Donor Variability and PD-1 Expression Limit BK Polyomavirus-specific T-cell Function and Therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) nephropathy is a major cause of premature kidney transplant failure. Current management relies on reducing immunosuppression to restore BKPyV-specific immune control. Ex vivo expansion and transfer of BKPyV-specific cytotoxic T cells prepared from third-party donors may enhance virus-specific treatment, but the efficacy seems suboptimal.

Methods

To optimize BKPyV-specific T-cell expansion protocols, we compared conventional and G-Rex expansion cultures at 10 and 14 d after stimulation with BKPyV overlapping peptide pools. Cytokine and cytotoxic responses were assessed as well as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1L) expression on effector and target cells, respectively.

Results

Despite all

SUBMITTER: Wilhelm M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12366737 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature