multispecific allogeneic virus-specific T cells

Multispecific allogeneic virus-specific T cells (VSTs) are an adoptive cellular immunotherapy being investigated for the treatment of chemo-refractory viral infections in patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This specific therapy, developed by Klinikum der Universität München, involves the ex vivo expansion of T cells derived from the original HSCT donor that are simultaneously specific for multiple viral antigens, including those from cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and adenovirus (AdV). The product consists of multispecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that target viral proteins such as IE1 and pp65 (CMV), EBNA1, LMP2, and BZLF1 (EBV), and Hexon and Penton (adenovirus). By restoring protective T-cell immunity, the therapy aims to control viral replication and improve survival in immunocompromised patients who have failed standard antiviral treatments. It is currently being evaluated in a Phase III multicentre trial (NCT04832607).

Other names

multivirus-specific T cellsVSTsmultispecific cytotoxic T lymphocytesCTLs