Using peptides to enhance immune regulation in heart transplants
Official title: Peptide-dependent mobilization of CD8 regulatory cells in cardiac transplantation
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10910998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain tiny proteins can help boost the immune system's ability to protect transplanted hearts in patients, with the hope of finding new ways to improve heart transplant success and keep them healthy for longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $661,493 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI165870-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing heart transplantation who are at risk for antibody-mediated graft rejection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing heart transplantation or those with other types of organ transplants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific peptides can mobilize CD8 regulatory T cells to help control the immune response in heart transplant patients. By understanding the mechanisms that lead to antibody-mediated graft rejection, the study aims to develop new treatment strategies that could improve the survival of transplanted hearts. The approach involves using synthetic peptides to activate these regulatory T cells, which may help reduce harmful immune responses and prolong graft survival. Patients may benefit from this innovative method that targets the immune system more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved long-term outcomes for heart transplant patients by reducing the risk of graft rejection.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using immune modulation strategies in transplantation, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azzi, Jamil — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Azzi, Jamil
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.