title: Immunopathogenic mechanisms of posttransfusion graft-vs-host disease.
abstract: Posttransfusion graft-versus-host disease is a lethal adverse effect of blood transfusions affecting the skin, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and, in addition, the lymphohematopoietic systems. It is a disease that has been described for nearly three decades with well over 400 cases known worldwide; however, the immunopathogenesis has not been fully described. By using murine models, combined with human case reports, the immune mechanism and risk factors are outlined. The models and case reports prove a histocompatibility disparity between donor and recipient. The dose of lymphocytes in the products, types of T lymphocyte subsets in the products, and degree of immune suppression in the host are all factors necessary in the immunopathogenesis of posttransfusion graft-versus-host disease. The mechanism is that of acute, lethal, suppressive immune dysregulation in the host (recipient).
authors.affiliation: Inland Northwest Blood Center, Washington State University, Spokane 99210.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Brubaker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006681:HLA-D Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D051379:Mice; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
chemical_list: D006681:HLA-D Antigens; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens