Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) represents a cornerstone intervention for high-risk hematologic malignancies, harnessing the potent antitumor capacity of donor-derived immune cells. However, despite its curative potential, a fundamental challenge persists: reconciling the beneficial graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect with the detrimental consequences of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Historically, efforts to modulate this immune duality have yielded limited success, as strategies to diminish GVHD often come at the cost of attenuating GVL. Recent breakthroughs in immunology, genetics, gene editing, and computational modeling have expanded our understanding of transplant immunobiology and provided promising avenues to more selectively enhance GVL while mitigating GVHD. Notably, studies have highlighted innovative graft manipulation techniques, refined donor selection protocols, novel conditioning regimens, and post-transplant interventions that may tip the balance in favor of patient benefit. Despite these advances, the need remains for rigorous translational and clinical research that can bridge the gap from bench to bedside, allowing for the personalized and precise optimization of immune therapy in the transplant setting.
This Research Topic aims to showcase cutting-edge efforts to disentangle and optimize GVL and GVHD outcomes in the context of allo-HSCT. By gathering diverse translational and clinically oriented perspectives, the topic seeks to identify actionable strategies and foster the development of novel therapies and protocols. Central questions to be addressed include: how can immune modulation fine-tune antileukemic efficacy without incurring significant toxicity, what genetic or cellular engineering tools are most promising, and how might individualized risk assessment reshape the future of transplantation practice?
To gather further insights in advancing selective immune modulation and therapeutic innovation in allo-HSCT, we welcome articles focusing on applicable translational or clinical research, while excluding basic mechanistic studies and animal models. Contributions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Strategies for graft composition and functional manipulation, including gene editing and cellular engineering - Emerging donor selection systems, incorporating non-classical antigens and artificial intelligence - Next-generation conditioning regimens tailored to patient biology - Maintenance and pre-emptive therapies targeting relapse or GVHD - Peri-transplant adoptive cellular therapies encompassing CAR and NK cell approaches Development and validation of predictive biomarkers for GVHD or GVL efficacy
We accept original research articles, reviews, and case reports that align with these themes.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Case Report
Classification
Clinical Trial
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
