Laura Donadeu, a postdoctoral researcher in the Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), has been awarded the Young Investigator Award 2026 by the American Society of Transplantation.

The award-winning study, entitled Impact of Daratumumab Rescue Therapy on Peripheral-Blood and Graft-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Kidney Transplant Antibody-Mediated Rejection, investigates the effects of a novel therapeutic strategy for antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation, one of the leading causes of graft loss.

The research examines the impact of daratumumab, an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, on the different immune cell populations present in both peripheral blood and transplanted kidney tissue. To characterize the immune response, the researchers applied advanced analytical technologies: spectral flow cytometry to study circulating immune cells and an innovative multiplex immunofluorescence platform (MACSima) to analyze the cellular composition of kidney tissue in great detail.

This study represents the first integrated characterization of the effects of anti-CD38 therapy across the two immune compartments, peripheral blood and the transplanted graft, in the context of antibody-mediated rejection. Combining these high-dimensional technologies provides a comprehensive view of the immune response and yields more detailed insights than conventional approaches.

"By combining spectral flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence, we were able to study the immune response in both peripheral blood and the transplanted kidney in an integrated manner, providing a much more comprehensive picture than conventional techniques. This knowledge helps us better understand how the treatment works and may contribute to the development of more effective and personalized therapies," says Laura Donadeu.

Recognition of research excellence

The Young Investigator Award 2026, presented by the American Society of Transplantation, recognizes scientific excellence and the contributions of early-career researchers in the field of transplantation. In addition to the academic distinction, the award provides support to facilitate recipients' participation in and presentation of their work at the society's annual congress.

The study was presented at the American Transplant Congress, held in Boston from June 20 to 24, 2026, one of the world's leading international scientific meetings in the field of transplantation.

This award represents an important boost for kidney transplantation research and highlights the value of innovation, advanced technologies, and multidisciplinary collaboration in improving the future of transplant patients.