Despite major advances in transplantation and cellular therapies, the balance between graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effects remains one of the central challenges in allo-HSCT. The GvH/GvL symposium has, for over three decades, provided a unique platform for leading experts to discuss emerging concepts, novel technologies, and translational strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes while reducing treatment-related toxicity.

Founded in 1994 by Professor Hans-Jochem Kolb, the symposium has established a strong tradition of critically evaluating the latest scientific and clinical developments in allo-HSCT and cellular therapy and integrating them into current and future prophylactic and therapeutic approaches.

The 2026 meeting will place a special focus on GvL biology and innovative cellular therapies, ranging from manipulated donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) to CAR-T cells and engineered T-cell approaches. Key sessions will address new platforms for cellular engineering, mechanisms of immune escape, and strategies to overcome resistance.

In addition, the meeting will feature in-depth discussions on current strategies for GvHD prophylaxis, including T-cell depletion, post-transplant cyclophosphamide (post-Cy), and regulatory T cells (Tregs), highlighting their distinct advantages and clinical applications. Dedicated GvHD sessions will explore the role of the microbiota as well as emerging biomarkers for diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment response.

In keeping with the tradition of previous meetings, the 2026 conference will be designed as an intensive two-day forum for personal interaction, bringing together a selected group of invited speakers, chairs, and discussants to foster open dialogue and the development of forward-looking concepts.

The CRC TRR 221 is honored to continue this distinguished meeting series.

“Understanding and separating GvL effects from GvHD remains one of the most important goals in transplantation medicine,” adds Professor Herr.  “This  symposium brings together the expertise needed to translate cutting-edge immunology into improved patient care.”

Professor Wolfgang Herr, Professor Einsele and Professor Mackensen look forward to welcoming the international allo-HSCT and cellular therapy community in March 2026.

To register, and to see the program, please follow the link below:

https://www.ukr.de/veranstaltung/gvhgvl-2026