Optimizing stem cell transplants to treat non-malignant blood diseases
Official title: Optimizing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat non-malignant disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11392266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher is pursuing a five-year plan to improve stem cell transplantation strategies for non-cancer blood illnesses, with a focus on safer conditioning, better stem cell collection, and gene editing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $169,156 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL168155-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with non-malignant hematologic diseases (e.g., sickle cell disease) who are or may be candidates for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for transplantation or those not affected by non-malignant hematologic diseases may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program supports the physician-scientist in building independent work at Washington University, aiming to advance allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for non-malignant diseases like sickle cell disease. The plan includes refining conditioning regimens, improving stem cell mobilization, and exploring therapeutic gene editing to enable safer transplants. Patients could benefit from more effective, safer transplant options and potential new therapies that reduce complications. The project builds on prior work with antibody-drug conjugates and cellular immunotherapy to push translational research toward clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with non-malignant hematologic diseases may access safer, more effective stem cell transplantation approaches.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work shows promise for targeted therapies and conjugates; this grant aims to translate such approaches into safer transplant strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Persaud, Stephen Phillip — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Persaud, Stephen Phillip
Related research
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T Cell Precursors to Restore Immune Power After Stem Cell Transplants
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-
Engineering patient avatars to study GVHD after bone marrow transplant
Researchers are creating patient-specific lab models of the gut, liver, and blood to better understand and prevent GVHD after bone marrow transplant, with a focus on children.
-
Positive psychology support for stem cell transplant survivors
A phone-delivered program helps people who survived stem cell transplantation feel less anxious or depressed and enjoy a higher quality of life.
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.