Suppressing rejection of kidney transplant with own immune cells

Brenda Raud, from the research group of Derk Amsen, is investigating how genetically modified immune cells can be used to prevent rejection of kidney transplants.

Most immune cells protect us from infectious diseases. One specific type of immune cell, however, keeps the immune system in control to ensure that our immune system does not attack our own body. These are known as Tregs, regulatory T cells They protect us from autoimmune diseases, and can be used therapeutically to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant.

Cellular therapy

With a contribution from the Sanquin Research Fund, Brenda Raud aims to use Tregs to develop a cellular therapy for patients who have received a new kidney. The idea is to multiply Tregs in the lab and genetically modify the cells so that they bind to the kidneys and only do their protective work there. This therapy would prevent the need for lifelong treatment with immune suppressive drugs, which make patients very susceptible to infections.

With the grant, Brenda developed an innovative technology to genetically modify the Tregs by using CRISPR-Cas9, molecular scissors. The next step includes investigating which characteristics of the kidney are important and specific for recognition and binding by the Tregs. This work is done in collaboration with kidney specialists from the Amsterdam UMC. In parallel, research will be done into how Tregs can be used to counteract autoimmune diseases.