Creating specialized immune cells to improve kidney transplant success
Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells via Synergistic Drug Loaded Microparticles for Transplantation Tolerance
This study is testing a new way to improve kidney transplant success by using special immune cells to help your body accept the new kidney better, which could mean fewer side effects compared to regular medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139190 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new approach to enhance kidney transplant outcomes by engineering specialized immune cells called tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs). These cells will be infused into donor kidneys before transplantation to help the immune system recognize the donor organ as 'self' and reduce the risk of rejection. The researchers will use innovative microparticles that release two synergistic drugs to promote the generation of these immune cells, aiming for a more precise and effective immunosuppression strategy. This method seeks to minimize the side effects associated with traditional immunosuppressive therapies, such as increased cancer risk and infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are undergoing kidney transplantation and may benefit from improved immunosuppressive strategies.
Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for kidney transplantation or those with contraindications to immunosuppressive therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer kidney transplants with reduced risk of organ rejection and fewer side effects from immunosuppressive drugs.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using engineered immune cells for transplantation is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other areas of transplant immunology, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deak, Peter — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Deak, Peter
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.