Modified immune cells with drug-filled microparticles to help kidney transplants
Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells via Synergistic Drug Loaded Microparticles for Transplantation Tolerance
['FUNDING_R21'] · DREXEL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11270639
Researchers are creating immune cells loaded with slow-release drugs to teach the body to accept donor kidneys and reduce the need for broad immunosuppression.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DREXEL UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11270639 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project develops special immune cells (dendritic cells) that carry tiny microparticles releasing two complementary tolerizing drugs over time. These engineered tolerogenic cells would be placed into donor kidneys before transplantation so the donor antigens are presented in a calming way to the recipient's immune system. The design aims to boost donor-specific regulatory T cells that tell the immune system not to attack the new kidney, potentially allowing lower doses of general immunosuppressive drugs. The current work is a lab-based proof-of-concept using engineered cells and sustained-release particles to test whether the combination produces stronger, lasting tolerance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People awaiting a kidney transplant (living or deceased donor) who want alternatives to lifelong broad immunosuppression would be the most relevant future candidates.
Not a fit: Patients needing transplants of organs other than kidney or those with active infections or cancers are unlikely to benefit from this kidney-specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower or avoid lifelong broad immunosuppression and reduce risks like infection and cancer while preventing rejection of kidney transplants.
How similar studies have performed: Tolerogenic cell therapies and regulatory T cell approaches have shown promise in animal studies and some early clinical work, but using two synergistic drugs packaged in sustained-release microparticles for donor-specific tolerance is a novel proof-of-concept.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- DREXEL UNIVERSITY — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEAK, PETER — DREXEL UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DEAK, PETER
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.