Monocyte and Macrophage Roles in Kidney Transplant Health
Official title: Monocyte and Macrophage Functional Evolution in Kidney Transplantation
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11378466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how monocytes and macrophages behave after kidney transplant to find ways to reduce rejection and long-term damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $545,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK141374-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals who have received or are awaiting a kidney transplant and are at risk for rejection or CAN could benefit from advances informed by this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing kidney transplantation or those not affected by alloimmune responses may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at Duke University will study how recipient monocytes enter the transplanted kidney, later become macrophages, and influence rejection and fibrosis. They focus on two key proteins, AXL and AIF-1, that may drive harmful immune responses or tissue scarring after transplantation. By testing interventions that inhibit these factors right after surgery, the project aims to extend how long a transplanted kidney stays healthy. The work uses mouse models to explore these immune processes and how they could translate to improved patient outcomes after transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to therapies that reduce early rejection and long-term fibrosis, potentially increasing graft survival for kidney transplant patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in mice have linked monocyte-to-m macrophage differentiation and specific proteins to allograft rejection and fibrosis, suggesting a plausible path to clinical impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Husain, Irma — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Husain, Irma
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biomarker-guided Immunosuppression in Kidney Transplant Patients
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-
Helping the immune system accept a donated kidney in patients without prior sensitization
This project will try giving specially treated donor B cells alongside immune-sparing medicines to teach the immune systems of kidney transplant patients without prior antibodies to accept the new kidney.
-
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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.
-
Reducing geographic disparities in kidney transplant access with AI and operations research
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-
Centralized patient coaching to boost live donor kidney transplantation
A US-wide program trains patients, caregivers, and their networks with coaching to help them pursue living donor kidney transplantation.
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.