T cell immune profiling of respiratory syncytial virus for the development of a targeted immunotherapy

Summary Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)‐associated viral infections are a major public health problem affecting the immunologically naïve/compromised populations. Given the RSV‐associated morbidity and the limited treatment options, we sought to characterize the cellular immune response to RSV to develop a targeted T cell therapy for off‐the‐shelf administration to immunocompromised individuals. Here we report on the immunological profiling, as well as manufacturing, characterization and antiviral properties of these RSV‐targeted T cells. A randomized, phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating their safety and activity in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients as an off‐the‐shelf multi‐respiratory virus‐directed product is currently underway (NCT04933968, https://clinicaltrials.gov ).