Innovative strategies for targeting immune responses in aging lymph nodes
Official title: Nano Immune-Imaging Core
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11083585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to improve the health of aging lymph nodes to help prevent transplant rejection in heart transplant patients by delivering treatments directly where they're needed and watching how immune cells behave.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $158,953 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AI175397-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing heart transplantation, particularly those who are older and may have age-related immune challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing transplantation or those with conditions unrelated to immune response or aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced nanodelivery methods to modify the environment of aging lymph nodes, which are crucial for immune responses. By using targeted delivery of therapeutics, the project aims to inhibit the activation of harmful immune cells that can lead to transplant rejection. Additionally, it will utilize cutting-edge imaging techniques to track how immune cells interact within these lymph nodes. This approach could enhance the effectiveness of treatments for patients undergoing heart transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved transplant outcomes and reduced rejection rates for heart transplant patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in nanomedicine and immune modulation has shown promising results, indicating that this approach could be effective in enhancing transplant tolerance.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdi, Reza — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Abdi, Reza
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.