How donor DNA affects immune responses in blood stem cell transplants

Donor DNMT3a-mediated regulation of Graft-vs-Host-Disease and the Graft-vs-Tumor effect in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11263108

This study is looking at how changes in donor DNA can help improve the success of stem cell transplants by boosting the body's ability to fight cancer while lowering the chances of complications, and it's aimed at helping patients who are getting these transplants.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11263108 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of donor DNA methylation in regulating immune responses during allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). By studying mice with specific genetic modifications, the researchers aim to understand how changes in DNA can enhance the graft-vs-tumor effect while reducing the risk of graft-vs-host disease. The approach involves isolating donor cells after transplantation and analyzing their genetic activity to identify potential therapeutic targets. This could lead to improved outcomes for patients undergoing stem cell transplants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with aggressive malignancies or non-malignant disorders who are considering or undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing stem cell transplants or those with conditions unrelated to hematopoietic cell transplantation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients undergoing blood stem cell transplants, reducing complications and improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of DNA methylation in immune responses, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in transplant therapies.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.