Immunizing Vector Could Replace Anti-Viral ChemotherapyCity of Hope A City of Hope research team has developed an efficient method to stimulate immunity to a common viral complication of stem cell transplantation, according to a research paper that will be presented December 7 at the American Society of Hematology's 45th annual meeting. Using a highly attenuated poxvirus vector that was previously developed by National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists for infectious disease including HIV, components of a herpesvirus called cytomegalovirus, or CMV, are inserted into the vector, and human peripheral blood is exposed to the attenuated virus in a culture system that causes about 500 million viral-specific T-cells to be amplified in one to two weeks, said the study's principal investigator, Don Diamond, Ph.D., research scientist and professor, Department of Virology, City of Hope Cancer Center, Los Angeles.  He said it could be possible that these cells will be given to a recovering stem cell transplant recipient instead of anti-viral chemotherapy. Another, more long-term approach, is to immunize the donor with the vector, and during the stem cell transfer process, provide the recipient with the amplified virus-specific T-cells. Dr. Diamond said investigators at several research institutions have expressed interest in obtaining access to the vector, so patients can be evaluated for a clinical response. This would mark the first time this vector would be used in the context of stem cell transplantation to prevent CMV disease. City of Hope physicians also are considering a clinical trial using this vector system.
For more information, or to contact City of Hope, see their website at: www.cityofhope.org |
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