CRISPR-Edited HLA Donor Kidney Transplant to Reduce Rejection Risk

The donor kidney is treated outside the body with CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes targeting the genes HLA-A, HLA-B, and CIITA. This genetic intervention knocks out HLA-A/B on donor cells and disables expression of HLA-DR, -DQ, -DP by disrupting CIITA (essential for class II antigen presentation). The goal is to create a transplanted organ with greatly reduced immunogenic surface proteins. (This is a one-time genetic manipulation applied to the donor organ prior to transplantation; no direct gene therapy is given to the patient's own cells.)

After gene editing, the donor kidney is implanted into the recipient in a surgical transplant procedure. Standard peri-operative care is provided. All patients will receive standard immunosuppressive therapy post-transplant (such as tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone, per center protocol) to prevent rejection, though the regimen may be tailored based on the edited graft's expected lower immunogenicity. Patients will be hospitalized for transplant and monitored closely during the immediate post-op period, then followed in clinic frequently for transplant aftercare.