Understanding how immune cells move in heart transplants
Official title: Leukocyte trafficking in thoracic grafts
Funded at St. Louis VA Medical Center · NIH-11098503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells move in heart transplants and how they might cause problems like tissue damage and rejection, with the hope of finding ways to help patients have better outcomes after their heart surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Louis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX002730-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098503 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing heart transplantation, particularly those at risk for primary graft dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for heart transplantation or those with non-cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the movement of immune cells in heart transplants, particularly focusing on how these cells contribute to tissue damage and graft rejection. Using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to visualize the infiltration of leukocytes into transplanted hearts in real time. By identifying the cellular and molecular signals that regulate this process, the research seeks to develop strategies to mitigate the immune response that leads to graft dysfunction. The ultimate goal is to improve outcomes for patients undergoing heart transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the success rates of heart transplants by reducing immune-related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in transplant settings, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Louis VA Medical Center
St. Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kreisel, Daniel — St. Louis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kreisel, Daniel
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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.