Receive infusions of your own immune cells trained to fight a virus

Receive infusions of your own immune cells trained to fight a virus | stella

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new approach called adoptive cell therapy with autologous EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) for people with early signs of multiple sclerosis. The treatment involves taking your own immune cells, growing more of them in the lab to specifically target Epstein-Barr virus (a common virus linked to MS), and then putting them back into your body. Researchers believe that if your immune system can better control this virus, it may help prevent or slow MS from developing.

Scientists have noticed that people with MS often have trouble controlling Epstein-Barr virus infection, and this may be related to how MS develops. This trial exists to see if strengthening your immune response against this virus — by giving you your own specially trained immune cells — could help restore the balance your body needs and potentially improve MS outcomes.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 45 years old
you have experienced your first MS-like neurological event (such as vision problems, weakness, or loss of balance) within the past 60 days
your MRI scan shows brain or spinal cord lesions consistent with early MS
you test positive for Epstein-Barr virus antibodies
you are in generally good health with adequate white blood cell counts and negative tests for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis

You likely don't qualify if…

you have already been diagnosed with definite multiple sclerosis
you are currently taking immunosuppressive drugs or corticosteroids
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the trial
you have a history of cancer in the past 5 years or any active serious infection
you have a medical condition that is unstable or would make the treatment unsafe

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, researchers will first collect some of your blood to extract immune cells and grow them in the laboratory over several weeks. Once they have enough of your trained cells ready, you will receive infusions of these cells back into your body. Throughout the trial, you'll have regular visits for blood tests, MRI scans, and check-ups to make sure the treatment is safe and to see how your body responds. The trial is small — only 7 people will participate — and it focuses mainly on proving the treatment is feasible and safe rather than proving it works.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 13, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing immune cells to help control a virus linked to MS

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)