Peptide treatment to activate immune-regulating CD8 cells for protecting heart transplants
Peptide-dependent mobilization of CD8 regulatory cells in cardiac transplantation
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11139612
A peptide treatment aims to turn on special CD8 regulatory immune cells to reduce antibody attacks on donated hearts for people who have had heart transplants.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11139612 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing small synthetic peptides that can mobilize CD8 regulatory T cells which help stop the helper T cells that drive harmful antibody responses after a heart transplant. They screened peptide libraries and used mouse heart transplant models to find peptides that reduce donor-specific antibody production and extend graft survival. The team is focusing on peptides that work with the human HLA-E system so the approach could eventually be adapted for people. If translated to humans, the work would move from laboratory tests toward therapies that directly lower antibody-mediated injury to transplanted hearts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have received a heart transplant and are at high risk for antibody-mediated rejection or who have donor-specific antibodies would be the most likely candidates for treatments developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose transplant problems are driven mainly by non-antibody cellular rejection or those needing immediate clinical rescue may not benefit from this antibody-targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce antibody-mediated rejection and help transplanted hearts last longer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior experiments in mouse heart transplant models have shown that FL9 peptides can mobilize CD8 regulatory cells and prolong graft survival, but the approach is still novel for humans.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AZZI, JAMIL — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: AZZI, JAMIL
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.