Who is the patient at risk for EBV reactivation and disease: expert opinion focused on post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Introduction: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) represent a diverse group of diseases. They develop as a consequence of uncontrolled proliferation of lymphoid or plasmacytic cells resulting from T-cell immunosuppression after transplantation of either hematopoietic cells (HCT) or solid organs (SOT), caused mainly by latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The risk for EBV recurrence is dependent on the level of incompetency of the immune system, presented as an impairment of T-cell immunity.

Areas covered: This review summarizes the data on incidence and risk factors of EBV infection in patients after HCT. The median rate of EBV infection in HCT recipients was estimated at 30% after allogeneic and<1% after autologous transplant; 5% in non-transplant hematological malignancies; 30% in SOT recipients. The median rate of PTLD after HCT is estimated at 3%. The most frequently reported risk factors for EBV infection and disease include: donor EBV-seropositivity, use of T-cell depletion, especially with ATG; reduced-intensity conditioning; mismatched family or unrelated donor transplants; and acute or chronic graft-versus-host-disease.

Expert opinion: The major risk factors for EBV infection and EBV-PTLD can be easily identified: EBV-seropositive donor, depletion of T-cells, and the use of immunosuppressive therapy. Strategies for avoiding risk factors include elimination EBV from the graft and improving T-cell function.

Keywords: EBV; EBV disease; EBV recurrence; Epstein-Barr virus; Hematopoietic cell transplantation; PTLD; Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders; Risk factors.