Understanding how IL-33 helps protect heart transplants

Immunoregulatory Mechanisms of IL-33 in Heart Transplantation

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10880447

This study is looking at how a substance called IL-33 can help reduce inflammation and support healing in kids who have received heart transplants, by understanding how it affects the immune system's response to the new heart.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10880447 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of Interleukin-33 (IL-33) in heart transplantation, focusing on how it can limit inflammation and promote tissue repair after a transplant. By studying samples from pediatric heart transplant recipients and using mouse models, the research aims to understand how IL-33 can mitigate damage caused by the immune response to transplanted organs. The approach involves analyzing the immune cells involved in graft rejection and how IL-33 influences their behavior to improve transplant outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients undergoing heart transplantation or those who have received a heart transplant.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing heart transplantation or who have other unrelated medical conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing rejection and enhancing the longevity of heart transplants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using similar immunoregulatory approaches to improve transplant outcomes, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
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.