Improving T cell therapy for viral infections after stem cell transplants
Official title: Enhancing efficacy of virus-specific T cell therapy following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by CD52 knockout
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-10991125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make virus-fighting T cells work better for patients who have had a stem cell transplant, by using a special technique to help these cells survive the medications that weaken the immune system, which could lead to better protection against viral infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $561,030 |
| NIH project number | 1R33HL175692-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients under 21 years old who are undergoing or have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and are at risk for viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing HSCT or who do not have viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of virus-specific T cells (VSTs) in treating viral infections in patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The approach involves using CRISPR technology to knock out the CD52 gene in T cells, which may allow these cells to survive better in the presence of immunosuppressive therapies. By comparing the performance of edited and non-edited T cells, the study aims to determine if this genetic modification improves their ability to fight off multiple viral infections. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment option that could reduce the risk of severe viral infections post-transplant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for viral infections in immunocompromised patients, improving their recovery and overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic modifications like CRISPR to enhance T cell therapies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keller, Michael Daniel — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Keller, Michael Daniel
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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.