Using engineered T cells to help kidney transplant patients with antibody issues
Autologous chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cell immunotherapy for desensitization in patients awaiting kidney transplantation
This study is looking at a new way to help people with kidney transplants who have certain antibodies that can make the surgery less successful, by using special cells to reduce those antibodies and improve transplant outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092328 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving kidney transplantation outcomes for patients who have developed pre-existing anti-HLA antibodies, which can hinder successful transplants. The approach involves using engineered T cells to specifically target and deplete the memory B cells and plasma cells responsible for these antibodies. By reducing these allo-antibodies, the research aims to create a more favorable environment for kidney transplantation. Patients will be monitored throughout the process to assess the effectiveness of this innovative therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients awaiting kidney transplantation who have been identified as having pre-existing anti-HLA antibodies.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have anti-HLA antibodies or those who are not on the kidney transplant waitlist may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the chances of successful kidney transplants for patients with high levels of anti-HLA antibodies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research using engineered T cell therapies has shown promise in treating B cell malignancies, suggesting potential success for this novel application in kidney transplantation.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naji, Ali — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Naji, Ali
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.