Emerging Immunology of Stem Cell Transplantation

Objectives

To review critical areas of recent advances in immunology related to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and developing science that hopefully will be translated into improvements in patient care.

Data Sources

Review of literature and electronic data.

Conclusion

An overwhelming amount of diverse information related to the science of immunology and hematopoietic SCT is available. Hot topics of clinical focus appear to be in the area of donor selection and human leukocyte antigen testing, cellular functioning as it relates to immune modulation, immune reconstitution, and the source of stem cells.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The concept of immunity introduced over 200 years ago has evolved into everyday language in hematopoietic SCT. Nurses are challenged to keep their knowledge current with recent advances and the integration of immunotherapy into traditional care.

Key Words: Transplant immunology, human leukocyte antigen, HLA typing, dendritic cells, immune reconstitution