Using engineered T cells to help kidney transplant patients with antibody issues
Official title: Autologous chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cell immunotherapy for desensitization in patients awaiting kidney transplantation
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11092328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 20, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $4,303,502 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI163087-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients awaiting kidney transplantation who have been identified as having pre-existing anti-HLA antibodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anti-HLA antibodies or those who are not on the kidney transplant waitlist may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naji, Ali — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Naji, Ali
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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.