Using blood biomarkers to improve liver transplant immunosuppression
Official title: Utility of Biomarkers of Rejection and Kidney Injury in Tailoring Liver Transplant Immunosuppression
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10888310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain blood tests can help doctors create personalized treatment plans for people who have received a liver transplant, making it easier to prevent rejection and protect kidney health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,686,033 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI163081-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone a liver transplant and are currently receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a liver transplant or those who are not on immunosuppressive therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how blood biomarkers can help tailor immunosuppressive therapy for liver transplant recipients. By analyzing these biomarkers, the study aims to identify patients at risk of rejection or kidney injury, allowing for personalized treatment plans. The approach involves a multi-center clinical trial where blood samples will be collected and analyzed over time to monitor changes in biomarker levels. This could lead to better management of immunosuppression and improved patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized immunosuppressive therapies for liver transplant patients, reducing the risk of rejection and kidney injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using biomarkers for managing immunosuppression in transplant patients, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levitsky, Josh — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Levitsky, Josh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biomarkers to tailor liver transplant immunosuppression
A multi-center study using blood biomarkers to guide how immunosuppressive drugs are given to liver transplant patients.
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Using blood biomarkers to guide immunosuppression after liver transplant
This project uses regular blood biomarker checks to help doctors personalize immunosuppression for people who have had a liver transplant to reduce rejection and protect the kidneys.
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Biomarker-guided reduction of immunosuppression after liver transplant
A multicenter trial tests whether using blood biomarkers to guide tapering of immunosuppression in adults with liver transplants can keep people healthy while lowering drug exposure.
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Improving liver transplant success by targeting immune cells in donor livers
This study is looking at a new way to improve liver transplants by changing certain immune cells in the liver before it's transplanted, which could help prevent the body from rejecting the new liver, making it better for patients who need a transplant.
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Using miRNA profiles to improve immunosuppression management in liver transplant patients
This study is looking at how certain tiny molecules in your blood can help doctors better manage the medications you take after a liver transplant, making sure your body doesn’t reject the new organ while reducing side effects.
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Innate and Adaptive Immunoregulation in Liver Transplant Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
A liver transplant-focused project investigates how the body’s early and later immune responses affect transplant failure or success after reperfusion.
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.