NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how specific immune cells affect kidney transplant rejection

Official title: The novel role of HLA-E restricted CD8 regulatory T cells in kidney allograft rejection

Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10886488 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a special kind of immune cell can help prevent the body from rejecting kidney transplants, with the goal of finding new ways to make transplanted kidneys last longer and work better for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJuly 12, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$663,196
NIH project number5R01AI173307-02
Project IDNIH-10886488 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have received a kidney transplant and are at risk of antibody-mediated rejection.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not undergone kidney transplantation or those with other types of organ transplants may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a specific type of immune cell, known as CD8 regulatory T cells, in controlling antibody-mediated rejection of kidney transplants. By focusing on how these cells interact with T follicular helper cells, which are crucial for B cell differentiation, the study aims to develop new strategies to improve long-term kidney transplant outcomes. The researchers will explore the mechanisms by which these CD8 Tregs regulate immune responses and potentially prevent graft loss. This work could lead to innovative therapies that enhance the survival of transplanted kidneys.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve the survival rates of kidney transplants.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune regulation in transplantation, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Azzi, Jamil — Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Azzi, Jamil

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.