MEMORY T CELLS AS ADOPTIVE CELL THERAPY FOR VIRAL INFECTIONS

The inventors of the present invention have initially identified and characterized a cell population of T-lymphocyte memory cells which specifically attack the SARS-CoV-2 virus but can be also useful for other viral diseases and may i) discharge patients from the hospital in few days or ii) used as prophylactic measure to protect vulnerable populations. Infusion of these cells is feasible, remains safe because low alloreactivity capacity, when at least one HLA marker coincides with the host, keeping a functional T cell population which provides passive immunity against pathogens, which could be an effective living antiviral drug against SARS-COV-2. Memory T-lymphocytes specific for SARS-CoV-2 may also be cryopreserved and thawed keeping its properties and defining a pharmaceutical “off-the-self ’ product available when needed.