Lowering donor-specific antibodies in sensitized kidney transplant patients
Determinants of donor-specific B cell tolerance in kidney transplantation in sensitized recipients
This project works to reduce harmful donor-specific antibodies in people who are sensitized and need a kidney transplant so their new organ lasts longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11528915 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are combining drugs that target antibody-producing cells (like the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib) with immune co-stimulation blockade (belatacept) and cytolytic induction to remove preformed antibodies before transplantation. These approaches showed reduced donor-specific antibodies, fewer early antibody-mediated rejections, and longer graft survival in nonhuman primates. However, the treatments did not fully prevent later antibody-mediated rejection and were linked to complications such as viral reactivation, so the team is studying how donor-specific B cell tolerance is formed and lost. The goal is to design safer, longer-lasting desensitization strategies that prevent rejection without causing unacceptable side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who are sensitized with preformed HLA antibodies (from prior transfusion, pregnancy, or transplant) and who are candidates for kidney transplantation.
Not a fit: Patients without HLA sensitization or those who cannot tolerate intensified immunosuppression (for example because of active infections) are unlikely to benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could increase transplant opportunities for sensitized patients and improve graft survival by preventing antibody-mediated rejection.
How similar studies have performed: Similar drug combinations reduced antibodies and prolonged graft survival in nonhuman primates, but human experience is limited and late antibody-mediated rejection and infection risk remain concerns.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwun, Jean — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Kwun, Jean
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.