Understanding how T cells contribute to complications after stem cell transplants
Official title: Mechanisms and consequences of T cell inflammasome activation in Graft-Versus Host Disease
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-10684330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called T cells behave after a stem cell transplant and how they might contribute to a condition called Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), with the goal of finding better ways to prevent or treat this serious complication for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171879-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10684330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are receiving hematopoietic cell transplants for conditions such as cancers or genetic immunodeficiencies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing hematopoietic cell transplants or those with conditions unrelated to GVHD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of T cells in Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), a serious complication that can occur after hematopoietic cell transplants. The study focuses on how donor CD8 T cells become activated and the mechanisms that prevent their death, which may worsen GVHD. By examining the activation of specific proteins and pathways in these T cells, the researchers aim to uncover ways to mitigate GVHD and improve patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments or preventive strategies for GVHD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients undergoing stem cell transplants, reducing the incidence and severity of GVHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting T cell activation pathways can lead to improved outcomes in GVHD, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campbell, Edward M — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Campbell, Edward M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
-
Microbiome-based therapy for treatment-refractory GVHD after stem cell transplant
A microbiome-based therapy is being developed to help people who have graft-versus-host disease that doesn’t respond to standard treatments after a stem cell transplant.
-
Role of altered mitochondria in preventing GVHD after stem cell transplant
This NIH grant explores how damaged mitochondria released during pre-transplant conditioning may trigger graft-versus-host disease and tests ways to fix mitochondrial dynamics to prevent GVHD.
-
Fecal transplant plus fiber to treat graft-versus-host disease after blood stem cell transplant
A study to see if giving fecal transplant along with dietary fiber helps gut health and reduces complications in patients who have received a stem cell transplant and developed graft-versus-host disease.
-
Using medium-chain fatty acids and a fat-sensing receptor to treat chronic graft-versus-host disease
This project looks at whether changing medium‑chain fatty acids or blocking a fat sensor called GPR84 can help people with chronic graft‑versus‑host disease after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant.
-
Microbiome-based oral therapy for gut GVHD after stem cell transplant
Researchers are testing an oral live Biotherapeutic Product to help the gut microbiome improve graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplant patients.
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.