Banking third-party multi-virus specific T cells brings an innovative treatment to bedside; a systematic review

Abstract

Patients that have had allogenic stem cell transplantations (alloHSCT) are temporary prone to infections and viral reactivations. To overcome this problem, prophylaxis like antivirals are administered to risk patients and strict hygiene measures are taken. The patients are closely monitored and screened for early detection of infections to start pre-emptive treatment. The disadvantage of antivirals in prophylactic or pre-emptive therapy is acquired resistance of the virus and toxicity to the antivirals by the patient. This can result in premature discontinuation of treatment without clearance of the virus. Multi-virus specific T cells (MSVT) derived from third-party donor blood are a new treatment currently being tested in clinical trials. The MVST reinforce the patients’ immune system to clear the virus instead of only restricting the virus’ replication. Using a systematic approach, nine articles were included in this review concerning MVST after alloHSCT. This review describes the development of MVST as an alternative to current treatments and discusses the effectiveness based on the reviewed articles.