CMV-specific T cell therapy

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection continues to be one of the most important and life threatening complications after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). The reconstitution of CMV-specific T cell responses after SCT has been demonstrated to be protective against the development of CMV disease. To improve T cell immunity against CMV in bone marrow transplant patients, different strategies were explored. On one hand, CMV-specific T cells can be selected from the donor, and can be transferred to the patient without any further in vitro expansion. On the other hand, CMV-specific T cells can be activated and expanded in vitro by stimulation with antigen presenting cells (APCs) loaded with specific proteins or peptides. Here, we review the therapeutic application of CMV-specific T cells to fight CMV infection.