NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how memory T cells affect heart transplant outcomes

Official title: Endogenous memory T cell mediated rejection of high-risk cardiac allografts

Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10891423 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain immune cells called memory T cells affect the success of heart transplants, especially when the donor heart has been stored for a long time, to help find ways to improve transplant outcomes for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$53,974
NIH project number5F30AI174667-02
Project IDNIH-10891423 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals awaiting heart transplantation, particularly those with a history of donor-reactive T cells.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not candidates for heart transplantation or those with no history of T cell sensitization may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of memory T cells in the rejection of heart transplants, particularly focusing on how these cells react when a donor heart is stored for a long time before transplantation. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to acute rejection episodes and poor graft function, which are critical challenges in transplant medicine. By examining the inflammatory responses and cellular interactions that occur during and after transplantation, the research seeks to identify potential targets for improving transplant success rates. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better management strategies for heart transplant recipients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved outcomes for heart transplant patients by minimizing rejection episodes and enhancing graft survival.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding immune responses in transplant settings can lead to significant advancements in transplant medicine, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.

Where this research is happening

  • Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
    Cleveland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Koritzinsky, Erik Harrison — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
  • Study coordinator: Koritzinsky, Erik Harrison

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.