Adoptive T lymphocyte therapy to fight cytomegalovirus infection in immunodeficient hosts

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in immunodeficient patients is frequently associated with life-threatening invasive visceral disease. Control of persistent infection and the recovery from HCMV disease essentially depends on the host's cell-mediated immune response. Therefore, adoptive T-cell therapy is of substantial interest in care of immunodeficient patients. Here, we review the therapeutic application of HCMV-specific T-cells to fight HCMV infection.

Section editors:Claudine Bruck – GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, USAMichel Goldman – University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium