Allogeneic BKV-specific Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes

**Semantic type:** Cell|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** Allogeneic cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) that are specifically reactive to BK virus (BKV), with potential antiviral activity. Upon infusion of allogeneic BK-specific CTLs into immunocompromised patients who were infected with BKV after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, these cells exert a specific CTL response against BKV, thereby killing and eliminating the BKV-infected cells. BKV is a member of the polyomavirus family that may cause mild symptoms in normal, healthy people; however, BKV infection can lead to severe disease in immunocompromised patients.

**Synonyms:** - Allogeneic BK-CTLs - Allogeneic BKV-specific CTLs - Allogeneic BKV-specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes - BK Virus-specific T-cells