EBV-specific autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes (NIDDK)

EBV-specific autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) is an investigational adoptive cell therapy developed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) for the management of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). This condition is a significant complication in pediatric liver transplant recipients, where the necessary immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection also impairs the patient's endogenous T-cell response, allowing EBV-infected B cells to proliferate malignantly. The therapy involves the ex vivo expansion of a patient's own T cells, specifically primed to recognize EBV antigens. Once re-infused, these autologous CTLs provide a targeted immune response to identify and destroy EBV-positive cells, aiming to reduce viral load and treat PTLD while minimizing the systemic toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapy or the risk of organ rejection associated with reducing immunosuppressive therapy.

Other names

EBV-specific autologous CTLautologous EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytesEBV-CTL