Using virus-specific T-cells to treat infections after stem cell transplants
Official title: Allogeneic virus-specific T-cell therapy after hematopoietic stem cell transplant: determinants of treatment success and failure
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11174371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells from healthy donors can help children who have had a stem cell transplant fight off certain viral infections, making it easier for their bodies to recover than with regular medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $646,249 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169242-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and are experiencing viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing HSCT or who do not have viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of virus-specific T-cells (VST) to treat infections caused by double-stranded DNA viruses in children who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The approach involves generating T-cells from healthy donors that are specifically targeted against viruses like adenovirus and BK polyomavirus, which are common complications after transplant. These T-cells are then infused into patients to help their immune system fight off these viral infections more effectively than traditional antiviral medications. The study aims to identify factors that influence the success or failure of this treatment, providing insights into optimizing patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with viral infections in pediatric patients after stem cell transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials have shown that virus-specific T-cell therapy is safe and effective for treating viral infections in transplant patients, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rubinstein, Jeremy D — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rubinstein, Jeremy D
Related research
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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.