Creating tolerance to pig organs for transplantation
Official title: Inducing Xenotolerance via Chimeric Thymus
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11032068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to make organ transplants easier by using specially modified pig organs that our bodies might accept better, which could help people who need transplants live longer without relying so much on human donors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | November 14, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,819 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI187688-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young patients under 11 years old who require organ transplants and may benefit from xenotransplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for organ transplantation or those with existing severe autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to improve organ transplantation by using genetically modified pig organs. It aims to induce tolerance in the human immune system to accept these pig organs without rejection. The methodology involves implanting chimeric thymus tissue, which helps train the immune system to recognize the pig organs as compatible. This could potentially lead to longer-lasting organ transplants and reduce the need for human organ donors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the availability of organs for transplantation, improving outcomes for patients in need of life-saving procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown some success in using porcine thymus tissue to promote xenotolerance in animal models, but this approach is relatively novel in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hale, Laura P. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Hale, Laura P.
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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.