Liver Transplant

Research

Basic Research

Dendritic Cells and the Immune Response

UCSF researchers are genetically modifying treelike or dendritic cells, which normally stimulate the activity of T- and B-lymphocytes, to instead inhibit the immune response in mouse models. The modified cells will be administered in conjunction with other immunosuppressive agents, including FTY720 and sirolimus, in an attempt to improve tolerance to transplantation. Researchers also are investigating the use of dendritic cell-based vaccines for the prevention and treatment of mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma.

For information, contact Dr. Sang-Mo Kang at (415) 353-1551.

Monitoring Rejection

Currently, taking a tissue sample or biopsy is the only effective way to diagnose rejection of a transplanted organ. UCSF researchers on the kidney transplant service are working to develop immunologic status tests that correlate well with rejection risk. They also are examining whether the presence of donor-derived DNA in either the blood or urine of kidney transplant recipients correlates with organ rejection or other clinical events.

For information, contact Dr. Ryo Hirose at (415) 353-1551.

Skin Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients

Skin cancer is extremely common in transplant patients. UCSF researchers will correlate a questionnaire-based study of risk factors in transplant patients with a study of genetic changes observed in unaffected skin, premalignant and malignant lesions. This work will be complemented by experiments in genetically engineered mice that have a tendency to develop squamous cell skin cancers.

For information, contact Dr. Ryo Hirose at (415) 353-1551.

Pathophysiology of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

Working in a mouse model, researchers are studying the circulating factor thought to be the causative agent of the common kidney disease, FSGS. A clinical component of this study addresses the use of packed red blood cells (plasmapheresis) in treating FSGS.

For information, contact Dr. Flavio Vincenti (415) 353-1551.

Clinical Research

Transplantation in HIV-Positive Patients

UCSF transplant surgeon Peter Stock has been awarded a $3 million grant to study the feasibility, safety and efficacy of performing solid organ transplants in patients who are stable and infected with HIV. Increasing numbers of HIV-infected people are confronted with end-stage liver and kidney disease, according to Stock. The State of California-funded Phase I pilot study, which will collect data on HIV-positive transplant recipients, is a response to the longer healthier lives that HIV-positive individuals can live with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Researchers will study the effect of HIV on the immune response against transplants, the effect of immunosuppressive drugs on HIV disease, and the complex interactions between immunosuppressive and antiretroviral medications.

For more information, contact Dr. Peter Stock at (415) 353-1551.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007