHD include genetic differences, especially among the human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which dictate the likelihood of rejection of the transplanted tissue. Transplant recipients usually require immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection, which can create additional problems when fighting off infections or preventing cancer.