Using nanoparticles to remove donor-specific antibodies from blood

Donor-specific Anti-human Leukocyte Antigen Antibodies (DSA) Re-moval From Patient Blood Using Functionalized Nanoparticles - an ex Vivo Feasibility and Proof of Principle Study

Observational University of Zurich · NCT04277377

This study is testing a new way to use tiny magnetic particles to remove harmful antibodies from the blood of kidney failure patients to improve their chances of successful kidney transplants.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich, ZH)
Trial IDNCT04277377 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project focuses on developing a novel method to remove donor-specific antibodies (DSA) from the blood of patients with kidney failure using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-coated magnetic nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are engineered to capture DSA ex vivo, allowing for their removal through magnetic separation while aiming to keep the blood components unaffected. The study will assess the efficacy and safety of this approach, particularly its interaction with other blood components to ensure no adverse inflammatory responses occur. This innovative technique represents a new strategy in managing antibody-mediated complications in kidney transplantation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who have detectable donor-specific antibodies in their blood.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unable to follow study procedures due to psychological or social conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could significantly improve outcomes for kidney transplant patients by effectively removing harmful antibodies from their blood.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of nanoparticles in medical applications is promising, this specific approach to removing donor-specific antibodies is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* DSA in the blood as detected by Luminex®
* Adults (\>18 years old)
* Informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, due to language problems, psychological disorders, social conditions or dementia
* Pregnancy and/or breast feeding
* Unwillingness to participate in this study

Where this trial is running

Zurich, ZH

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Kidney FailurePresence of Donor Specific AntibodiesDonor specific antibodiesKidney transplantationCoated nanoparticles
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.