Using MRI to track immune cell behavior in organ transplant patients
Official title: Magnetic resonance imaging methods to track Treg distribution and homing for clinical applications
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11195514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how MRI can help doctors see and track special immune cells called Tregs in patients who have received organ transplants, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent organ rejection and improve care for transplant recipients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 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 11, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,818 |
| NIH project number | 5R03EB035177-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have received a solid organ transplant and are at risk of organ rejection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone organ transplantation or those who are not at risk of rejection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to visualize the distribution and movement of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation. By tracking these immune cells, the study aims to improve understanding of how Tregs can help prevent organ rejection, which is a common complication after transplant surgery. The approach focuses on developing imaging techniques that are safe and effective, allowing clinicians to monitor the effectiveness of Treg therapies in real-time. This could lead to better management of immunosuppression and improved outcomes for transplant recipients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for preventing organ rejection in transplant patients, enhancing their quality of life and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using imaging techniques to monitor immune responses, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chapelin, Fanny — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Chapelin, Fanny
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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.