Activated donor immune cells may prevent severe complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Researchers have successfully conducted the first clinical trial using activated regulatory T cells (ATregs, Actileucel)—derived from white blood cells of healthy blood donors. This novel cell therapy aims to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) following an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The Phase I/II study has yielded extremely encouraging results: ATregs can be produced within 24 hours and injected immediately afterward; administration is safe and well-tolerated by patients—a significant step toward a widely available cell therapy. The research is published in Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.

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