Using dendritic cell therapy to prevent graft-vs-host disease after stem cell transplants
Official title: Dendritic cell therapy for GvHD
Funded at Hasentech, INC. · NIH-11085095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help prevent graft-vs-host disease (GvHD) after stem cell transplants by using a special probiotic to help the body’s immune cells work better, which could lead to fewer complications and better recovery for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hasentech, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 7, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $298,956 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI179340-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085095 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who are at risk for developing graft-vs-host disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing stem cell transplants or those who have already developed severe GvHD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to prevent graft-vs-host disease (GvHD), a serious complication that can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The team is exploring the use of a probiotic exopolysaccharide to create tolerogenic dendritic cells that can inhibit harmful T cell activity. By optimizing this cell-based therapy, the researchers aim to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the incidence of GvHD. The study will also identify specific biomarkers related to the treatment's effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the occurrence of GvHD in patients undergoing stem cell transplants, leading to better survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using dendritic cells in this context is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Hasentech, INC.
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knight, Katherine L. — Hasentech, INC.
- Study coordinator: Knight, Katherine L.
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.