Administration of Virus Specific CTLs for the Prophylaxis and Treatment of EBV/CMV Infections After HSCT in China

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) cause significant morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients in China. Antiviral drugs given either prophylactically or as early therapy for patients with detectable viral loads appear to be an effective strategy for reducing viral infections. However, long-term treatment with these drugs is associated with significant toxicity, expense and the appearance of drug resistant virus isolates ultimately resulting in treatment failure. CMV and EBV specific T cells infusion to immunocompromised patients following HSCT is able to induce a successful anti-viral response. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of the infusion of CMV and EBV specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) for patients with CMV and EBV reactivation or infection.