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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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UPMC
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, United States