Using engineered T cells to improve organ transplant success

Use of allogeneic pMHCII-based 5MCAR-CTLs to eliminate alloreactive lymphocytes in transplant

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11056793

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11056793 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing organ transplantation who are at risk for acute graft versus host disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing organ transplantation or those with conditions unrelated to graft rejection may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Graft Versus Host Diseaseacute graft vs host diseaseacute graft vs. host disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.