Mechanisms and Targeting T Cell Regulation in Heart Transplant Monkeys
Official title: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targeting of T cell Regulation in Heart Allograft Recipient Monkeys
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11541805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused look at a study exploring how immune cells control heart transplant rejection and how to improve long-term graft survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $83,475 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI177308-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11541805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with end-stage heart failure awaiting or having undergone heart transplantation who may benefit from improved immune regulation strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without heart transplantation or those not affected by immune-mediated graft rejection may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates why some patients (and in this case, monkeys used to model human biology) experience chronic rejection after heart transplantation due to stubborn memory T cells. It examines how reactive oxygen species and key signals like IL-6, IL-7, and IL-15 influence T cell behavior and graft health, and tests potential cell-based approaches to restore immune balance. The study uses a monkey model to explore immune therapies, aiming to translate findings into safer, longer-lasting heart transplants for people who need them. If successful, it could lead to new strategies that reduce the need for lifelong broad immunosuppression and improve quality of life for transplant patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could yield new immune-based therapies that improve long-term heart transplant survival and reduce reliance on heavy immunosuppression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports the concept that targeted immune regulation can influence graft outcomes, but effective clinical therapies remain to be proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ezzelarab, Mohamed B — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ezzelarab, Mohamed B
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.