Human graft-versus-host disease.

The principal clinical problem encountered following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. The presence of acute graft-versus-host disease is the strongest predictor for the development of chronic graft-versus-host disease. The introduction of new prophylactic regimens has reduced the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease. The clinical presentation and pathophysiology of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease are discussed. New therapies for chronic graft-versus-host disease may result in improved treatment for human autoimmune diseases.