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Updated: Oct 2, 2026
An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Published on: March 30, 2018
[CD34+ progenitor cell transplantation from HLA-mismatched donors to two patients with chronic active Epstein-Barr
1Department of Pediatrics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health.
Insights
This study explores hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV). HLA-mismatched CD34-positive progenitor cell transplants show potential for CAEBV patients lacking matched donors.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is a fatal lymphoproliferative disease.
- Conventional chemotherapy is often ineffective for refractory CAEBV.
Observation:
- Two boys with refractory CAEBV received HLA-mismatched CD34-positive progenitor cell allografts from their fathers.
- One patient experienced fatal veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver post-transplant.
- The second patient, transplanted during partial remission, is recovering well with manageable infections.
Findings:
- HLA-mismatched CD34-positive progenitor cell transplantation may be a viable treatment option for CAEBV.
- Successful transplantation is dependent on the patient's clinical condition at the time of procedure.
Implications:
- This approach offers a potential therapeutic strategy for CAEBV patients without HLA-matched donors.
- Careful patient selection and optimal timing of transplantation are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to refine this treatment modality for EBV-infected T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases.
Abstract:
We report two boys with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) refractory to conventional chemotherapy, who received HLA-mismatched allografts of CD34-positive progenitor cells from their fathers. One patient developed veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver on day 18 after transplantation and died on day 26. The other patient received the allograft during partial remission. Although he suffered recurrent infections due to Streptococcus viridans, he is now doing well 23 months after transplantation. CAEBV refractory to chemotherapy is considered to be a fatal EBV-infected T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disease, and our experiences suggest that CD34-positive progenitor cell transplantation for patients with CAEBV lacking HLA-matched donors may be a feasible and useful treatment. However, the timing of transplantation is considered to be critical, and should be performed when the patient is in good clinical condition.
