donor CMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Donor CMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CMV-CTLs) are an adoptive cellular immunotherapy designed to treat and prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and reactivation in patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This therapy involves the ex vivo expansion of T cells obtained from the original stem cell donor that are specifically reactive to CMV antigens, most commonly the pp65 and IE1 proteins. Upon infusion, these CTLs provide direct antiviral activity by targeting and lysing CMV-infected cells and facilitate the reconstitution of the recipient's long-term endogenous CMV-specific immune response. This approach is particularly utilized for refractory or drug-resistant CMV infections where conventional antiviral medications have failed.

Other names

donor CMV-CTLsdonor-derived CMV-specific T cellsdonor-derived CMV-CTLs