Preventing rejection in high-risk cornea transplants
Mechanisms of Sensitization in High Risk Corneal Grafts
Looking at how immune cells and blood/lymph vessel growth in inflamed eyes make some cornea transplants more likely to fail, to help people needing corneal grafts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139638 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on corneal transplants placed into inflamed, high-risk eye beds that often reject quickly. Researchers study antigen-presenting cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and the regulation of blood and lymph vessel growth to understand how these factors interact. They use lab models, tissue samples, and molecular analyses to trace how protective Tregs lose function and can become inflammatory. The team aims to identify points where these processes can be stopped to keep grafts tolerated.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People needing a corneal transplant into an inflamed or vascularized eye, or those with prior graft failure, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People receiving low-risk corneal grafts into quiet, non-inflamed eyes may not see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to prevent rejection and improve long-term success of corneal transplants for people with inflamed or vascularized eyes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work from this group and others has mapped key immune cells and pathways in corneal transplant rejection, but turning those findings into treatments is still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Schepens Eye Research Institute — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dana, Reza — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Dana, Reza
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.