Eplet mismatch analysis to improve pediatric kidney transplants
Official title: Implementation of Eplet Mismatch Analysis in Pediatric Kidney Transplantation
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11332261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric kidney transplant research effort is testing whether checking small protein differences (eplets) between donor and recipient can reduce harmful antibodies and improve long-term transplant success.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $173,880 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK134762-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 0-11 who are undergoing kidney transplantation or donor evaluation across participating sites.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to benefit are those not eligible for transplantation or not part of the study cohorts.
What this research studies
This project will create a multi-site group of children who receive kidney transplants and collect detailed genetic information from both donors and recipients. The scientists will analyze which specific eplets are more likely to trigger donor-specific antibodies, aiming to identify high-risk mismatches. Using this information, they plan to adapt organ allocation to avoid dangerous mismatches and improve graft survival. The study relies on patient data and samples to build a model that could guide future transplant decisions. Results could lead to smarter matching and better outcomes for kids with kidney disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help more pediatric transplant patients keep their new kidneys longer by avoiding high-risk donor-recipient matches.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked certain eplets to dnDSA, but the proposed multi-site pediatric cohort seeks to refine risk understanding for better allocation.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Charnaya, Olga — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Charnaya, Olga
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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.