Tracking immune responses after blood stem cell transplants using blood tests
Official title: Epigenetic Profiling of circulating cell-free DNA for the Monitoring of Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-10754512 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a simple blood test that can help people who have had blood stem cell transplants by spotting early signs of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) without needing painful biopsies, making it easier for patients to keep track of their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | January 13, 2020 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $650,319 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI146165-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10754512 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation who are at risk for developing graft-versus-host disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation or those who are not at risk for GVHD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a common complication after blood stem cell transplants. By analyzing circulating cell-free DNA in the blood, the study aims to develop a non-invasive blood test that can detect early signs of GVHD and predict long-term outcomes for patients. This approach seeks to replace the need for invasive procedures like biopsies, making it easier and safer for patients to monitor their condition. The research will utilize genome-wide profiling to identify specific markers associated with tissue injury caused by GVHD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safer, more effective method for early detection of GVHD, improving patient outcomes after transplantation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using cfDNA for monitoring various conditions, suggesting that this approach may be effective for GVHD as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Vlaminck, Iwijn — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: De Vlaminck, Iwijn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
-
Microbiome-based therapy for treatment-refractory GVHD after stem cell transplant
A microbiome-based therapy is being developed to help people who have graft-versus-host disease that doesn’t respond to standard treatments after a stem cell transplant.
-
Role of altered mitochondria in preventing GVHD after stem cell transplant
This NIH grant explores how damaged mitochondria released during pre-transplant conditioning may trigger graft-versus-host disease and tests ways to fix mitochondrial dynamics to prevent GVHD.
-
Fecal transplant plus fiber to treat graft-versus-host disease after blood stem cell transplant
A study to see if giving fecal transplant along with dietary fiber helps gut health and reduces complications in patients who have received a stem cell transplant and developed graft-versus-host disease.
-
Using medium-chain fatty acids and a fat-sensing receptor to treat chronic graft-versus-host disease
This project looks at whether changing medium‑chain fatty acids or blocking a fat sensor called GPR84 can help people with chronic graft‑versus‑host disease after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant.
-
Microbiome-based oral therapy for gut GVHD after stem cell transplant
Researchers are testing an oral live Biotherapeutic Product to help the gut microbiome improve graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplant patients.
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.