Cytomegalovirus replication is associated with enrichment of distinct γδ T cell subsets following lung transplantation: A novel therapeutic approach?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anti-viral treatments to control cytomegalovirus (CMV) after lung transplantation (LTx) are associated with toxicity and anti-viral resistance. Cellular immunotherapy with virus-specific cytotoxic T cells has yielded promising results but requires donor/recipient matching. γδ T cells are involved in anti-viral immunity and can recognize antigens independently of major histocompatibility complex molecules and may not require the same level of matching. We assessed the phenotype of circulating γδ T cells after LTx to identify the candidate populations for CMV immunotherapy. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from lung transplant recipients before transplantat..