Stopping Graft-Versus-Host Disease in the Intestines

Preventing GVHD by inhibition of alloantigen presentation in the gut

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11116862

This research looks for new ways to prevent a serious complication called Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) in the gut for people receiving bone marrow transplants.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11116862 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Bone marrow transplants are life-saving treatments for blood cancers and other severe conditions, but a major challenge is Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD), especially when it affects the digestive system. Current treatments for GVHD often broadly suppress the immune system and are not always effective, leading to severe and sometimes fatal outcomes. This project aims to understand how certain cells in the small intestine, called antigen-presenting cells, start GVHD. By identifying these specific cells and the factors that activate them, we hope to find new, more targeted ways to prevent this serious complication.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is most relevant to patients who have received or will receive an allogeneic bone marrow transplant for blood cancers, bone marrow failure, or immunodeficiency diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing bone marrow transplantation or who have conditions unrelated to Graft-Versus-Host Disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and safer ways to prevent severe and often fatal Graft-Versus-Host Disease, particularly in the digestive tract, for patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on preliminary data and uses cutting-edge techniques to explore new pathways, suggesting a novel approach with foundational support.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Graft Versus Host Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.