IL-12p40 and IL-18 serum levels are elevated at cGvHD onset in patients who later develop severe fibrosing forms.
Despite both being IFNγ-related cytokines, IL-12p40 associates with reduced relapse and better survival, whereas IL-18 correlates with increased risk of severe cGvHD and worse outcomes.
The divergent roles suggest different immunological pathways mediating fibrosis, relapse control, and response to immunosuppressive therapy.
