Immune reconstitution after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has proved to be an effe ctive treatment for certain hematologic malignancies. However, relapse rate s are high during the first year after transplantation. These relapses are attributed to the failure of high-dose chemotherapy to eradicate minimal re sidual malignant disease. In allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplanta tion, the higher antitumor effects observed compared with those in autologo us hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are based on the immunologically mediated graft-vs-tumor effect, Therefore, a better understanding of the m echanisms involved in immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell t ransplantation may clarify the importance of various components of the reco very of the immune system as they pertain to eradication of residual tumor, as well as uncover possible interventions directed at maximizing this effe ct, This review focuses on immune reconstitution after autologous hematopoi etic stem cell transplantation. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transpla ntation is not affected by graft-vs-host disease or immunosuppressive thera py after transplantation to control graft-vs-host disease, providing a dire ct insight into the mechanisms involved in immune reconstitution after engr aftment.