# Defining Protective CMV Immunity after Transplantation

> **NIH NIH R01** · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · 2024 · $735,894

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a frequent and life-threatening complication that significantly limits the
successful outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell or bone marrow transplantation (referred to hereafter
at BMT). We have recently developed long-desired preclinical (murine) models of CMV reactivation after BMT
and show for the first time, that humoral immunity is critical to prevent viral recrudescence. We now demonstrate
that either the transfer of immune T cells or strain-specific sera (containing IgG antibody) prevents viral
reactivation, viremia, end-organ viral replication and CMV disease during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We
plan to utilize our unique, but well-established preclinical models to define the impact of protective antibody on
the temporal and spatial characteristics of CMV reactivation, dissemination and antigen presentation.
Subsequently we will define the interplay of T cell and humoral responses that are required for the durable control
of CMV reactivation after BMT. Finally, we will develop clinically tractable pathways to enhance CMV immunity
whilst preventing GVHD and associated inflammation, targeting IL-6 inhibition. Our proposed studies will provide
critical insights into the immune requirements for effective and long-term control of CMV in recipients with GVHD
and/or clinically relevant immune suppression and inflammation that will allow us to optimize CMV immunity in
clinical BMT to improve patient outcomes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10778606
- **Project number:** 5R01AI175535-02
- **Recipient organization:** FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Geoffrey Roger HILL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $735,894
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-02-06 → 2028-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10778606

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10778606, Defining Protective CMV Immunity after Transplantation (5R01AI175535-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10778606. Licensed CC0.

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