Virus-Specific T Cells and Response to Checkpoint Inhibitors in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a life-threatening demyelinating disease caused by reactivation of the JC virus (JCV) in immunocompromised patients. While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show therapeutic potential, responses vary and predictive biomarkers are lacking.

Objective

To determine whether pretreatment JCV- and/or BK virus-specific T cells in the blood are associated with treatment efficacy.

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective cohort study included 111 patients with PML who were treated with ICIs stratified by peripheral virus-specific T cell presence (ELISpot/flow cytometry) between August 2021 and May 2024, with a median (IQR) follow-up of 7 (1-13) months. Of 112 patients with definite PML across 39 center

SUBMITTER: Mohn N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12820779 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature