Using engineered T cells to improve organ transplant success
Official title: Use of allogeneic pMHCII-based 5MCAR-CTLs to eliminate alloreactive lymphocytes in transplant
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11056793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help organ transplant patients by using specially designed immune cells to target and remove the harmful cells that can cause their new organ to be rejected, with the hope of making transplants more successful and reducing the need for long-term medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,708 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183310-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing organ transplantation who are at risk for acute graft versus host disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing organ transplantation or those with conditions unrelated to graft rejection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing organ transplantation outcomes by developing a novel approach that uses engineered T cells to specifically target and eliminate harmful immune cells that can cause organ rejection. The study aims to create a new type of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (5MCAR-CTL) that can selectively suppress alloreactive CD4+ T cells, which are responsible for acute graft versus host disease. By employing advanced cellular engineering techniques, the research seeks to provide a more effective and durable immunosuppression strategy, potentially reducing the need for lifelong broad immunosuppressive therapies. Patients may benefit from this innovative approach, which aims to improve transplant success rates and reduce complications associated with current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for preventing organ rejection, improving transplant outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered T cells for targeted immunotherapy, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morris, Gerald Patrick — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Morris, Gerald Patrick
Related research
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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.