# Evaluation of Bispecific T-Cell Engagers Targeting Murine Cytomegalovirus

## TL;DR

Researchers tested bispecific T-cell engagers targeting murine cytomegalovirus to explore a new treatment approach for immunocompromised patients.

## Contribution

The study introduces functional BiTE constructs targeting specific viral glycoproteins for potential safer antiviral immunotherapy.

## Key findings

- BiTE constructs effectively mediated T-cell recruitment in vitro.
- Reporter cell lines expressing viral glycoproteins enabled accurate efficacy evaluation.
- Findings support a proof of concept for BiTE-based antiviral treatment.

## Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that, while latent in most individuals, poses a great risk to immunocompromised patients. In contrast to directly acting traditional antiviral drugs, such as ganciclovir, we aim to emulate a physiological infection control using T cells. For this, we constructed several bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) constructs targeting different viral glycoproteins of the murine cytomegalovirus and evaluated them in vitro for their efficacy. To isolate the target specific effect without viral immune evasion, we established stable reporter cell lines expressing the viral target glycoprotein B, and the glycoprotein complexes gN-gM and gH-gL, as well as nano-luciferase (nLuc). First, we evaluated binding capacities using flow cytometry and established killing assays, measuring nLuc-release upon cell lysis. All BiTE constructs proved to be functional mediators for T-cell recruitment and will allow a proof of concept for this treatment option. This might pave the way for strikingly safer immunosuppression in vulnerable patient groups.