Understanding Notch Signals in Transplant Rejection
Notch Signaling in Alloimmunity
This research looks at how a specific cell communication pathway, called Notch signaling, contributes to graft-versus-host disease in patients receiving stem cell transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11095839 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When patients receive a stem cell transplant, their new immune cells can sometimes attack their own body, a serious condition called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Our work explores how a communication system called Notch signaling plays a key role in these attacking immune cells. We found that blocking Notch signals in these cells could protect against GVHD in laboratory models. Specifically, we are focusing on blocking certain parts of the Notch system, like Dll1/4, with special antibodies to prevent GVHD without causing widespread side effects. We also discovered that specific support cells in the body are crucial for providing these Notch signals, and that blocking these signals early after a transplant can offer long-lasting protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have undergone or are preparing for an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and are at risk for graft-versus-host disease would be the focus of future applications of this research.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation or those with conditions unrelated to graft-versus-host disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or significantly reduce the severity of graft-versus-host disease in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon initial findings in mouse models that demonstrated a critical role for Notch signaling in GVHD, suggesting a promising new therapeutic target.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pear, Warren S — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Pear, Warren S
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 below.