Role of HLA-E restricted CD8 regulatory T cells in kidney transplant rejection
Official title: The novel role of HLA-E restricted CD8 regulatory T cells in kidney allograft rejection
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11372858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with kidney transplants to understand how a special group of immune cells (CD8 regulatory T cells) control antibody-driven rejection and could lead to new ways to protect grafts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $662,076 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173307-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with kidney transplants, particularly those at risk of antibody-mediated rejection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without active or potential alloimmune responses may experience no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how Qa-1/HLA-E restricted CD8 Tregs regulate Tfh cells and B cell responses that drive antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplants. Researchers will explore how disrupting the Qa-1/TCR interaction affects Tfh and donor-specific antibody production in the context of allo-immunity, aiming to translate findings into targeted therapies. The work builds on prior data showing CD8 Tregs suppress Tfh and B cell activity and seeks to identify mechanisms that can be targeted in patients to reduce graft loss. The study is conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston under the leadership of Dr. Jamil Azzi.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new therapies that prevent antibody-mediated rejection and improve long-term kidney transplant survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown CD8 Tregs can regulate Tfh in allo-immunity, supporting the plausibility of the approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azzi, Jamil — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Azzi, Jamil
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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.