Improving liver transplant success by targeting immune cells in donor livers
Official title: Targeting Donor Regulatory Dendritic Cells During Normothermic Ex Vivo Liver Perfusion to Overcome Rejection after Liver Transplant
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11103165 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to improve liver transplants by changing certain immune cells in the liver before it's transplanted, which could help prevent the body from rejecting the new liver, making it better for patients who need a transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 7, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $149,952 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AI155816-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103165 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with end-stage liver disease who are awaiting liver transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already received a liver transplant or those with conditions that preclude transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing liver transplant outcomes by modifying immune cells in donor livers before transplantation. The approach involves using a technique called normothermic ex vivo machine perfusion (NEVLP), which keeps the liver in a physiologic state while allowing for immune cell modification. By targeting specific regulatory dendritic cells, the goal is to reduce the risk of transplant rejection, which is a significant barrier to successful liver transplantation. This research is led by an experienced surgeon-scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who is dedicated to advancing transplant immunology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved liver transplant acceptance and reduced need for lifelong anti-rejection medications.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches in transplant immunology have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Adra, David Peter — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Al-Adra, David Peter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biomarkers to tailor liver transplant immunosuppression
A multi-center study using blood biomarkers to guide how immunosuppressive drugs are given to liver transplant patients.
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Using blood biomarkers to guide immunosuppression after liver transplant
This project uses regular blood biomarker checks to help doctors personalize immunosuppression for people who have had a liver transplant to reduce rejection and protect the kidneys.
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Using blood biomarkers to improve liver transplant immunosuppression
This study is looking at how certain blood tests can help doctors create personalized treatment plans for people who have received a liver transplant, making it easier to prevent rejection and protect kidney health.
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Innate and Adaptive Immunoregulation in Liver Transplant Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
A liver transplant-focused project investigates how the body’s early and later immune responses affect transplant failure or success after reperfusion.
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Immunological mechanisms behind treatment-resistant kidney transplant rejection
This grant explores why certain kidney transplant rejections don’t respond to standard treatments and what immune cells in the graft are driving that resistance.
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Understanding how BK virus links infection to kidney transplant rejection
This project looks at how BK polyomavirus reactivation affects kidney transplant patients and aims to use pre-transplant T cell information to tailor immunosuppression and monitoring.
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.