Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI)-mediated immune reconstitution (DLI (when referring to the cell infusion), no universal standardized abbreviation for the broader process)

Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI)-mediated immune reconstitution is a clinical strategy used after allogeneic stem cell transplantation to restore adaptive immunity by transferring mature lymphocytes from the original stem cell donor into the recipient. The goal is to enhance immune restoration, mediate a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect to reduce relapse risk, and recover pathogen-specific immunity, albeit with the risk of inducing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). DLI is not a classical molecular target but a complex adoptive cellular therapy only possible in the context of donor compatibility and careful immunological management.

Other names

Donor lymphocyte infusionadoptive immunotherapy with donor lymphocytesimmune reconstitution with donor lymphocytes

Replacement or supplementation of recipient adaptive immunity by donor-derived T and/or B lymphocytes. Recognition and elimination of malignant or infected host cells (GVL effect). Recognition of recipient antigens (risk for GVHD). Secretion of cytokines, cytotoxicity, and promotion of immune repertoire diversity.