Understanding how graft-versus-host disease is maintained in patients after stem cell transplants
Official title: Graft-versus-Host Disease: Local Maintenance by Tissue Resident Progenitor T cells
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11049577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) happens after stem cell transplants, to find out if it’s caused by T cells in the lymph nodes or in the tissues themselves, with the goal of creating better treatments that reduce GVHD while still helping patients benefit from their transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2018 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $747,995 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HL143349-05A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have received allogeneic stem cell transplants and are experiencing or at risk of developing graft-versus-host disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone stem cell transplantation or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a condition that can occur after allogeneic stem cell transplants. The study aims to determine whether GVHD is sustained by T cells generated in the lymph nodes or if it is maintained locally in the tissues where it occurs. By analyzing specific T cell behaviors in a controlled model, the researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that minimize GVHD while preserving the beneficial effects of the transplant. This could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients undergoing stem cell transplants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for graft-versus-host disease, improving outcomes for patients who have undergone stem cell transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding T cell behavior in GVHD, suggesting that targeted approaches could be effective, although this specific focus on local maintenance is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shlomchik, Warren D — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Shlomchik, Warren D
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.