Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

For many Canadians with cancer and immune disorders the only cure is a bone marrow transplant. One of the biggest obstacles to a successful transplant is the occurrence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Chronic GVHD occurs when the newly transplanted immune system turns against its host's body and attacks organs. The biological mechanisms responsible for chronic GVHD are not well understood. Chronic GVHD has many features in common with autoimmune diseases and inherited immune deficiencies. The dysfunction of B cells, a type of immune cell that produces antibodies, are known to play a prominent pathological role in these diseases. We believe that there is a similar B cell dysfunction that occurs in cGVHD. By better understanding this dysfunction, we will be able to develop better treatments and preventative strategies for cGVHD, improving the success of bone marrow transplant in curing many devastating diseases.