Virus-specific T cell (VST)

Virus-specific T cells are a subset of adaptive immune T lymphocytes that recognize and respond to viral antigens presented by MHC molecules on infected cells. They include CD4+ helper T cells (e.g., Th1) that produce cytokines like IFN-γ and IL-2 to coordinate immune responses, and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells that directly kill virus-infected cells via granzyme B, perforin, and Fas ligand. These cells combat intracellular pathogens in acute and chronic viral infections such as CMV, EBV, HIV, HCV, and SARS-CoV-2, while memory virus-specific T cells provide long-term surveillance and can infiltrate tumors to trigger broader antitumor immunity upon reactivation with viral peptides. They are central to vaccine efficacy and adoptive therapies like virus-specific T cell (VST) infusions post-transplant to prevent or treat viral reactivations.[1][2][3][4][5][7][9][10]

Other names

Virus-specific T lymphocyteantiviral T cellantiviral memory T cell