Understanding how T cells affect heart transplant success in monkeys
Official title: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targeting of T cell Regulation in Heart Allograft Recipient Monkeys
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11051269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called memory T cells affect the rejection of heart transplants in monkeys, with the goal of finding better treatments to help keep transplanted hearts healthy for longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $717,706 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI177308-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051269 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone heart transplantation and are at risk of chronic rejection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received a heart transplant or those with conditions unrelated to transplant rejection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific T cells in the rejection of heart transplants in monkeys. It focuses on how certain immune cells, known as memory T cells, contribute to chronic rejection and the challenges posed by long-term immunosuppression. The study aims to explore the mechanisms behind these immune responses and evaluate potential therapies that could improve graft survival. By using advanced techniques, the researchers hope to identify ways to enhance the effectiveness of adoptive T cell therapies in preventing rejection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing heart transplant rejection, enhancing patient outcomes and graft survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using adoptive T cell therapies for transplant rejection, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ezzelarab, Mohamed B — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ezzelarab, Mohamed B
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.