Understanding and Treating Eye Problems After Stem Cell Transplants
Official title: Immune Mechanisms in Ocular Graft versus Host Disease
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10823360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to understand why the eyes are affected by Graft versus Host Disease after stem cell transplants and to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2014 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $410,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY024484-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant to patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and developed ocular Graft versus Host Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant or who do not experience ocular Graft versus Host Disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many patients who receive life-saving stem cell transplants can develop a serious complication called Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD), where the donor cells attack the patient's own body. A common and often vision-threatening form of this condition is ocular GVHD, which damages the eyes and causes severe dry eye and other problems. Currently, treatment options for ocular GVHD are limited and often only provide temporary relief. This project uses advanced laboratory models to uncover the specific immune system changes that cause eye damage in GVHD, with the goal of developing more effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for patients suffering from ocular Graft versus Host Disease, potentially preserving their vision and improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While current treatments are limited, this research builds upon recent findings that identify specific immune pathways involved in ocular GVHD, suggesting a novel approach to developing new therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perez, Victor L — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Perez, Victor L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.