pembrolizumab + LMP-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes

Pembrolizumab + LMP-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes is a combination immunotherapy regimen investigated for the treatment of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated malignancies and disorders. The regimen consists of **pembrolizumab (Keytruda)**, a humanized monoclonal antibody that acts as a checkpoint inhibitor by binding to the **Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1)** receptor, and **LMP-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs)**, an adoptive cell therapy developed by Catherine Bollard. The CTLs are specifically engineered or selected to recognize and eliminate cells expressing the EBV latent membrane proteins **LMP1** and **LMP2**, which are commonly found in EBV-positive tumors. By combining PD-1 blockade—which prevents the tumor from silencing the immune system—with targeted T-cell infusion, the therapy aims to enhance the anti-tumor immune response in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lymphoepithelioma, leiomyosarcoma, and severe chronic active EBV infection syndrome (SCAEBV). The CTL component is often derived from third-party donors (allogeneic), allowing for an 'off-the-shelf' therapeutic approach.

Brand names

Keytruda

Other names

LMP1/2-specific CTLsEBV-specific T-lymphocytesThird-party LMP-specific CTLs