Pre-transplant microRNA serum profiles and association with acute graft-versus-host disease in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - Report - MDSpire

Pre-transplant microRNA serum profiles and association with acute graft-versus-host disease in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

  • By

  • Guido Smits

  • Silje Johansen

  • Kristin Paulsen Rye

  • Kimberley Joanne Hatfield

  • Franziska Görtler

  • Guro Kristin Melve

  • Håkon Reikvam

  • May 28, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Serum microRNA Profiles and Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Overview

This study evaluates the predictive value of pre-transplant serum microRNA profiles for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. Eight specific microRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers for early detection of aGVHD, which could enhance patient stratification and management.

Background

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a significant complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), contributing to morbidity and mortality. Current diagnostic methods often detect aGVHD only after tissue damage has occurred, highlighting the need for reliable early biomarkers. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) present a promising avenue for non-invasive prediction of aGVHD risk prior to clinical manifestation.

Data Highlights

ParameterValue
Patients studied78
Patients with aGVHD (grade II–IV)18 (23%)
Early mortality within 4 months9 patients
Relapse within 1 year7 patients
AUC of predictive model0.855 (decreased to 0.692 after validation)

Key Findings

  • 18 out of 78 allo-HSCT recipients developed aGVHD grade II–IV.
  • Eight pre-transplant miRNAs were identified as predictive for aGVHD development.
  • Cluster analysis revealed aGVHD risk stratification, with cluster 1 showing a 42% incidence of aGVHD.
  • Most miRNAs associated with aGVHD were upregulated in affected patients.
  • Eight additional miRNAs correlated with the Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX).

Clinical Implications

The identification of specific serum miRNA profiles prior to transplantation can facilitate early risk stratification for aGVHD, allowing for timely intervention and personalized prophylactic strategies. Incorporating miRNA profiling into pre-transplant assessments may improve overall transplant outcomes.

Conclusion

Pre-transplant serum miRNA signatures hold promise as predictive biomarkers for aGVHD, potentially transforming the approach to patient management in allo-HSCT. Further validation in larger cohorts is necessary to confirm these findings.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Transcriptomic signatures and immune microenvironment of acute rejection after heart transplantation: an integrated bioinformatics analysis
  2. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2022 -- Genetic Factors from Donors Affecting Thymopoiesis rs2204985 Influence Clinical Outcomes Following Single HLA Mismatched Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  3. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2021 -- Association of Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses with Reduced Incidence of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease in a Contemporary Multicenter Cohort
  4. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2022 -- Prophylaxis for Graft-Versus-Host Disease Using Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide and Sirolimus Following Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients
  5. Prophylaxis and management of graft-versus-host disease after stem-cell transplantation for haematological malignancies: updated consensus recommendations of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation - PubMed
  6. Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease - The EBMT Handbook - NCBI Bookshelf
  7. Frontiers, 2026 -- Pre-transplant microRNA serum profiles and association with acute graft-versus-host disease in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  8. Prophylaxis and management of graft-versus-host disease after stem-cell transplantation for haematological malignancies: updated consensus recommendations of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation - PubMed
  9. Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease - The EBMT Handbook - NCBI Bookshelf
  10. Frontiers | Pre-transplant microRNA serum profiles and association with acute graft-versus-host disease in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

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