Suicide gene therapy and the control of graft-vs-host disease

Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 2004 Sep;17(3):453-63. doi: 10.1016/j.beha.2004.05.013.

Abstract

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation as a cure for leukaemia and lymphoma is limited by the development of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), an immunological reaction of the donor's T lymphocytes against the host's normal tissues. One therapeutic option to treat GVHD is the transfer of 'suicide' genes into the donor's T lymphocytes to render them susceptible to prodrug administration. This procedure should permit the elimination of unwanted T lymphocytes in GVHD. The main genes proposed for such a strategy will be described in this chapter, together with the advantages and limitations found during preclinical and clinical studies to date.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Genes, Transgenic, Suicide*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Graft vs Host Disease / prevention & control*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / therapy
  • Humans
  • T-Lymphocytes
  • Transplantation, Homologous