New Ways to Prevent and Treat Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Pathological B Cells: Novel Strategies to Prevent and Treat Chronic GVHD
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11094029
This project looks for new ways to stop and treat chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in people who have had a stem cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11094029 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The grant aims to make stem cell transplants safer by reducing chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), a serious complication. Researchers are focusing on specific immune cells called B cells, which play a role in cGVHD, to find ways to target only the harmful ones. They are exploring how certain signals contribute to these B cells becoming overactive after a transplant. The goal is to develop treatments that can eliminate these problematic B cells without harming the beneficial immune cells needed for recovery. This approach seeks to restore a healthy immune balance and improve outcomes for transplant patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and are experiencing or at risk for chronic graft-versus-host disease may be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who have not received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant or do not have chronic graft-versus-host disease would likely not benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that make stem cell transplantation less toxic and more effective for patients suffering from chronic GVHD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies and a clinical trial have shown that inhibiting a protein called SYK can eliminate problematic B cells and help restore immune balance.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SARANTOPOULOS, STEFANIE — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SARANTOPOULOS, STEFANIE
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.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases