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Single-cell Analysis of Immunophenotype and Cytokine Production in Peripheral Whole Blood via Mass Cytometry
12:36

Single-cell Analysis of Immunophenotype and Cytokine Production in Peripheral Whole Blood via Mass Cytometry

Published on: June 26, 2018

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals pediatric immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination

Xiong Zhu1, Jie Wang2, Xiaoxia Wang1

  • 1Central and Clinical Laboratory of Sanya People's Hospital, Sanya, Hainan 572000, People's Republic of China.

Iscience
|May 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccination with inactivated vaccines establishes immune memory and effector responses in a two-phase process. This involves B cell and T cell dynamics, alongside regulatory cells, ensuring safe and effective protection against SARS-CoV-2.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Inactivated vaccines are crucial for COVID-19 control.
  • Understanding pediatric immune responses to these vaccines is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the cellular and molecular immune mechanisms in children following inactivated COVID-19 vaccination.
  • To delineate the dynamic immune landscape after primary and booster doses of CoronaVac.

Main Methods:

  • Single-cell transcriptomics was employed to analyze peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
  • Analysis focused on B cells, CD8+ T cells, monocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells.

Main Results:

  • The primary vaccine dose induced memory B cells and CD8+ T cell adaptation.
  • The booster dose elicited plasma cell differentiation, class-switching, and type I interferon responses in B cells.
  • Vaccination promoted pro-inflammatory monocytes and expanded regulatory cells (MDSCs, Tregs) that balance immune activation.
  • PGE2 signaling was identified as a key regulator in restraining cytotoxicity and orchestrating T cell responses.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric immunity to inactivated COVID-19 vaccines is a tightly regulated, two-phase process.
  • The immune response balances potent antiviral programs with crucial regulatory mechanisms for safety and efficacy.

Keywords:
Health sciences

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