Telomere length and telomerase reverse transcriptase gene polymorphism as potential markers of complete chimerism and GvHD development after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Introduction: Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a catalytic subunit of telomerase that maintains genome stability by maintaining telomere length (TL). The massive proliferation of donor cells in the recipient's body for engraftment results in accelerated telomere shortening. Genetic variability within the TERT gene affects telomerase activity, and was shown to influence of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) outcome.

Telomere Length, HLA, and Longevity-Results from a Multicenter Study.

Aging is an exceptionally complex process that depends on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Previous studies within the International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIWS) component "Immunogenetics of Ageing" showed that longevity is associated with positive selection of HLA-DRB1*11- and DRB1*16-associated haplotypes, shown to be protective against diseases. Within the 18th IHIWS, we aimed to investigate the relevance of telomere length for successful aging and its association with classical HLAs.