Improving outcomes for blood stem cell transplants
Developing novel therapies to improve blood stem cell transplantation outcomes
Looking at whether raising levels of a natural protein called EGFL7 can prevent donor immune cells from attacking the body after a blood stem cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170533 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are testing whether giving EGFL7 can calm inflammation that causes acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after donor stem cell transplants. The team is using lab and mouse models to see if recombinant EGFL7 reduces activation of blood vessel lining cells and lowers molecules that let donor T cells stick to and enter tissues. By blocking these signals, they hope fewer donor immune cells will migrate into and damage organs. Early results in two different mouse models showed reduced severity of aGVHD with EGFL7 treatment, and the researchers aim to learn how this could translate to patient care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who receive or will receive allogeneic (donor) hematopoietic stem cell transplants and who are at risk for or have early signs of acute GVHD would be the likely candidates for related future treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing donor stem cell transplants or whose problems are due to chronic GVHD or non-immune causes are less likely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower the risk and severity of acute GVHD and make donor stem cell transplants safer for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown EGFL7 can reduce endothelial activation and inflammatory cell adhesion, but using EGFL7 as a therapy for GVHD in humans is novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garzon, Ramiro — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Garzon, Ramiro
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.