Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein to Improve Organ Transplant Outcomes
Official title: Fibroblast Activation Protein as a Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target to Treat Chronic Allograft Dysfunction
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11059630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein affects the health of transplanted organs and is testing new treatments that could help prevent organ rejection by targeting harmful cells, so if you've had an organ transplant, you might have the chance to participate in trials for these promising therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 27, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $365,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI182317-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone organ transplantation and are experiencing or at risk for chronic allograft dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received an organ transplant or those with acute rejection issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in chronic allograft dysfunction, which is a major cause of organ transplant failure. The approach focuses on developing therapies that can target and deplete harmful fibroblasts that contribute to fibrosis in transplanted organs. By utilizing innovative techniques such as FAP-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, the research aims to halt the progression of fibrosis and improve transplant longevity. Patients may be involved in clinical trials that assess the effectiveness of these new therapies in preventing organ rejection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and quality of life for organ transplant recipients by reducing the incidence of chronic rejection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies targeting fibroblast activation protein have shown promise in pre-clinical settings, indicating potential for success in clinical applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhoj, Vijay — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bhoj, Vijay
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.