The role of alloreactive cytotoxic and lymphokine-secreting T lymphocytes in the development of acute graft-versus-host disease.

The development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is mediated by alloreactive donor T cells infused with the bone marrow inoculum. This review discusses the role and significance of host-specific cytotoxic and lymphokine-secreting donor T cells for the prediction and generation of acute GVHD.