Investigating how immune cells affect eye damage in graft versus host disease
Official title: Role of Macrophages in ocular GVHD
Funded at Chapman University · NIH-10999411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages might be causing eye problems in people with ocular graft versus host disease after a bone marrow transplant, with the hope of finding better ways to prevent and treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Chapman University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orange, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $342,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034672-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have undergone allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and are experiencing ocular graft versus host disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation or those without ocular symptoms related to graft versus host disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how macrophages, a type of immune cell, contribute to eye damage in patients with ocular graft versus host disease (oGVHD). It aims to explore the interactions between these immune cells and other cells in the eye, particularly in the context of patients who have undergone allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. By using mouse models that mimic human oGVHD, the study will investigate the mechanisms that lead to severe dry eye and other ocular complications. The ultimate goal is to improve prevention and treatment strategies for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management and treatment options for patients suffering from ocular complications of graft versus host disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune mechanisms in graft versus host disease, but this specific investigation into ocular manifestations is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Chapman University
Orange, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Ajay — Chapman University
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Ajay
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.