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Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Published on: May 27, 2011
Advances in virus-specific T-cell therapy for polyomavirus infections: A comprehensive review
Baran Alkan1, M Asli Tuncer2, A Çağkan İnkaya3
1Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara.
Abstract:
Polyomaviruses are a group of small, non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that can infect various hosts, including humans. BKPyV causes conditions such as human polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (HPyVAN), human polyomavirus-associated haemorrhagic cystitis (HPyVHC), and human polyomavirus-associated urothelial cancer (HPyVUC). JC polyomavirus (JCPyV), on the other hand, is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severe demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. PML primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, recipients of certain immunosuppressive therapies, and transplant patients. The treatment options for HPyV infections have been limited, but recent developments in virus-specific T cell (VST) therapy have shown promise. Although VST therapy has shown potential in treating both BKPyV and JCPyV infections, several challenges remain. These include the time-consuming and costly preparation of VSTs, the need for sophisticated production facilities, and uncertainties regarding the optimal cell type and infusion frequency. To the best of our knowledge, 85 patients with haemorrhagic cystitis, 27 patients with BKPyV viremia, 2 patients with BKPyV nephritis, 14 patients with haemorrhagic cystitis and BKPyV viremia, and 32 patients with PML have been treated with VST in the literature. The overall response results were 82 complete response, 33 partial response, 35 no response, and 10 no-outcome-reported. This review underscores the importance of VST therapy as a promising treatment approach for polyomavirus infections, emphasising the need for continued research and clinical trials to refine and expand this innovative immunotherapeutic strategy.
Insights
Virus-specific T cell (VST) therapy shows promise for treating polyomavirus infections like BKPyV and JCPyV. Despite challenges in VST production, clinical data indicate significant patient responses, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Polyomaviruses, including BKPyV and JCPyV, cause significant human diseases such as nephropathy, hemorrhagic cystitis, urothelial cancer, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
- PML predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, posing a severe threat to patients with HIV, undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, or organ transplantation.
- Current treatment options for polyomavirus infections are limited, creating an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on virus-specific T cell (VST) therapy for polyomavirus infections.
- To assess the efficacy and challenges associated with VST therapy in treating BKPyV and JCPyV infections.
- To highlight the potential of VST therapy as an immunotherapeutic approach for polyomavirus-associated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies reporting VST therapy for polyomavirus infections.
- Analysis of patient data including disease type, VST treatment, and response outcomes.
- Synthesis of information on challenges and future directions for VST therapy.
Main Results:
- A total of 162 patients with BKPyV-associated conditions (hemorrhagic cystitis, viremia, nephritis) and 32 with PML were treated with VST.
- Overall response rates included 82 complete responses, 33 partial responses, and 35 no responses.
- VST therapy demonstrated potential efficacy across various polyomavirus infections, despite production and logistical challenges.
Conclusions:
- Virus-specific T cell (VST) therapy is a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for managing polyomavirus infections.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to optimize VST production, delivery, and application.
- Continued development of VST therapy could significantly improve outcomes for patients suffering from severe polyomavirus-associated diseases.
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