How the protein beta3 integrin affects heart transplant rejection
The novel role of beta3 integrin in regulating alloimmunity
This project looks at whether a protein called beta3 integrin changes immune reactions that cause heart transplant rejection, with the goal of helping transplant patients.
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-11259444 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how beta3 integrin influences immune cells and platelets that attack transplanted hearts. They will use genetic mouse models lacking beta3 to track CD8+ T cell infiltration and measure how long heart grafts survive. The team will also test strategies that block beta3 to see if blocking it helps transplanted hearts engraft and avoid rejection. Results are intended to point toward new treatments to reduce early inflammation and chronic rejection after heart transplant.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or are awaiting a heart transplant, especially those at higher risk of rejection, would be most directly affected by this research.
Not a fit: Patients without heart transplants or with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that reduce heart transplant rejection and help transplanted hearts last longer.
How similar studies have performed: Other research targeting integrins has shown promise in controlling immune cell movement, but targeting beta3 integrin for transplant tolerance is relatively new and mostly at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azzi, Jamil R — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Azzi, Jamil R
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.