Memory-like NK cell therapy for AML relapse after transplant
Official title: Project 2: Memory-like NK cell therapy for AML relapsed after allogeneic transplant
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11423680 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring a novel immune therapy using donor memory-like NK cells to help people whose AML returned after a donor stem cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2013 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $334,372 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA171963-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11423680 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with AML who have relapsed after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant and are eligible for an immunotherapy trial.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without relapse after transplant or those unable to undergo an immunotherapy trial may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to translate new immune insights into early-phase immunotherapy trials for AML patients who relapse after allogeneic transplant. It builds on the idea that memory-like NK cells can provide a rapid anti-leukemia effect and may support donor T cells to sustain disease control. The approach uses cytokine-activated memory-like NK cells derived from donors, tested for safety and potential effectiveness in relapsed AML post-transplant. Prior early-phase data suggested safety with signals of AML responses, guiding a continued exploration in this high-need population. The grant supports clinical trial development, translational studies, and monitoring of immune responses to understand how best to harness GVL effects while avoiding excessive toxicity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a safe, effective option to induce remissions and improve long-term outcomes for patients with AML relapse after transplant.
How similar studies have gone: Early-phase trials have shown safety and signs of AML responses with memory-like NK cells, supporting further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fehniger, Todd a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Fehniger, Todd a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Innate and Adaptive Immunoregulation in Liver Transplant Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
A liver transplant-focused project investigates how the body’s early and later immune responses affect transplant failure or success after reperfusion.
-
Exercise-based frailty program for people awaiting lung transplants
A tailored exercise and lifestyle program is being tested to reduce frailty and improve outcomes for people waiting for a lung transplant.
-
Diabetes and Donor Tissue in Corneal Transplants
This grant studies whether corneas from donors with diabetes affect the success of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and what factors predict better or worse outcomes.
-
Microbial clues to diagnose and predict infections in kidney transplant patients
A patient-focused project will look for microbial biomarkers in stool, blood, and urine to help doctors predict and diagnose infections in people who have had a kidney transplant.
-
Medicare Advantage and Transplant Access for Rural and Vulnerable Communities
Aimed at understanding how Medicare Advantage affects early steps to kidney transplant for adults in rural or socioeconomically challenged groups.
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.