virus-specific T cells

Virus-specific T cells (VSTs) are a form of adoptive cell therapy in which T lymphocytes that specifically recognize viral antigens are isolated and expanded ex vivo before being infused into patients. These therapies are primarily used to restore or enhance antiviral immunity in immunocompromised individuals—such as those who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplantation—and to treat or prevent severe viral infections that do not respond well to standard antiviral drugs. Common target viruses include cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), adenovirus, BK virus, JC virus, and others[3][6][8]. The mechanism of action involves the direct recognition and killing of infected host cells presenting viral peptides via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules by the infused cytotoxic CD8+ and/or helper CD4+ T cells[5][7]. VST therapy can be derived from donors matched for human leukocyte antigen (HLA), partially matched third-party donors, or even pre-manufactured "off-the-shelf" products[3][6][8]. Clinical studies have shown promising efficacy with relatively low toxicity compared to other cellular therapies such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation[1][6].

Other names

病毒特异性T细胞Virus Specific T LymphocytesVirus-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes