Using immune cells to treat fibrosis and inflammation in systemic sclerosis
Official title: Cellular Immunotherapy to Combat Fibrosis and Inflammation in Systemic Sclerosis
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-10851816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for systemic sclerosis that uses specially designed immune cells to target and remove harmful cells causing inflammation and scarring, with the hope of making life better for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $204,948 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178651-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10851816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis who are experiencing significant fibrosis and inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with systemic sclerosis who do not have significant fibrosis or those with other unrelated autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment for systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that causes severe inflammation and fibrosis in various organs. The approach focuses on targeting specific immune cells known as pro-fibrotic macrophages using engineered T cells, which are designed to eliminate these harmful cells. By administering these specialized T cells, the researchers aim to reduce fibrosis in the skin and lungs, potentially improving patient outcomes. The study will assess the effectiveness of this treatment in a preclinical model before considering human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking therapy that significantly reduces fibrosis and improves the quality of life for patients with systemic sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of CAR T cell therapy is a novel approach in this context, similar immunotherapy strategies have shown promise in treating other autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pioli, Patricia a. — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Pioli, Patricia a.
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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.