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The graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect — mediated via donor T cells and natural killer (NK) cells — is effective in eliminating residual host acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. However, because of intrinsic leukemia resistance and additional mechanisms, relapses occur, some of which might respond to reinfusion of donor lymphocytes. Loss of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) surface antigens occurs in melanoma patients after partial responses to immunotherapy. To investigate whether this alteration also occurs in leukemia patients, investigators compared HLA markers in original blast cells with those obtained at relapse that occurred following haploidentical allotransplantation from a related donor.
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