New Treatments for Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Novel Biologic Therapies for GVHD
This research looks for new, more focused ways to prevent and treat graft-versus-host disease, a serious complication after stem cell transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118905 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For patients with serious blood cancers or other blood diseases, a stem cell transplant can be a cure, but it often comes with severe side effects. One of the most dangerous complications is acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), especially when it affects the gut. Current treatments for GVHD involve strong medications that suppress the entire immune system, which can lead to dangerous infections or even the return of the original disease. This project aims to understand exactly how GVHD develops in the gut and why some cases are so difficult to treat, so we can create smarter, more targeted therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients who have undergone or will undergo a hematopoietic stem cell transplant and are at risk for or experiencing acute graft-versus-host disease.
Not a fit: Patients who have not received a stem cell transplant or are not affected by graft-versus-host disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for GVHD that are more effective and have fewer side effects, improving outcomes for transplant patients.
How similar studies have performed: This project seeks to discover the next generation of therapeutics by addressing unmet needs and specific mechanisms, suggesting a novel approach to current challenges.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kean, Leslie S — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kean, Leslie 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.