Dynamics of T Cell Expression of Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) occurring in immunocompromised patients. Recovery of JC virus (JCV) specific T cell immune responses is the only available therapeutic option. JCV may use immune checkpoint inhibitory pathways to evade immune responses. The aim of this project is to determine whether T cell expression of immune checkpoint molecules is correlated to antiviral T cell responses, control of JCV replication and PML outcome. Immune checkpoint blockade by reversing T cell exhaustion may represent a therapeutic perspective for PML.