Ongoing Research Studies:

Current translational research studies include:

• “Improvements in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Efficiency through Modulation of the Mechanisms Governing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Trafficking” The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of the involvement of CD26 in the trafficking of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells into the bone marrow during transplantation in order to design new methods of improving clinical transplant efficiency. This project is supported by a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Translational Research Award.

• “CD26 Inhibition as a Method of Improving Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Efficiency” The purpose of this study is to examine whether inhibition of CD26 in the transplant recipient can improve the transplant efficiency. This project is supported by an American Association of Blood Banks: National Blood Foundation Scientific Research Grant.

• “Cytokine Induced CD26 Modulation of Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Trafficking” The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent cytokine treatments used in existing and future clinical protocols negatively affect stem cell trafficking, to ascertain whether this effect results from changes in CD26, and to evaluate our ability to improve transplant efficiency of donor cells previously exposed to cytokines through the use of CD26 inhibitors. This project is supported by a Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Award (R21) from the NIH-National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

• “Umbilical Cord Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplant Therapies” The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells derived from the Wharton’s Jelly of umbilical cord segments to support the ex vivo expansion of cord blood Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells. This project is supported by an American Association of Cancer Research - Gertrude B. Elion Cancer Research Award.

Approved Protocols (IRB)

• IRB Number: 07032374
  Principal Investigator: Kent Christopherson
  Project Title: Stem Cell Therapeutic Strategies for Severe Hematologic Disease

• IRB Number: 07031501
  Principal Investigator: Kent Christopherson
  Project Title: Studies of Mechanisms Governing Stem Cell Trafficking

• IRB Number: CLL 2006-01
  Principal Investigator: Melissa Larson
  Project Title: The Composition of the Innate Immune System in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

• IRB Number: 2007061101
  Principal Investigator: Kent Christopherson
  Project Title: The Composition of the Innate Immune System in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Companion Study

• IRB Number: CLL-2007-01
  Principal Investigator: Melissa Larson
  Project Title: Data Repository for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients

For more information on care for hematology and blood disorders at Rush, visit the Hematology Programs home page.

For more information on stem cell and bone marrow transplantation at Rush visit the Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Center home page.