NIH-funded research R21 grant

Targeting kidney scarring in older adults with chronic kidney disease using CAR-T cell therapy

Official title: Directly targeting renal fibrosis in the aged with CKD using in vivo CAR-T cell therapy

Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10951799 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new way to help older adults with chronic kidney disease by using a special treatment called CAR-T cell therapy that targets kidney damage, with the hope of reducing inflammation and improving kidney function.

More Fibrosis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$431,771
NIH project number1R21AG088701-01
Project IDNIH-10951799 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who are suffering from chronic kidney disease and experiencing kidney fibrosis.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease or those without significant fibrosis may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) in older adults by using CAR-T cell therapy to directly target kidney fibrosis. The study aims to understand how this therapy can reduce inflammation and improve kidney function by modifying the immune response. Patients will receive CAR-T cells designed to specifically attack fibrotic tissue in the kidneys, potentially reversing damage caused by CKD. The research will involve clinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of this innovative treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that significantly improves kidney function and quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease.

How similar studies have gone: While CAR-T cell therapy has shown promise in treating certain cancers, its application in targeting kidney fibrosis is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

  • Indiana University Indianapolis
    Indianapolis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: White, Kenneth E — Indiana University Indianapolis
  • Study coordinator: White, Kenneth E

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.