Investigating how graft-derived extracellular vesicles influence immune responses in heart and skin transplants
Graft extracellular vesicles as promoters of anti-donor immunity in cardiac and skin transplantation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-10897795
This study is looking at tiny particles released from heart and skin transplants to see how they affect the immune system and might cause rejection, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent this and reduce the side effects of current treatments for people who have had transplants.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10897795 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of extracellular vesicles released from transplanted organs, specifically heart and skin grafts, in triggering immune responses that can lead to rejection. By examining how these vesicles interact with immune cells in the body, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to more effective, donor-specific therapies for preventing graft rejection. The approach involves advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy to visualize these interactions in real-time. Understanding these processes could help develop strategies that minimize the side effects of current immunosuppressive treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults undergoing heart or skin transplantation who are at risk of graft rejection.
Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for transplantation or those with conditions unrelated to graft rejection may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically target and prevent graft rejection, improving transplant outcomes and reducing complications for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of extracellular vesicles in immune responses is gaining attention, this specific approach to understanding their impact on graft rejection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MORELLI, ADRIAN E. — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: MORELLI, ADRIAN E.
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.