Developing immune-compatible stem cells for eye diseases
Official title: Alloimmune-compatible stem cells for ocular diseases
Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-11047948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special stem cells that can be used to treat eye diseases without being rejected by the body’s immune system, making it easier and faster for patients to get the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $492,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036033-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from ocular diseases who may benefit from regenerative therapies using stem cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ocular diseases that do not respond to stem cell therapies or those who are not eligible for cell-based interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that are universally compatible with the immune system, specifically for treating various ocular diseases. The approach involves engineering these stem cells to express human leukocyte antigen class 1 (HLA-I) molecules in a way that prevents immune rejection, allowing for their use as an off-the-shelf solution for patients. By using innovative techniques, the researchers aim to eliminate the need for patient-specific cell generation, which is currently time-consuming and costly. This could significantly enhance the availability of regenerative therapies for eye conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a readily available source of stem cells for regenerative treatments of ocular diseases, potentially improving vision and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using immune-compatible stem cells for various applications, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in ocular treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chauhan, Sunil K — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Chauhan, Sunil K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Open, shareable OCT imaging data to speed eye disease research
A large NIH grant aims to create an open, fast way to export and share 3-D eye scans (OCT) from multiple clinics to help researchers develop better AI tools for diagnosing and tracking eye diseases.
-
How immune responses cause long-term eye damage after nitrogen mustard exposure
Researchers are looking at how immune cells lead to lasting cornea injury after sudden nitrogen mustard exposure to help people with mustard gas–related eye damage.
-
smartphones help kids see better in Africa
A smartphone-based tool helps children in Africa measure vision errors so they can get eyeglasses more easily.
-
Population-wide deep learning glaucoma screening Models
Aims to create AI eye-screening tools that work well for diverse populations so people can get easy glaucoma checks from primary care or pharmacies.
-
Immune factors driving long-term eye damage from nitrogen mustard exposure
A research project explores how immune responses contribute to chronic eye damage after nitrogen mustard exposure, aiming to improve care for people at risk.
-
Corneal Healing: How Epithelium and Stroma Talk to Prevent Scarring
A study exploring how the surface layer of the cornea and the underlying tissue communicate to control healing and scarring after an injury.
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.