Propagation of GVHD through CD4+ T-cell recognition of gut bacteria
Official title: Propagation of graft vs. host disease through CD4+ T-cell cognate recognition of gastrointestinal microbiota
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11377412 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a patient’s immune cells recognize gut bacteria after stem cell transplant to better understand and manage graft-versus-host disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $162,432 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL167161-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377412 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who are at risk for GVHD may benefit from insights gained through this research.
✕Less likely to help
This program does not involve direct patient treatment or recruitment for a clinical trial during the training period.
What this research studies
This program trains a clinician-scientist over five years to study how T cells reconstitute after stem cell transplant and how their response to gut bacteria influences GVHD. It combines clinical insights with computational modeling to move beyond correlations and explore mechanisms. The work aims to translate mechanistic knowledge into strategies to reduce GVHD while preserving immune function. The training team includes experts in GVHD and T-cell modeling to build a unique skill set that supports independent physician-scientist work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new approaches to prevent or lessen GVHD by targeting T-cell responses to the gut microbiome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work links the GI microbiome to GVHD but deeper mechanistic understanding and translational tools are still developing.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeh, Albert Chia-Chun — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Yeh, Albert Chia-Chun
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How gut bacteria influence graft vs. host disease after stem cell transplants
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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.