Nanoparticle treatment to protect transplanted organ blood vessels
Ex Vivo Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Targeted to Human Allograft Endothelium
Antibody-targeted nanoparticles applied to donor organs during preservation to deliver small RNAs that block proteins on blood-vessel cells and reduce early rejection in organ transplant recipients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178605 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you're getting a transplant, researchers plan to treat the donor organ's blood vessels outside the body during organ preservation. They will use biodegradable, antibody-targeted nanoparticles that attach to the vessel lining and slowly release small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to block specific proteins that intensify T cell attacks. The team will test delivery, duration, and effects in cultured human endothelial cells and perfused human vessel segments using ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion. The goal is to lower early immune injury and late graft loss and potentially reduce the need for high-dose systemic immunosuppression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People awaiting solid organ transplantation—especially those at higher risk of peri-transplant inflammation, such as sensitized recipients or organs exposed to prolonged ischemia—would be the main candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving a transplant or who receive organs without ex vivo machine perfusion are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce early T cell–mediated rejection and long-term graft loss, possibly allowing less systemic immunosuppression and better transplant outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work on ex vivo organ perfusion and nanoparticle delivery shows promise, but targeted siRNA delivery to human allograft endothelium in this exact way remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pober, Jordan S — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Pober, Jordan S
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.