Could a cell infusion free liver transplant patients from lifelong drugs?
NCT ID NCT03164265
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether an infusion of special immune cells (regulatory dendritic cells) from the donor could help liver transplant recipients safely reduce their anti-rejection medications. Sixteen low-risk patients received the cell infusion a week before transplant, then followed a gradual drug-weaning schedule over a year. The goal was to see if some patients could achieve 'operational tolerance'—meaning their body accepts the new liver without needing long-term immunosuppression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Regulatory donor-derived dendritic cells (DCreg)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could allow some liver transplant recipients to reduce or stop taking lifelong anti-rejection drugs, improving quality of life and reducing side effects.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase study with only 16 participants, so results may not apply broadly. There is a risk of organ rejection or serious infection if immunosuppression is reduced too much.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
UPMC
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Could a single infusion of 'Trainer' cells free liver transplant patients from lifelong drugs?