This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. EBV-induced lymphoproliferation in the immunocompromised host has provided an excellent model system with which to analyze the potential of cellular immunotherapy for cancer. We are evaluating the potential of adoptive immunotherapy with autologous EBV specific CTLs in patients with EBV-LPD or high EBV DNA levels post solid organ transplant. Seven patients have now been enrolled and we have seen rises in EBV specific precursors detected by an ELISPOT assay. Adoptive transfer with autologous EBV-specific CTL appears safe in SOT recipients with persistently high EBV-DNA. The modest and temporary increase observed in the frequencies of EBV-reactive CTL suggests that the massive in vivo expansion seen when these cells are given to hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients does not occur in SOT patients.
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