Using specialized immune cells to prevent viral infections in children after stem cell transplants.
Official title: Randomized trial of viral specific T-cell infusion to prevent viral infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11074653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help prevent viral infections in kids who have had a stem cell transplant by using special immune cells from their donor, given three weeks after the transplant, to see if this can keep them healthier compared to the usual treatment that only helps after infections happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $533,505 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI157620-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074653 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing HSCT or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to prevent viral infections in children who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It focuses on using engineered viral specific T-lymphocytes (VSTs) derived from the blood of the child's stem cell donor, administered 21 days after the transplant. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of this scheduled administration of VSTs against the current method, which only treats infections after they occur. By doing so, the research seeks to reduce the incidence of serious viral infections and improve overall patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of viral infections in children after stem cell transplants, leading to better recovery and fewer hospitalizations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches using engineered T-cells for viral infections, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davies, Stella Margaret — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Davies, Stella Margaret
Related research
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Diabetes and Donor Tissue in Corneal Transplants
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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.