Multicenter phase 1/2 application of adenovirus-specific T cells in high-risk pediatric patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Adenovirus (ADV) reactivation can cause significant morbidity and mortality in children after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Antiviral drugs can control viremia, but viral clearance requires recovery of cell-mediated immunity.

Method: This study was an open-label phase 1/2 study to investigate the feasibility of generating donor-derived ADV-specific T cells (Cytovir ADV, Cell Medica) and to assess the safety of pre-emptive administration of ADV-specific T cells in high-risk pediatric patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to treat adenoviremia.

Manufacture of GMP-compliant functional adenovirus-specific T-cell therapy for treatment of post-transplant infectious complications.

Background Aims: In pediatric patients, adenovirus (ADV) reactivation after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo HSCT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. For patients who do not respond to antiviral drug therapy, a new treatment approach using ADV-specific T cells can present a promising alternative. Here we describe the clinical scale Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant manufacture and characterization of 40 ADV-specific T-cell products, Cytovir ADV, which are currently being tested in a multi-center phase I/IIa clinical trial.

Structural insights into the catalytic mechanism of Trypanosoma cruzi GPXI (glutathione peroxidase-like enzyme I).

Current drug therapies against Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, have limited effectiveness and are highly toxic. T. cruzi-specific metabolic pathways that utilize trypanothione for the reduction of peroxides are being explored as potential novel therapeutic targets.