Targeting plasma cells to improve organ transplant success
TARGETING HUMAN PLASMA CELLS TO OVERCOME HUMORAL RESPONSES IN TRANSPLANTATION
This study is looking for new ways to help people who need organ transplants by finding treatments that can get rid of harmful antibodies made by plasma cells, which can make it harder to find a matching donor, especially for those who have had previous transplants or blood transfusions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10533819 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new therapies to improve organ transplantation rates by targeting plasma cells that produce harmful antibodies. These antibodies can complicate the matching process for organ donors, especially for patients who have previously received transplants or blood transfusions. The study aims to create effective treatments that can eliminate these antibodies, thereby reducing waiting times for compatible donors. By understanding the role of bone marrow plasma cells in antibody production, the research seeks to enhance current desensitization strategies that have shown limited success.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have developed HLA antibodies due to previous transplants, pregnancies, or blood transfusions and are facing long wait times for compatible organ donors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HLA antibodies or those who are not awaiting organ transplants may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of patients who can receive organ transplants by reducing the barriers caused by harmful antibodies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown limited success with traditional therapies for antibody-mediated rejection, indicating that this targeted approach may offer a novel solution.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Driscoll, James Joseph — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Driscoll, James Joseph
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 below.