A vaccine to prevent cytomegalovirus infection in liver transplant candidates

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Vaccine in Orthotopic Liver Transplant candidates (COLT)

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11092758

This study is testing a new vaccine called Triplex to help protect people waiting for a liver transplant from getting a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV), especially those who haven't been exposed to it before and are getting organs from donors who have; the goal is to boost their immune system so they can better fight off the virus after their transplant.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092758 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a vaccine to protect liver transplant candidates from cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, particularly those who are seronegative and receive organs from seropositive donors. The vaccine, called Triplex, aims to enhance the immune response against CMV by inducing specific T cells that can recognize and fight the virus. By improving immunity before transplantation, the study seeks to reduce the incidence of CMV disease and the reliance on antiviral therapies, which can have significant side effects. Participants will be monitored for their immune response and the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing CMV infection post-transplant.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are liver transplant candidates who are CMV seronegative and are receiving organs from CMV seropositive donors.

Not a fit: Patients who are already CMV seropositive or those who are not candidates for liver transplantation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of CMV infection in liver transplant recipients, leading to better health outcomes and reduced need for antiviral medications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar vaccine approaches in other transplant populations, indicating potential for this strategy in liver transplant candidates.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.