Reducing CMV reactivation in kidney transplant patients
Official title: Mitigating IRI-induced CMV reactivation by targeting endothelial stress responses
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11222455 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to stop the cytomegalovirus from coming back in people who have had a kidney transplant, by understanding how certain injuries during the transplant process can trigger the virus, and it aims to find new treatments that can help improve kidney health and reduce infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $775,986 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI188902-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11222455 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are kidney transplant recipients who are at risk for CMV reactivation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone kidney transplantation or those without a history of CMV infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to prevent the reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in kidney transplant recipients, a common and serious complication. The team will explore the role of ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in triggering CMV reactivation and aim to identify specific cellular and molecular targets to mitigate this risk. By focusing on endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, the researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that improve transplant outcomes. The approach includes manipulating key proteins involved in these stress responses to enhance kidney function and reduce viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved kidney transplant outcomes and reduced morbidity associated with CMV infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting cellular stress responses to improve transplant outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zheng J — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zheng J
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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.