Off-the-shelf immune-compatible stem cells for eye diseases
Alloimmune-compatible stem cells for ocular diseases
['FUNDING_R01'] · SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11251986
Develops ready-made stem cells designed to avoid immune rejection to help people who need cell-based repair for eye conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a patient, this work means scientists are engineering induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) so they can be used in many people without being rejected by the immune system. They plan to make iPSCs express HLA-I molecules that are either peptide-free or loaded with low-affinity peptides to prevent CD8+ T cell attacks while still protecting against natural killer (NK) cell killing. The team will test these engineered cells in the lab and in preclinical models to see whether the cells survive, avoid immune attack, and function like normal eye cells. If preclinical results are promising, the approach could move toward clinical testing for people with retinal or corneal damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with retinal degeneration, macular degeneration, corneal injuries, or other eye conditions that might benefit from cell replacement and who would be eligible for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients with eye problems not treatable by cell replacement (such as simple refractive errors), those with active ocular infection, or those medically ineligible for transplantation may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide ready-made immune-compatible cells to repair damaged retinal or corneal tissue, shortening wait times and cutting the cost of personalized cell therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab work using HLA deletion or non-classical HLA expression has shown promise in reducing rejection, but the peptide-free/low-affinity HLA strategy is a newer approach with more limited in vivo testing.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHAUHAN, SUNIL K — SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: CHAUHAN, SUNIL K
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.