Investigating the role of IL-39 in graft-versus-host disease
Official title: Pathogenic role of IL-39/IL-39R signaling in graft-versus-host disease
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11140887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called IL-39 affects the immune response in people who have had a bone marrow transplant and are at risk for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), with the goal of finding new ways to help manage this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $586,203 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173777-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients who are undergoing or have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and are at risk for developing graft-versus-host disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone allogeneic bone marrow transplantation or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific cytokine, IL-39, contributes to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a serious complication that can occur after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The study aims to explore the mechanisms by which IL-39 activates T-cells and influences their behavior in both animal models and human patients. By examining the relationship between IL-39 levels and GVHD development, the researchers hope to clarify its role in this condition and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce the incidence and severity of graft-versus-host disease in patients undergoing bone marrow transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the role of cytokines in graft-versus-host disease, but the specific role of IL-39 is still being explored and is considered novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Xue-Zhong — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Yu, Xue-Zhong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
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Microbiome-based therapy for treatment-refractory GVHD after stem cell transplant
A microbiome-based therapy is being developed to help people who have graft-versus-host disease that doesn’t respond to standard treatments after a stem cell transplant.
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Role of altered mitochondria in preventing GVHD after stem cell transplant
This NIH grant explores how damaged mitochondria released during pre-transplant conditioning may trigger graft-versus-host disease and tests ways to fix mitochondrial dynamics to prevent GVHD.
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Fecal transplant plus fiber to treat graft-versus-host disease after blood stem cell transplant
A study to see if giving fecal transplant along with dietary fiber helps gut health and reduces complications in patients who have received a stem cell transplant and developed graft-versus-host disease.
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Using medium-chain fatty acids and a fat-sensing receptor to treat chronic graft-versus-host disease
This project looks at whether changing medium‑chain fatty acids or blocking a fat sensor called GPR84 can help people with chronic graft‑versus‑host disease after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant.
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Microbiome-based oral therapy for gut GVHD after stem cell transplant
Researchers are testing an oral live Biotherapeutic Product to help the gut microbiome improve graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplant patients.
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.