IFN-γ induced by PHA stimulation as new marker for GvHD prediction in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT)

This thesis investigates the potential of interferon-gamma (INF-γ) as a predictive biomarker for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). This study is grounded in the clinical challenges posed by GvHD, a common complication after alloHSCT. Acute GvHD (aGvHD) and chronic GvHD (cGvHD) both impact morbidity and mortality among transplant patients. The thesis includes an overview of GvHD pathogenesis, highlighting the complex immune interactions involved and the role of donor and recipient cells in triggering immune responses that can lead to tissue damage. The study explores the stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to induce INF-γ production, as a potential early marker for predicting cGvHD. The research examines various patient and donor variables, analyzes INF-γ production levels, and evaluates the outcomes in relation to cGvHD development. The findings suggest that elevated PHA-induced INF-γ levels within the first four months post-transplantation could serve as an early indicator of cGvHD, offering a possible tool for adjusting immunosuppressive therapy to manage GvHD risk. The research underscores the need for further studies to validate these findings and to enhance the specificity and applicability of this biomarker in clinical settings.