Donor cell particles that trigger rejection in heart and skin transplants
Graft extracellular vesicles as promoters of anti-donor immunity in cardiac and skin transplantation
This work looks at tiny particles released by donor tissues to understand how they can make the immune system attack new heart or skin transplants in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142533 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, researchers are following small membrane-bound particles (called extracellular vesicles) that donor organs and skin grafts release and that carry bits of donor tissue. They will track where these particles go in the body and how they interact with recipient immune cells in lymphoid tissues that drain the graft. The team uses advanced imaging and laboratory methods to watch how these particles activate donor-reactive B and T cells, and they will test mechanisms in models relevant to human transplantation. Findings could point to new ways to block the signals that trigger rejection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults who have had or will have a heart or skin transplant and who might be willing to provide samples or participate in related clinical studies.
Not a fit: People without heart or skin transplants, children, or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to donor-specific strategies to prevent rejection and reduce the need for broad immunosuppression.
How similar studies have performed: Early studies have shown donor-derived extracellular vesicles can carry antigens and activate immune cells, but the detailed in‑body mechanisms are still largely unproven and novel.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morelli, Adrian E. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Morelli, Adrian E.
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.