Research

Transplant EBV Disease Study

Transplant Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Disease — Pathogenesis and Immunotherapy

Protocol Description

The goal of this Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) study is to better understand the nature of EBV infection after organ transplantation and determine why different amounts of this virus stay in the bodies of children who have received transplants. It will also explore why some of these children tolerate the virus well with no symptoms, while others experience serious disease due to EBV. Study researchers hope to better understand infections caused by EBV and develop better methods of treating illness caused by EBV. The final phase of the study is a Phase I clinical trial of cellular immunotherapy for children with refractory EBV disease or post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.

Eligibility Criteria

Children and young adults under the age of 21 who have undergone heart, lung or heart/lung transplant at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC are eligible to participate in this study. Children’s is recruiting 20 to 40 patients over the next 2 to 3 years, along with 15 to 20 control patients, who have not had a transplant.
Boys: Newborn – 20 years
Girls: Newborn – 20 years

Requirements
The study team will obtain small blood draws during the course of the patient’s normal examinations at regular intervals and for up to 5 years following the participant’s transplant.
Visits: No visits beyond regular patient examinations
Duration: Up to 5 years

Status: Closed for Enrollment

Source of Support
National Institutes of Health