Targeting a specific immune pathway to improve transplant outcomes
Official title: The impact of targeting CD40-CD154 pathway in nonhuman primate vascularized composite allograft model
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11129160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help patients with severe tissue damage who need complex transplants by using a special treatment to improve the chances that their new tissue will be accepted by their body and last longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI184588-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals requiring vascular composite allotransplantation due to severe tissue damage or deformities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for vascular composite allotransplantation or those with conditions unrelated to tissue grafting may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeting the CD40-CD154 pathway can enhance the success of vascular composite allotransplantation (VCA), a procedure for patients with severe tissue damage. The study uses a nonhuman primate model to explore the effectiveness of a specific antibody in promoting long-term graft survival and reducing rejection rates. By focusing on the immune response involved in transplant rejection, the research aims to develop better immunosuppressive strategies tailored for VCA patients. This approach could lead to improved outcomes for individuals receiving complex tissue transplants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients undergoing complex tissue transplants, resulting in better graft survival and fewer complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the CD40-CD154 pathway for improving transplant outcomes, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwun, Jean — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Kwun, Jean
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating genetic factors in Lewy body diseases
This study is looking at how changes in a specific gene might play a role in conditions like Parkinson's disease and dementia, so that people can better understand how their genetics affect their health and possibly find more tailored treatments.
-
Targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 protein in a deadly childhood cancer
This study is looking at a specific protein that helps a tough childhood cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, with the goal of finding new ways to treat kids who have this illness.
-
Improving population health by studying reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different things in our environment can impact pregnancy and the health of babies, and it’s for people who are planning to have children or are already parents, as it aims to help improve understanding and outcomes for everyone involved.
-
Modeling axon degeneration in C. elegans to help ALS patients
Researchers are using a tiny worm model to uncover how axons break down, which could point to new ways to help people with ALS and related nerve diseases.
-
Induced Suppression of Platelet Activity in Aneurysmal SAH Management
A new approach tests whether carefully reducing platelet activity can improve outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
-
AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
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.