The Organ transplantation research institute have been actively conducting organ transplant studies in a variety of fields, from basic transplantation immunology studies to new transplantation technologies such as immunomodulation, new drug development and xenotransplantation through using small animal and primate transplantation models and clinical trials.
1. Basic research of transplant immunology
In Korea, unique transplantation immunology studies are carried out in cooperation with basic and clinical medical researchers. We are conducting research on mechanism and regulation of ischemia-reperfusion injury by using small animal skin, pancreatic islet, heart and kidney transplantation model, and research on mechanism and regulation of cell mediated and antibody mediated rejection.
Participating members : Chung Gyu Park, Dong-Sup Lee, Kyeong Cheon Jung, Youn Soo Choi, Young Ho Suh, Jae-Il Lee, Jaeseok Yang
2. Development of immune modulating new drugs
By using the results of the basic transplantation immunology research, we have developed a novel immunomodulation technique, conducted nonclinical studies using the primate transplantation model, performed clinical trials for the development of new drugs and new medical technologies. Our goal is to conduct a one-stop study in collaboration with the clinical trial center, all conducted at the organ transplant research institute of Seoul National University hospital. We have successfully developed new antibody drugs such as MD-3 (anti-ICAM-1) and complement component 5 inhibitors and are currently developing new cell therapy drugs.
Participating members : Junho Chung, Kyeong Cheon Jung
3. Research for Xenotransplantation
In the xenotransplantation of pancreas and cornea, We have accomplished international competitiveness as a world leader in small animal and primate experiments, and we are now preparing clinical trials. We are moving beyond xenotransplantation of cells and tissues to develop sterile transgenic pigs and developing techniques in xenotransplantation of solid organ
Participating members : Curie Ahn, Chung Gyu Park, Kyeong Cheon Jung, Mee Kum Kim, Byeong Cheol Kang, Jae-Il Lee
4. Intervention Research by using specimen from transplanted patients
We are actively conducting biomarker studies using genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics as tools for diagnosis of rejection of transplantation or for predicting prognosis of transplant organs.
Participating members : Jongwon Ha, Jaeseok Yang
5. Pharmacokinetic clinical study of organ transplant patients
We are developing patient-tailored immunosuppression technology through pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic studies and pharmacogenomics studies of immunosuppressants that are important for medical treatment of organ transplant patients.
Participating members : Jongwon Ha