How the protein ID3 controls donor T cells that cause GVHD and fight leukemia
ID3 regulation of tissue-infiltrating T cells mediating graft-versus-host disease and leukemia rejection
Researchers are looking at whether changing the activity of a protein called ID3 in donor T cells can lower graft-versus-host disease while keeping those cells able to attack leukemia after a stem cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hackensack, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11317224 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After an allogeneic stem cell transplant, donor T cells can both attack leukemia and damage healthy tissues, causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This project studies how the transcription regulator ID3 helps donor T cells survive and act inside tissues such as the gut, liver, and skin. The team will examine ID3's role using laboratory models and human-derived samples to understand which T cell programs drive persistent tissue damage versus anti-leukemia activity. The goal is to find ways to alter ID3-related pathways so future treatments can reduce GVHD without losing the transplant's cancer-fighting benefit.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or are planning an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant for leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, or donors associated with those transplants, could be candidates for sample donation or future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients without an allogeneic stem cell transplant or those with non-blood cancers are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce dangerous GVHD while preserving the transplant's ability to prevent leukemia relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies manipulating T cell signaling have reduced GVHD in animal models but balancing tissue protection with preserved anti-leukemia effects remains difficult, and direct targeting of ID3 is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Hackensack, United States
- Hackensack University Medical Center — Hackensack, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yi — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yi
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.