Compositions and methods to reduce the risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD) in a subject receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Also disclosed are methods for identifying patients receiving HSCT who are at risk for developing GVHD, methods for prognosing the severity of GVHD in a subject receiving HSCT, and methods for monitoring efficacy of a therapeutic for treatment of GVHD in a subject HSCT.