In this feature article, the recent progresses in the synthesis of cellulose graft copolymers with well-defined architecture were reviewed. The graft modification of cellulose using living/controlled polymerization methods was summarized. The properties of the cellulose graft copolymers can be adjusted by the cellulosic backbones and the chemical structure, graft density and length of the side chains. The stimuli-responsive properties of cellulose graft polymers are summarized and the stimuli-induced assemblies of cellulose graft copolymers can be used as carriers for drug and gene delivery. The graft modified cellulose materials can be applied in varies fields, including smart materials, adsorbents, and antibacterial materials and protein adsorption resistant materials. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.