A Phase 1/2, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study to Evaluate the Safety, Immunogenicity Reduction, Transplant Function, and Feasibility of Ex Vivo CRISPR-Cas9 Gene-Edited Donor Liver Transplantation Targeting HLA Class I (HLA-A, HLA-B) and Class II (Via CIITA) Genes.
This early-phase clinical trial will assess the use of ex vivo CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing on donor liver grafts to reduce immunogenicity before transplantation. Donor livers will have HLA-A and HLA-B genes knocked out, and HLA class II expression disabled (by targeting the CIITA transactivator gene), aiming to create a hypoimmunogenic organ less prone to rejection. The edited liver is then transplanted into patients with end-stage liver disease. The primary focus is on safety and feasibility - determining whether a CRISPR-edited liver can be transplanted successfully and function normally - as well as evaluating reductions in immune response (acute rejection, anti-donor T cell activation) and graft function over time.
• Adults aged 16-85 (inclusive) with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure who are eligible for liver transplantation.
• Require a liver transplant and have been allocated a donor liver graft (from a deceased donor) that will be used in the study after gene editing.
• No immediately available fully HLA-matched donor (since the study targets patients who would otherwise receive an HLA-mismatched organ; standard allocation generally does not consider HLA matching for liver, so most patients will qualify).
• Medically suitable for transplant surgery and able to tolerate standard immunosuppressive therapy (no contraindications to transplant such as uncontrolled infection or other active serious disease that would preclude surgery).
• Informed Consent: Able to understand the investigational nature of the trial and provide written informed consent. Patients (and their legal representatives if applicable) must consent to the use of a genetically modified organ and to long-term follow-up including multiple biopsies and immune monitoring.
• Willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of follow-up (including frequent monitoring visits).