Characterization of cytotoxic function of CMV-pp65-specific CD8+ T-lymphocytes identified by HLA tetramers in recipients and donors of stem-cell transplants

Abstract

We hypothesize that in the setting of the reconstituting immune system of HSCT recipients, CMV reactivation may stimulate a functional change in CMV-specific CD8 T-lymphocytes, rendering them able to directly lyse target cells presenting CMV antigens without in vitro stimulation. These findings have important implications for development of vaccines designed to induce protective cellular immunity to CMV in transplant recipients.