Immunotherapy against EBV-lymphoma in recipients of HSCT

Expert Rev Hematol. 2010 Oct;3(5):625-32. doi: 10.1586/ehm.10.56.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferations represent life-threatening complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the last decade, immunological therapeutic strategies that allow us to selectively abrogate the origin of lymphoproliferation, namely B-cell compartment or EBV antigen-expressing tumor cells, have significantly reduced treatment-related toxicity while maintaining equal or superior efficacy. A further implementation is the possibility of preventing disease occurrence by delivering immunotherapy in the presymptomatic phase, on the basis of EBV-DNA blood levels. Despite the excellent results, T-cell therapy with EBV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes has but a marginal role in the treatment of these forms. Promising implementations are underway, including logistic solutions to extend T-cell therapy beyond academic centers, delineation of strategies aimed at simplifying/shortening production and targeting immune evasion mechanisms exerted by tumor cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies
  • B-Lymphocytes
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive*
  • Lymphoma / immunology*
  • Lymphoma / therapy*
  • Lymphoma / virology*
  • Mice
  • Risk Factors
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / transplantation*
  • Virus Latency

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • DNA, Viral