UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

Defining Impact of Immunosuppression on T cell Function and Epigenetics in Kidney
Transplantation

Use of lymphodepleting induction therapy such as antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is a common
strategy used to prevent rejection after kidney transplantation. However, its use is limited by
increased frequency of infection and cancer, especially in older patients. Higher doses of
maintenance immunosuppression are also associated with increased infection risk. In this
project we aim to apply a powerful approach to dissect the impact of induction and
maintenance immunosuppression at the epigenetic, gene expression, and T cell functional level
to develop tools individualization of immunosuppression.

Principal Investigator: Joanna Schaenman
Awarded: March 2025
Duration: 24 months
Amount of Award: $150,000