Purinergic signalling in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and graft-versus-host disease

Authors

Peter Cuthbertson, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute
Nicholas J. Geraghty, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute
Sam R. Adhikary, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute
Katrina M. Bird, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute
Stephen J. Fuller, The University of Sydney School of Medicine
Debbie Watson, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute
Ronald Sluyter, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Publication Name

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Abstract

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative therapy for blood cancers and other haematological disorders. However, allo-HSCT leads to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a severe and often lethal immunological response, in the majority of transplant recipients. Current therapies for GVHD are limited and often reduce the effectiveness of allo-HSCT. Therefore, pro- and anti-inflammatory factors contributing to disease need to be explored in order to identify new treatment targets. Purinergic signalling plays important roles in haematopoiesis, inflammation and immunity, and recent evidence suggests that it can also affect haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and GVHD development. This review provides a detailed assessment of the emerging roles of purinergic receptors, most notably P2X7, P2Y2 and A2A receptors, and ectoen-zymes, CD39 and CD73, in GVHD.

Open Access Status

This publication may be available as open access

Volume

22

Issue

15

Article Number

8343

Funding Sponsor

Cancer Council NSW