The three biomarkers were selected for our study because (i) they either are endothelial-specific (E-selectin and endocan) or are expressed only by a limited number of cells and mainly immunocompetent cells in addition to the endothelial cells (VCAM-1) and (ii) all three are important for leukocyte migration across the vessel wall and may therefore be involved in the pathogenesis of acute GVHD [21, 22]. The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is acute graft versus host disease.