How the MIF–CD74 inflammatory signal affects immune protection after organ transplant
The novel role of MIF-CD74 inflammatory pathway in immune regulation
Looking at whether blocking the MIF–CD74 inflammatory signal can help regulatory immune cells protect transplanted organs in people who need organ transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228790 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work will examine how an inflammatory protein called MIF and its receptor CD74 change the behavior of regulatory T cells that normally help prevent transplant rejection. Using mouse heart-transplant models, researchers will block the MIF–CD74 pathway with antibodies or genetic approaches and track immune cell behavior and graft survival. They will measure inflammation, regulatory T cell stability, and the activity of rejection-driving T cells to see if blocking MIF–CD74 shifts the balance toward tolerance. The findings are intended to point toward treatments that could strengthen protective immune cells and reduce organ rejection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have received or are awaiting a solid-organ transplant and are interested in new approaches to prevent rejection would be the most relevant group for eventual clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without organ transplants or with health issues unrelated to immune rejection are unlikely to benefit directly from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that protect transplanted organs by preserving regulatory immune cells and lowering the risk of rejection.
How similar studies have performed: Blocking inflammatory signals has helped in animal transplant models and the team's mouse data show that inhibiting MIF–CD74 can allow long-term graft survival, but human testing remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azzi, Jamil — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Azzi, Jamil
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.