Preventing organ rejection by targeting memory immune cells
Project-002
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11528790
Working to help people with organ transplants keep their new organs without lifelong immune-suppressing drugs by targeting stubborn memory immune cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11528790 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a transplant patient, you should know researchers are studying why some people's immune systems keep attacking new organs even when standard treatments are used. They focus on 'memory' T cells that remember past exposures and on a process called linked sensitization that spreads this resistance. The team uses laboratory experiments, animal models, and analysis of immune cells to see how these memory cells avoid the signals that normally put immune responses to sleep. Their aim is to find ways to block or reprogram these cells so more transplant recipients might stop taking long-term immunosuppression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have received or are awaiting organ transplants, especially those who are sensitized or have prior immune activation against donor tissue.
Not a fit: People without organ transplants or whose graft problems come from surgical, vascular, or other non-immune causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reduce the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs and lower the risk of organ rejection.
How similar studies have performed: Some small clinical approaches like combined stem cell–organ transplants or careful drug withdrawal have achieved tolerance in a few patients, but memory T cells remain a major unresolved barrier.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ALEGRE, MARIA-LUISA — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: ALEGRE, MARIA-LUISA
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.