Understanding immune responses in heart transplant complications
Official title: Functional significance of plasma cell infiltrates of human cardiac allograft vasculopathy
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11129152 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called plasma cells affect heart transplant complications, and it aims to find new ways to help patients by understanding these cells better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $642,056 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI176507-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129152 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 experiencing or at risk for cardiac allograft vasculopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart transplant or those without signs of cardiac allograft vasculopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of immune cells, specifically plasma cells, in cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), a major complication following heart transplantation. By analyzing the genetic makeup and functions of these plasma cells, the study aims to uncover how they contribute to the disease process. Patients' graft tissues will be examined using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and antibody analysis to identify specific immune responses. The ultimate goal is to develop new treatment strategies based on these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients experiencing complications after heart transplantation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in transplant patients, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zorn, Emmanuel — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zorn, Emmanuel
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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.