Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (allo-HSC)

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (allo-HSCs) are multipotent stem cells obtained from a donor whose human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are matched to a recipient [1]. These cells, typically sourced from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood, possess the unique capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into all lineages of the blood and immune systems [2][3]. In clinical practice, allo-HSCs are administered as a transplant following a conditioning regimen of chemotherapy or radiation designed to eradicate the patient's underlying disease and suppress their immune system [1][4]. The therapeutic effect is twofold: the physical replacement of a defective hematopoietic system and the induction of a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, where donor-derived immune cells identify and eliminate residual cancer cells [5]. While primarily used to treat high-risk leukemias and lymphomas, allo-HSCs are also utilized for non-malignant conditions such as aplastic anemia and hemoglobinopathies [1][6]. The most significant clinical challenge associated with allo-HSCs is graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a condition where donor T-cells recognize the recipient's body as foreign and initiate an immune attack, requiring lifelong or long-term immunosuppressive therapy [1][7].

Other names

Allogeneic HSCDonor-derived hematopoietic stem cellAllogeneic bone marrow cellAllogeneic peripheral blood stem cell

Hematopoietic reconstitution, immune system replacement, and induction of a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect.