GvHD risk assessment in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Role of cytokine gene polymorphisms and an in vitro human skin explant model

This present review concentrates on the recent results investigating the ro le of certain cytokine gene polymorphisms, including tumor necrosis factor a, interferon gamma, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and IL-1 receptor antagon ist, in allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The review discusses their po tential role in predicting outcome and the development of a genetic risk in dex for graft-versus-host disease in human leukocyte antigen matched siblin g transplants. By the comparative use of an in vitro human skin explant mod el, initial results suggest that certain polymorphisms may be associated wi th more severe disease. (C) American Society for Histocompatibility and Imm unogenetics, 2001. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.