Adoptive Transfer of JC Virus-Specific T Lymphocytes for the Treatment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Expanding Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes from Umbilical Cord Blood that Target Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Adenovirus
11:18

Expanding Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes from Umbilical Cord Blood that Target Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Adenovirus

Published on: May 7, 2012

13.1K

Giulia Berzero1,2, Sabrina Basso3,4, Luca Stoppini3,4

  • 1Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.

Annals of Neurology
|January 18, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polyomavirus JC (JCPyV)-specific T cell therapy shows promise for treating progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in hematological patients. This safe therapy led to PML control in most patients, with some achieving viral clearance and good clinical outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neurology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) presents a high mortality rate, especially in patients with hematological malignancies.
  • Current treatment options for PML are limited, particularly for those unable to restore specific immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of polyomavirus JC (JCPyV)-specific T cell therapy.
  • To assess treatment outcomes in hematological patients diagnosed with PML.

Main Methods:

  • Nine patients with definite PML and progressive clinical deterioration received JCPyV-specific T cells between 2014 and 2019.
  • T cell lines were generated from autologous or allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with JCPyV antigen-derived peptides.

Main Results:

  • No treatment-related adverse events were reported.
  • Increased JCPyV-specific lymphocytes and decreased/cleared JCPyV viral load in cerebrospinal fluid were observed in evaluable patients.
  • Six of nine patients achieved PML control, with five remaining alive and in good clinical condition.

Conclusions:

  • JCPyV-specific T cell therapy is a safe and potentially effective treatment for PML in hematological patients.
  • This approach offers a viable therapeutic strategy for PML patients unresponsive to other treatments.
  • Referral to specialized centers is recommended for PML patients to access T cell therapy.

More Related Videos

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant08:52

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Published on: May 27, 2011

17.5K
Automated Cell Enrichment of Cytomegalovirus-specific T cells for Clinical Applications using the Cytokine-capture System10:24

Automated Cell Enrichment of Cytomegalovirus-specific T cells for Clinical Applications using the Cytokine-capture System

Published on: October 5, 2015

12.7K

Related Concept Videos

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
6.1K
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
1.5K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.5K
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
586
Transcytosis of IgG01:15

Transcytosis of IgG

Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
3.7K
Gene Therapy00:59

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be...
26.8K