Apoptotic ebv-transformed lymphocytes, a therapeutic agent for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder

Abstract

Cell preparations comprising a plurality of apoptotic EBV-transformed B lymphocytes and methods of producing cell preparations comprising a plurality of apoptotic EBV-transformed B lymphocytes. The methods comprise transforming B lymphocytes with EBV, incubating the transformed B lymphocytes with a flavin N-oxide photosensitizer, adding a non-toxic antioxidant, and exposing the lymphocytes to an activator, such as photoradiation of an appropriate wavelength to activate the photosensitizer. Also provided are methods of using the apoptotic EBV-transformed B lymphocyte cell preparations to elicit production of EBV-specific T cells in human patients. Finally, methods of treating organ transplant patients, specifically children, comprising administering an effective amount of the apoptotic EBV-transformed B-lymphocyte cell preparation to the patient prior to transplantation are provided.