maternal CMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes + valganciclovir

maternal CMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes + valganciclovir is an investigational combination therapy being evaluated by New York Medical College for the treatment of neonates with moderate to severe congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The regimen combines adoptive cell therapy with standard-of-care antiviral medication. The cellular component consists of maternal CMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which are expanded ex vivo and infused into the neonate to provide immediate, virus-specific cellular immunity. These CTLs recognize and eliminate CMV-infected cells by targeting viral antigens presented on the cell surface. The pharmacological component, typically valganciclovir (an oral prodrug) or ganciclovir (intravenous), acts as a nucleoside analogue that competitively inhibits the viral DNA polymerase (encoded by the UL54 gene), leading to DNA chain termination and inhibition of viral replication. This synergistic approach aims to overcome the limitations of antiviral monotherapy, such as toxicity and incomplete viral clearance, by leveraging the infant's maternal immune repertoire.

Other names

anti-viral-New York Medical College-congenital cytomegalovirus infectionCMV CTLs with Antiviral Therapymaternal CMV-specific CTLs + ganciclovir