Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end stage renal disease yet many transplant recipients still suffer from rejection and the side effects of immunosuppressive medications. Transplantation tolerance has the potential to eliminate the need for chronic immunosuppression and avoid their attendant side effects thereby improving the health and well-being of transplant recipients. Developing successful approaches to induce transplant tolerance has the potential to improve countless patients’ lives along with significantly decreasing the societal burden of end-stage organ disease.
Collaborators: Dr. Mandy L Ford, PhD;
Dr. Andrew B Adams, MD/PhD; Dr. Bernhard Hering, MD/PhD; Dr. Christian P Larsen MD/DPhil
U19AI174966: Advancing Transplantation Tolerance in Nonhuman Primates
Optimizing strategies for immune tolerance
Xenotransplantation is a potential solution to the shortage of available organs for patients in need of renal transplantation, but the contribution of NK cells in xenotransplantation is understudied. In this study, we propose to investigate NK cell activation in a translational pig-to-nonhuman primate in vivo model of renal xenotransplantation as well as the effects of targeting NK cells with anti- CD16. Finally, we will identify additional targets of NK cell activation using an ex vivo new approach methodology of coculturing porcine pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids with human NK cells.
R01AI196026: Investigating the NK Cell Response in a Preclinical Model of Nonhuman Primate Renal Xenotransplantation
Investigating the role of NK cells in xenotransplantation
Following liver transplantation, liver allografts can be protective of other solid organ allografts but the mechanisms underlying this immune regulation are unclear. Tissue resident liver lymphocytes are known to be phenotypically distinct from those in peripheral circulation. We aim to investigate the immune regulation that occurs between tissue-resident cells within donor-derived liver allografts and the peripherally circulating cells of recipients which underly protective remodeling mechanisms of the immune system.
Reciprocal remodeling of tissue-resident and circulating cells in liver transplantation
Translating novel therapies in preclinical models of transplantation
Our laboratory utilizes a highly translational platform for industry partners seeking a true bench-to-bedside partnership for preclinical testing of assets prior to FDA approval.
Clinical outcomes research in transplantation
We have ample opportunities for clinical outcomes research.