Injectable 3D Tissues to Support Regulatory T Cells for Better Allograft Tolerance
Official title: Injectable 3D-Clustered Human Fibroblastic Reticular Cells for Expanding Regulatory T Cells
Funded at Duquesne University · NIH-11350997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores a new injectable 3D cell therapy approach to help regulate the immune system and reduce transplant rejection in people who receive organ transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duquesne University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $184,333 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185527-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350997 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals undergoing allogeneic organ transplantation who may benefit from approaches to promote immune tolerance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for cell therapy approaches or whose condition requires different transplant strategies may not benefit.
What this research studies
The project aims to use injectable 3D clusters of lymph node-like fibroblastic reticular cells to support regulatory T cells and promote transplant tolerance. It builds on animal data showing these cells can help Tregs function in vivo, using a biomaterial scaffold to keep the cells organized after injection. Researchers plan two specific aims to test the safety and feasibility of this approach in the context of allograft transplantation. If successful, this could enable fewer broad immunosuppressants and better quality of life for transplant patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better graft tolerance with fewer side effects from immunosuppressive drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Animal studies and early human trials suggest regulatory T cell-based strategies can support tolerance, but this injectable 3D FRC approach is still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meng, Wilson S — Duquesne University
- Study coordinator: Meng, Wilson S
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.