A Prospective Cohort Study of Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients: Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses and the Role of Innate Immunity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vaccination is a key strategy to reduce infectious disease mortality. In pediatric heart transplant recipients (HTRs), the use of immunosuppressive therapy weakens immune responses, increasing the risk of viral infections. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) revaccination in this vulnerable population.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in HTRs under 18 years of age who received HBV revaccination. Blood samples were collected at study inclusion (baseline) and after the final vaccine dose post-solid organ transplant (SOT; follow-up). Seroprotection was measured by quantifying plasma antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) IgG. Cellular responses were assessed by flow cytometry, evaluating HBV-s

SUBMITTER: Lazaro-Martin B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12688465 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature