A single exercise bout augments adenovirus-specific T-cell mobilization and function.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Adoptive transfer of virus-specific T-cells (VSTs) is crucial for managing viral infections post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT).
• Logistical challenges hinder the widespread application of VSTs as a standard post-transplant therapy.
• Previous research indicates exercise mobilizes and enhances expansion of VSTs targeting latent viruses like CMV and EBV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of acute exercise on T-cells targeting adenovirus, a non-latent virus significant in alloHSCT complications.
• To determine if exercise augments the ex vivo expansion of adenovirus-specific T-cells.

Main Methods:

• Healthy donors underwent a 30-minute cycling exercise bout.
• Peripheral blood was collected pre- and post-exercise.
• Adenovirus-specific T-cells were quantified and assessed for ex vivo expansion capacity.
• Antigen and MHC-specific autologous target cell killing capabilities were evaluated.

Main Results:

• A single exercise bout increased circulating adenovirus-specific T-cells by 2.0-fold.
• Ex vivo expansion of these T-cells was augmented by approximately 33% post-exercise.
• Exercise did not impair the cytotoxic function of T-cells against specific target cells.

Conclusions:

• Acute exercise is a simple, cost-effective method to enhance the isolation and manufacturing of therapeutic VSTs.
• Exercise benefits VSTs targeting both latent and non-latent viruses, expanding its potential therapeutic applications.
• This finding supports the use of exercise as an adjuvant therapy to improve VST-based treatments for viral infections post-alloHSCT.