Improving long-term acceptance of transplanted organs
Official title: Targeting monocyte allorecognition to achieve allograft acceptance
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11049207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help your body accept transplanted organs better and for longer by focusing on certain immune cells, so you might not need to take as many medications to prevent rejection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $612,975 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI181954-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing organ transplantation, particularly those at risk of chronic rejection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already experienced severe graft failure or those not eligible for organ transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the long-term acceptance of transplanted organs by targeting specific immune responses. It investigates how monocytes, a type of immune cell, recognize and respond to transplanted tissues, particularly through a molecule called CD47. By blocking this recognition process alongside T cell costimulation, the research aims to reduce the risk of chronic rejection and eliminate the need for ongoing immunosuppressive therapy. This approach could lead to more successful and sustainable organ transplants for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the longevity and success of organ transplants, reducing the need for lifelong immunosuppression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in similar approaches targeting immune responses in transplantation, suggesting potential for success in this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oberbarnscheidt, Martin H — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Oberbarnscheidt, Martin H
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.