New Ways to Prevent Heart Transplant Rejection
Project 2: Next-Generation Mixed Chimerism Induction for Heart Allograft Tolerance
['FUNDING_P01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11140416
This project aims to help heart transplant patients accept their new organ for life without needing lifelong anti-rejection medications.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11140416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
For patients with severe heart disease, a heart transplant offers the best hope, but current treatments often lead to complications from rejection or strong medications. This work explores a new method called 'mixed chimerism induction' to help the body naturally accept the transplanted heart. By carefully introducing donor cells, the goal is to teach the patient's immune system not to attack the new organ. This approach seeks to avoid the side effects of current anti-rejection drugs while ensuring the new heart functions well for many years.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals who have received or are awaiting a heart transplant due to end-stage cardiac disease.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require a heart transplant or are not affected by organ rejection issues would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow heart transplant recipients to live healthier lives free from the need for daily anti-rejection medications and their associated side effects.
How similar studies have performed: While similar methods have shown success in kidney transplants in humans and thoracic organ transplants in non-human primates, this specific approach for heart transplants is still being refined to improve safety and effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KEAN, LESLIE S — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL 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.