Investigating immune responses to Epstein-Barr virus in children after organ transplants
Official title: Understanding the immune response changes to clinical interventions for Epstein-Barr virus infection prior to lymphoma development in children after organ transplants (UNEARTH)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10917281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system of children who have had organ transplants reacts to the Epstein-Barr virus, to help understand why some kids get really sick from it while others don’t, with the goal of keeping them healthier after their transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $945,924 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA275304-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have received solid organ transplants and are at risk for EBV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are EBV-seropositive prior to organ transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in children who have received organ transplants. It aims to identify changes in immune cell function and characteristics over time, particularly in relation to the risk of developing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). By analyzing blood samples from pediatric patients at multiple time points, the study seeks to uncover why some children experience severe EBV infections while others do not. The research team includes experts in solid organ transplantation, infectious diseases, and immunology, who will work together to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better monitoring and treatment strategies for children at risk of severe EBV infections after organ transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to viral infections in transplant patients, but this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dharnidharka, Vikas R. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Dharnidharka, Vikas R.
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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.