Infusion of cytomegalovirus specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes from a sero-negative donor can facilitate resolution of infection and immune reconstitution.

We report a stem cell transplant patient with a therapy-refractory cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection who received CMV-specific T cells from his sero-negative stem cell donor. This donor received the Towne strain CMV vaccine, and T cells were expanded using monocytes pulsed with pp65 overlapping peptides. CMV DNA decreased after the CTL infusion, and CMV-specific cytotoxicity increased. This strategy could be implemented in similar situations or with persistent viremia post-transplant.