Triggers of thrombotic microangiopathy after stem cell transplant

Initiators of thrombotic microangiopathy

NIH-funded research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11249547

This project looks for viruses and other biological triggers that cause thrombotic microangiopathy in children after hematopoietic (bone marrow) transplant.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-11249547 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a serious complication that affects about one in five children after transplant and can damage multiple organs. The team will examine blood samples and use protein and genetic tests to look for changes—such as higher levels of PI4K—and for viruses like BK polyomavirus that may appear after transplant. They will sequence viral samples, compare findings to clinical TMA outcomes, and build on past work showing links between immune system pathways (complement and interferon) and TMA. Their goal is to connect specific triggers to the TMA that some children develop so treatments can be better targeted.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children who have recently received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant and who are being monitored for post-transplant complications, especially those with or at risk for TMA or BK polyomavirus in the blood, are the most likely candidates.

Not a fit: Adults, people without transplant-related TMA, or patients whose TMA is caused by unrelated factors may not directly benefit from this pediatric transplant-focused research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify viral or molecular triggers so doctors can prevent or treat TMA earlier and improve survival and organ outcomes for children after transplant.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work from this group showed that blocking complement improved survival in many children with TMA, but linking specific viral triggers like BK polyomavirus is a newer area of study.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acute Graft Versus Host Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.