IMQ101-GvHD
Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) occurs when healthy lymphocytes from a donor's blood, transfused during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, mistakenly attack the recipient's tissues, leading to severe side effects in major parts of the body.
Medical procedures such as organ transplantation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have become fundamental treatments for chronic renal failure and refractory blood disorders, evolving alongside advancements in immunology. However, addressing the critical complications following allogeneic transplantation, specifically organ rejection and Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD), lacks a well-established cure.
GvHD, a complication occurring after allogeneic HSCT, is known to affect approximately 25-40% of patients, and accurately predicting its onset remains challenging. The problem lies in the absence of an effective treatment for GvHD.
The primary treatment for GvHD involves steroids, yet their use poses vulnerabilities to infections. Furthermore, in cases of steroid treatment failure, there is a lack of standardized alternative therapies, contributing to the persisting challenges in managing this condition.
Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) arising after transplantation manifests in acute and chronic forms. Acute GvHD emerges within three months of post-transplant, presenting symptoms like fever, rash, abnormal liver function, and diarrhea. Chronic GvHD typically occurs after three months, displaying symptoms resembling autoimmune disorders affecting various organs, such as skin, joints, and cornea. While mild cases respond to immunosuppressive drugs and steroids, unresponsive cases lead to secondary infections and organ damage, often resulting in mortality.
Preventive immunosuppressive drugs are routinely administered to mitigate GvHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, prolonged use of these drugs poses secondary complications impacting the overall outcomes of transplantation. In this critical scenario, the development of alternative preventive and therapeutic measures is imperative.
Immunique's Treg cells (IMQ101-GvHD) aim to suppress the proliferation and activation of hyperactive donor cytotoxic T cells, providing a preventive and therapeutic approach for GvHD.
