What makes T cells accept or reject transplanted organs
Determinants of T Cell Fate in Transplantation Tolerance
This project looks at signals that tell immune cells whether to attack or tolerate donated organs in transplant patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172591 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would learn how researchers are trying to stop the immune system from rejecting transplanted organs by studying memory CD8+ T cells that resist standard immunosuppression. The team combines experiments in mice and non-human primates with analysis of human blood and data from a prior clinical trial to focus on a receptor called FcγRIIB and a cytokine called Fgl2. They will map the molecular chain, including SHIP1, that leads these T cells to survive or die. The work aims to identify targets that could one day help protect your transplant without lifelong high-dose immune suppression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have received or are awaiting an organ transplant, especially those with signs of immune-mediated rejection or evidence of memory CD8+ T cell activity.
Not a fit: People without a transplant or whose rejection risk is not driven by memory CD8+ T cells are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that reduce organ rejection and allow transplant patients to need less long-term immunosuppression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and early human work indicate FcγRIIB can regulate CD8+ T cells, but the specific pathway involving Fgl2 and SHIP1 is largely novel and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Mandy L — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Ford, Mandy L
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 below.