Graft-versus-host disease and viral infections

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and viral infections, particularly with the herpes group viruses, are closely related complications of allogeneic bone marrow transplan tation (BMT). An immunological assault by grafted inmunocompetent cells against host antigens that are disparate from those of the donor has been considered crucial in the development of acute GVHD. As such, GVHD may sometimes develop after organ transplantation, particularlywhen the donor organ contains large numbers of lymphocytes [ 11. Disregulation of the immune system for a prolonged period may contribute to the chronic form of the disease.