graft-versus-host disease

noun

graft-ver·​sus-host disease ˈgraft-ˌvər-səs-ˈhōst- How to pronounce graft-versus-host disease (audio)
: a potentially fatal bodily condition that results when T cells from a tissue or organ transplant and especially a bone marrow transplant react immunologically against the recipient's antigens attacking cells and tissues

Examples of graft-versus-host disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kitchin was dealing with a complication known as graft-versus-host disease, where the donor cells begin attacking the recipient’s organs and tissues. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024 Amelia did end up with a bout of graft-versus-host disease; cyclophosphamide lowers the risk but not to zero. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2024 The drug has moved on to phase 3 for chronic graft-versus-host disease despite failing in trials for the acute form of the condition. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2024 After his stem cell transplant, the Geneva patient developed graft-versus-host disease and doctors treated him with a drug called ruxolitinib, which at the time was being investigated for this complication. WIRED, 27 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for graft-versus-host disease 

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of graft-versus-host disease was in 1965

Dictionary Entries Near graft-versus-host disease

graftonite

graft-versus-host disease

grager

Cite this Entry

“Graft-versus-host disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graft-versus-host%20disease. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

graft-versus-host disease

noun
: a bodily condition that results when T cells from a usually allogeneic tissue or organ transplant and especially a bone marrow transplant react immunologically against the recipient's antigens attacking cells and tissues, that affects especially the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and liver with symptoms including skin rash, fever, diarrhea, liver dysfunction, abdominal pain, and anorexia, and that may be fatal
abbreviation GVHD

called also graft-versus-host reaction

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