Definition

A population of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specifically reactive to cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), adenovirus (ADV) and BK virus (BKV), with potential antiviral and protective activities. T cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are exposed to and activated by dendritic cells (DCs) that are loaded with specific peptides from CMV, EBV, ADV and BKV. Upon infusion of the CMV/EBV/ADV/BKV-specific CTLs, these lymphocytes target and cause lysis of CMV-, EBV-, ADV- and/or BKV-infected cells and may prevent infection and complications from CMV-, EBV-, ADV- and BKV-driven viral diseases. Opportunistic infections caused by these viruses are often seen in immunosuppressed patients.