Investigating skin cells that may help prevent complications after bone marrow transplants

Skin-Intrinsic Immunosuppressive Mesenchymal Stem Cells and aGVHD

['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11009975

This study is looking at how certain skin cells can help calm down the immune response that causes acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after a stem cell transplant, with the hope of finding better treatments to make this serious condition less common and less severe for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11009975 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), a serious complication that can occur after allogeneic stem cell transplants. The study aims to understand how certain skin cells can suppress the immune response that leads to aGVHD, particularly by examining specific immune cells in the skin that have unique properties. By identifying these cells and their mechanisms, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies that could minimize the harmful effects of donor immune cells on the recipient's body. Patients may benefit from improved treatments that reduce the incidence and severity of aGVHD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplants, particularly those at risk for developing aGVHD.

Not a fit: Patients who have already developed severe aGVHD or those not undergoing bone marrow transplants may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for preventing aGVHD, improving outcomes for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in graft-versus-host disease, but this specific approach focusing on skin-derived immunosuppressive cells is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acute Graft Versus Host Disease, acute graft vs host disease, acute graft vs. host disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.