Decoding how human CD8+ T cells recognize donor HLA in transplant rejection
Official title: Decoding the specificity of human T cell allorecognition
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11443901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies why certain T cells attack transplanted kidneys, with the goal of understanding which cells drive acute rejection and how they recognize donor HLA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $856,216 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201785-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have had kidney or other organ transplants and experience rejection or are at risk for rejection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without rejection or those not undergoing biopsy/urine sampling may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has had a kidney transplant, this research will look at specific immune cells that cause rejection. Researchers will analyze biopsy and urine samples from patients experiencing rejection to identify clonally expanded CD8+ T cells and their unique genetic sequences. The study aims to map the cellular programs and environments that allow these rogue T cells to persist or re-expand, with the hope of guiding better therapies. Results could lead to more precise treatments that prevent rejection while preserving overall immune function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially paving the way for more targeted anti-rejection therapies and longer-lasting transplant success.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have identified small pools of alloreactive T cells; this project builds on those findings to characterize persistent rogue T cells in depth.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Brian M — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Baker, Brian M
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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.