Targeting B cells to treat antibody-driven rejection in organ transplants
Official title: Targeting the B Cell Response to Treat Antibody-Mediated Rejection
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11408646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if removing B cells and disrupting their signaling can help treat antibody-mediated rejection in people who have had organ transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI163065-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with solid organ transplants experiencing antibody-mediated rejection or at high risk of it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AMR or those not eligible for the investigational regimen may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to help people with antibody-mediated rejection by combining strategies that deplete antibody-producing B cells with methods that disrupt how B cells organize in germinal centers. Researchers plan to translate findings from non-human primate studies and human data into a treatment that lowers donor-specific antibodies and reduces organ injury. The approach uses a proteasome inhibitor together with belatacept to simultaneously deplete plasma cells and curb B cell activation. If successful, it could prolong the life of transplanted organs and improve patient survival. The safety and infection risks will be carefully monitored as part of the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could extend transplant survival by lowering harmful antibodies and reducing rejection.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical primate data and human data suggest this dual targeting approach can reduce donor-specific antibodies and improve outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knechtle, Stuart Johnston — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Knechtle, Stuart Johnston
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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.