NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using vaccine-induced immunity from stem cell donors to protect transplant recipients from virus reactivation

Official title: Transfer of vaccine-induced immunity from immunocompetent stem cell donor as antiviral immunotherapy to protect high-risk transplant recipients from cytomegalovirus reactivation

Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11094840 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at whether giving stem cell transplant patients cells from donors who have been vaccinated against cytomegalovirus (CMV) can help keep them safe from getting sick from this virus after their transplant.

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Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeckman Research Institute/city of Hope
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Duarte, United States)
Project startMay 2, 2023
Project endApril 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$648,910
NIH project number5R01CA266783-03
Project IDNIH-11094840 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are high-risk transplant recipients, particularly those receiving stem cells from vaccinated donors.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not undergoing stem cell transplantation or those who do not have a risk of CMV reactivation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how transferring immunity from vaccinated stem cell donors can help protect high-risk transplant recipients from cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. The approach involves vaccinating the stem cell donors with a modified vaccine that targets CMV, which has shown promising results in preliminary studies. By enhancing the immune response in donors, the goal is to improve outcomes for transplant recipients who are at risk of developing CMV-related complications. Patients participating in this research may receive stem cells from vaccinated donors, potentially leading to better protection against CMV.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of CMV reactivation in transplant recipients, improving their overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar approaches, particularly in enhancing immunity through vaccination in transplant settings.

Where this research is happening

  • Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
    Duarte, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Diamond, Don J — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
  • Study coordinator: Diamond, Don J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.