A new role of blood cells is essential for bone marrow transplant

The success of a bone marrow transplant depends on the optimal condition of the donor hematopoietic stem cells administered to the patient. Researchers have recently discovered that cells previously considered harmless can reduce the success of transplantation. An international research team led by Meritxell Alberich-Jorda (Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS) published a study in the Stem Cell Reports journal that identifies cells and molecules present in the donor’s blood as key elements controlling hematopoietic stem cell activity in bone marrow transplantation.

Activated natural killer (NK) cells produce large amounts of interferon gamma (IFNg), a molecule that can affect hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function. Therapeutic approaches to reduce the effect of INFg could be helpful in transplants where the number of stem cells is limited.

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