Immune dynamics and predictive factors for chronic graft versus host disease following haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children

Ran-Ran TANG, Yu-Yang ZHAO, Yue LI, Xiao-Hui ZHOU, Shi-Yang CHEN, Qiu-Yue DUAN, Dong PENG, Ya-Xian KUANG, Li-Ping LUO, Si-Xi LIU, Xiao-Ying FU

Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (6) : 736-743.

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (6) : 736-743. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2507009
CLINICAL RESEARCH

Immune dynamics and predictive factors for chronic graft versus host disease following haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the immunological characteristics and predictive factors of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in children after haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo-HSCT) to provide a basis for early intervention. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and laboratory data of 64 children undergoing Haplo-HSCT. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulins, and key components of the complement system were measured. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors. Results The percentage of helper/inducer T lymphocytes and complement C3 levels were significantly higher in the cGVHD group (n=37) compared to the non-cGVHD group (n=27) (P<0.05), while the percentages of B cells and natural killer (NK) cells were significantly lower (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified the percentage of helper/inducer T lymphocytes (OR=1.144, P=0.012) and complement C3 level (OR=29.758, P=0.037) as independent predictors of cGVHD. Conclusions The development of cGVHD is closely associated with T-cell homeostasis imbalance, B-cell functional exhaustion, and abnormal activation of the complement system. The percentage of helper/inducer T lymphocytes and complement C3 levels may serve as potential predictive indicators for cGVHD occurrence.

Key words

Chronic graft-versus-host disease / Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / Lymphocyte subset / Humoral immunity / Immune reconstitution / Child

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Ran-Ran TANG , Yu-Yang ZHAO , Yue LI , et al . Immune dynamics and predictive factors for chronic graft versus host disease following haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2026, 28(6): 736-743 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2507009

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