Why HLA-DQ triggers immune attacks after organ transplants
The immunogenicity and pathogenicity of HLA-DQ in solid organ transplantation
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11134561
This project looks at why a specific immune protein called HLA-DQ causes more antibody attacks on transplanted organs and what that means for transplant patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11134561 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I'm a transplant patient, this work tries to explain why antibodies against donor HLA-DQ cause more rejection than other similar proteins (HLA-DR and HLA-DP). Researchers will compare how these HLA class II proteins interact with the immune system using patient-derived samples, laboratory studies of immune cells, and detailed molecular analyses. They plan to map which HLA-DQ mismatches are harmless versus those that trigger dangerous antibody responses. The goal is to develop clearer rules for matching donors and recipients to lower the risk my transplanted organ will be attacked.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have received or are awaiting a solid organ transplant, especially those with mismatched HLA-DQ or unexplained antibody responses.
Not a fit: Patients without a transplant, those whose rejection is driven by non-HLA factors, or those already well-matched to donors may not see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help clinicians match donors and recipients more safely and reduce antibody-mediated transplant rejection.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical observations have shown HLA-DQ antibodies are common and harmful after transplants, but detailed mechanistic studies like this are relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TAMBUR, ANAT R. — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: TAMBUR, ANAT R.
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.