Epstein-Barr virus-specific T cells for the management of Epstein-Barr virus lymphomas.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a human herpes virus, is associated with a variety of malignancies. In vitro, it is able to transform B cells, which will grow as lymphoblastoid cell lines in the absence of T cells. Patients with a variety of immunodeficiency diseases are subject to the development of B-cell lymphomas that express viral antigens on their cell surface. Development of EBV-associated B-cell lymphomas is seen in solid organ transplant and bone marrow transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Transfer of mature T cells from EBV-immune marrow donors has been demonstrated to be effective in controlling these EBV-associated B-cell tumors. Recently the demonstration that EBV transcripts are found in other lymphomas (including Hodgkin disease cells) has led to the suggestion that transfer of EBV-specific T cells may also be effective in managing these tumors. Current research involves optimizing methods to expand cells that recognize the EBV antigens expressed in the lymphoma cells.
Finberg
R W
RW
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA. Robert.Finberg@umassmed.edu
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents