Epstein-Barr virus-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Epstein-Barr virus-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (EBV-CTLs) are a form of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. These therapies typically involve the ex vivo expansion of T cells, either from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic), that are specifically primed to recognize and eliminate cells infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The T cells are targeted against key viral antigens such as EBNA1, LMP1, and LMP2A, which are frequently expressed in EBV-associated malignancies. Upon re-infusion, these CD8+ T cells identify viral peptides presented by MHC class I molecules on the surface of target cells, triggering targeted cell lysis through the release of cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes. This approach is primarily investigated for treating EBV-positive cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD), as well as autoimmune conditions like progressive multiple sclerosis where EBV is implicated in disease pathogenesis.

Other names

EBV-specific T cellsEBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytesEpstein-Barr virus-specific T-lymphocytes