CRISPR-Edited HLA Donor Kidney Transplant to Reduce Rejection Risk
This clinical trial investigates the transplantation of donor kidneys that have been genetically modified ex vivo using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to reduce immunogenicity and transplant rejection. Donor kidney grafts will have key human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes disrupted - specifically, knockout of HLA class I heavy chains HLA-A and HLA-B, along with disabling HLA class II expression by targeting the CIITA gene (a master regulator of HLA-DR/DQ/DP). Approximately 90 adult end-stage renal disease patients will receive a CRISPR-edited donor kidney transplant. The primary objectives are to a