Case Report: BKV-specific T cells: a fast, safe and potentially effective treatment option for refractory BKV infections in pediatric patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation - Summary - MDSpire

Case Report: BKV-specific T cells: a fast, safe and potentially effective treatment option for refractory BKV infections in pediatric patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

  • By

  • Sven Oberwegner

  • Steffen A. Hettler

  • Luca Hensen

  • Amadeus T. Heinz

  • Christiane Braun

  • Michaela Döring

  • Peter Lang

  • May 7, 2026

Share

Objective:

To assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of BKV-specific T cells in pediatric patients with refractory BKV infections post-allogeneic stem cell transplantation, emphasizing the need for innovative treatments.

Key Findings:
  • Three out of four patients showed a decrease in BKV viral load after T-cell adoptive transfer, with specific metrics indicating the extent of reduction.
  • Measurable in vivo expansion of BKV-specific T cells was observed in these patients.
  • The treatment was well tolerated with no infusion-related adverse effects or severe de novo graft-versus-host disease.
Interpretation:

Rapidly produced BKV-specific T cells may provide a feasible and safe treatment alternative for refractory BKV infections, with potential for improved efficacy when administered promptly and with limited immunosuppression, highlighting the importance of timing.

Limitations:
  • Complete viral eradication was not achieved in all patients, which may impact long-term outcomes.
  • One patient with significant immunosuppression showed minimal viral response and no detectable BKV-specific T cells post-infusion, indicating the need for tailored approaches.
Conclusion:

BKV-specific T cell therapy represents a promising approach for managing refractory BKV infections in pediatric patients post-transplant, warranting further investigation to confirm these findings and explore broader applications.

Original Source(s)

Related Content