Project description:Background and aimImmune status profile can predict response to vaccination, while lymphocyte phenotypic alterations represent its effectiveness. We prospectively evaluated these parameters in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) regarding Tozinameran (BNT162b2) vaccination.MethodIn this prospective monocenter observational study, 39 adult KTRs, on stable immunosuppression, naïve to COVID-19, with no protective humoral response after two Tozinameran doses, received the third vaccination dose, and, based on their immunity activation, they were classified as responders or non-responders. Humoral and cellular immunities were assessed at predefined time points (T0: 48 h before the first, T1: 48 h prior to the third and T2: three weeks after the third dose).ResultsResponders, compared to non-responders, had a higher total and transitional B-lymphocyte count at baseline (96.5 (93) vs. 51 (52)cells/μL, p: 0.045 and 9 (17) vs. 1 (2)cells/μL, p: 0.031, respectively). In the responder group, there was a significant increase, from T0 to T1, in the concentrations of activated CD4+ (from 6.5 (4) to 10.08 (11)cells/μL, p: 0.001) and CD8+ (from 8 (19) to 14.76 (16)cells/μL, p: 0.004) and a drop in CD3+PD1+ T-cells (from 130 (121) to 30.44 (25)cells/μL, p: 0.001), while naïve and transitional B-cells increased from T1 to T2 (from 57.55 (66) to 1149.3 (680)cells/μL, p < 0.001 and from 1.4 (3) to 17.5 (21)cells/μL, p: 0.003). The percentages of memory and marginal zone B-lymphocytes, and activated CD4+, CD8+ and natural killer (NK) T-cells significantly increased, while those of naïve B-cells and CD3+PD1+ T-cells reduced from T0 to T1.ConclusionsResponders and non-responders to the third BNT162b2 dose demonstrated distinct initial immune cell profiles and changes in cellular subpopulation composition following vaccination.

| S-EPMC10611345 | biostudies-literature

Serologic Responses to COVID-19 Vaccination in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Project description:BackgroundThere are limited data describing the immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination in pediatric kidney transplant recipients, and expanding upon this information could help inform vaccination strategies in this unique population.MethodsWe performed a prospective, observational, single-center cohort study using remnant blood samples of pediatric kidney transplant recipients from routine clinic visits to examine longitudinal serological responses after COVID-19 vaccination. We enrolled 61 pediatric kidney transplant recipients who had at least 1 sample available for analysis. Sera or plasma were analyzed for ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron (B.1.1.529; BA.1) spike IgG and nucleocapsid IgG using a Meso Scale Discovery platform.ResultsOne month after a 3-dose COVID-19 vaccination series, the IgG geometric mean titer to the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral spike was 684 binding antibody units/mL (95% confidence interval, 269-1739), but titers waned by 4-6 mo. A fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine boosted IgG geometric mean titer to 1606 binding antibody units/mL (95% confidence interval, 868-2972), and titers persisted through 6 mo. IgG titers against Omicron (B.1.1.529; BA.1) were overall lower than ancestral SARS-CoV-2. They were higher in participants with prior infection and were not significantly impacted by receipt of belatacept.ConclusionsAdditional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine bolstered durable serologic responses in pediatric kidney transplant recipients, and this study broadens our understanding of immune responses to COVID-19 vaccinations in this population.

| S-EPMC11809963 | biostudies-literature

Understanding Concerns about COVID-19 and Vaccination: Perspectives from Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Project description:The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant risk for immunosuppressed groups such as transplant patients. The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on kidney transplant recipients, including their views on COVID-19 vaccination. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from December 2021 to August 2022 with 38 kidney transplant recipients who had an appointment with their transplant care team within the previous 6 months. We used qualitative thematic analysis to characterize the perspectives of interviewees. Regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, most interviewees reported utilizing public health measures such as masking, hand washing, and avoiding crowds to protect themselves against COVID-19. Vaccinated interviewees (n = 31) noted that they chose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine because of their increased risk due to their immunocompromised state. For unvaccinated interviewees (n = 7), reasons for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine included concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated interviewees expressed concerns about the lack of adequate testing of the vaccine in transplant patients and questioned if the vaccine might have unknown side effects for transplant recipients. Regardless of the vaccination status, most interviewees noted having trust in their healthcare team. Interviewees also described interpersonal tensions that arose during the pandemic, many of which surrounded vaccination and other preventive measures that were important to participants to protect their health. Together, these data demonstrate differing concerns and experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic for vaccinated and unvaccinated transplant recipients. These findings highlight the unique needs of transplant recipients and reveal opportunities to support this vulnerable patient population in efforts to protect their health as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

| S-EPMC10386736 | biostudies-literature

COVID-19 Vaccination in Kidney Transplant Recipients: An Ounce Pre-Transplant is Worth a Pound Post-Transplant.

Project description: Not available

| S-EPMC8638393 | biostudies-literature