Recombinant Tamm‑Horsfall protein to help kidneys recover after acute injury
Official title: Validation of recombinant truncated Tamm-Horsfall protein as a therapeutic tool for kidney injury
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-11138440 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A lab-made piece of a kidney protein is being given to people with acute kidney injury—especially those with chronic kidney disease—to reduce inflammation and help the kidney heal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21BX006519-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138440 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people hospitalized with acute kidney injury, particularly veterans or others with pre-existing chronic kidney disease who may have low THP levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose kidney problems are unrelated to THP deficiency or who cannot receive protein-based therapies may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This work will develop and give a shortened, lab-produced form of Tamm‑Horsfall protein (THP) to test how it behaves in the body and whether it helps injured kidneys recover. The team will measure how long the protein stays in circulation, where it goes in the body, and monitor safety signals after systemic dosing. They will also look at whether the protein reduces inflammation in the kidney and alters immune cell activity to promote healing. The program builds on prior findings that THP loss worsens injury and that replacing it can support recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce inflammation, speed recovery from acute kidney injury, and lower the risk of long-term kidney damage.
How similar studies have gone: Published and preclinical studies support THP's role in resolving inflammation and aiding healing, but using a recombinant truncated THP as a therapy is a newer approach with encouraging early data.
Where this research is happening
-
Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashkar, Tarek Maurice — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ashkar, Tarek Maurice
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.