Smart limb and tissue grafts that signal and reduce rejection during preservation
Genetic-engineered control of the immunogeneic state of vascular composite allografts during preservation
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11306029
Researchers are creating genetically programmed grafts for limb and tissue transplants that release a blood signal when rejection starts and also produce a therapy to calm the immune response for transplant recipients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11306029 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, this project aims to make transplanted limbs and other composite tissues "smart" so they can tell doctors when the immune system is attacking them and then respond locally with a therapy. The team engineers graft tissue with a genetic switch that drives both a blood-based biomarker and a therapeutic protein, and they use machine perfusion (keeping the graft functioning outside the body) to program and preserve the graft before transplant. So far the parts of the system have been tested in cells and small animals, and the group will now scale up and test the full approach in a pig model that better matches human transplants. The goal is earlier, simpler detection of rejection and reduced damage from targeted therapy inside the graft.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who need or have received vascularized composite transplants, such as hand or face transplants, would be the most likely candidates to benefit from this approach in future trials.
Not a fit: Patients who are receiving internal organ transplants, those not eligible for VCA procedures, or people seeking non-surgical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors detect rejection earlier with a blood test and reduce the need for high-dose systemic immunosuppression by delivering therapy directly from the graft.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal work, including engineered cells, rodent limb models, and short-term pig perfusion with heterotopic pig transplants, has shown promising proof-of-concept but full-scale porcine testing is the next critical step.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: UYGUN, KORKUT — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: UYGUN, KORKUT
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.