Helping the body accept transplanted organs
Modulation of innate immune cells to create transplant tolerance
This research explores how to train the body's own immune cells to accept a new organ, aiming to prevent transplant rejection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123457 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When someone receives an organ transplant, their body's immune system often sees the new organ as a threat and tries to reject it. This project focuses on understanding how certain immune cells, called macrophages, can be taught to accept the transplanted organ instead. Researchers have identified a special system that allows these macrophages to develop a 'memory' for the new organ, helping to protect it. We are working to uncover the exact steps that create and maintain these protective memory macrophages over time. The hope is to find ways to encourage the body to naturally accept transplanted organs, reducing the need for strong anti-rejection medications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future clinical applications would target individuals receiving organ transplants.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing organ transplantation would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help transplant recipients avoid organ rejection and reduce their reliance on lifelong anti-rejection drugs.
How similar studies have performed: The research builds upon recent discoveries by the same team regarding innate allorecognition, indicating a novel but promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xian Chang — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Li, Xian Chang
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.