Vaccine-based antiviral protection for high-risk transplant recipients against CMV relapse
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-11310203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused approach uses a CMV vaccine given to stem cell donors to help protect transplant recipients from cytomegalovirus reactivation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | May 2, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $646,643 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266783-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation who could receive stem cells from a vaccinated donor and are at risk for CMV reactivation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a CMV risk or without a donor eligible for vaccination may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project explores giving a specially designed CMV vaccine to healthy stem cell donors before transplantation to kickstart the recipient’s immune defense. The idea is to create CMV-protective immunity in the donor cells so recipients have fewer CMV infections after transplant, potentially reducing need for antiviral drugs. The study builds on previous safety data and early trials showing the vaccine can generate strong immune responses and lower CMV reactivation, with the aim of improving survival and recovery for transplant patients. Participation would involve donors and recipients in coordinated clinical processes at participating centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this strategy could substantially lower CMV infections and related complications in transplant patients, improving outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous vaccine and donor-transfer studies showed reduced CMV reactivation and favorable immune reconstitution signals in early trials.
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
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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.