Improving T cell therapy for viral infections after stem cell transplants

Enhancing efficacy of virus-specific T cell therapy following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by CD52 knockout

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-10991125

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10991125 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing HSCT or who do not have viral infections may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.