What we do
Why this project matters
A kidney transplant is the best treatment for patients with kidney failure, but a donor kidney does not last forever. Some patients eventually need another transplant, which increases pressure on the waiting list for donor kidneys. PERSIMMON aims to extend the lifespan of transplanted kidneys.Personalized immunosuppression
The project focuses on improving treatment after kidney transplantation by tailoring immunosuppressive therapy to the individual patient. This personalized approach is intended to better maintain kidney function and reduce the risk of rejection and long-term damage.Interdisciplinary approach
PERSIMMON takes an interdisciplinary approach to develop tools and insights that support personalized, effective and sustainable transplant care. The project combines biological research, clinical prediction, diagnostics, decision-support and stakeholder perspectives.Funding and collaboration
The project is funded by the NWO KIC call ‘One kidney for life’ and involves collaboration between Erasmus MC, UMC Groningen, Radboud UMC, Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, and Erasmus Centre for Health Economics.Understanding rejection mechanisms
PERSIMMON aims to increase understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying T cell–mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) after kidney transplantation.Understanding kidney damage
The project also improves knowledge of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and individual susceptibility to calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-induced nephrotoxicity, both of which may affect long-term transplant outcomes.Prediction and monitoring
Another focus is the development of clinical prediction models for TCMR and ABMR, as well as novel diagnostic and monitoring assays for rejection and immunosuppressive therapy. These tools can support earlier detection and more precise treatment.Decision support and adherence
The project also develops decision-support tools for personalized anti-rejection treatment and explores stakeholder perspectives on personalized immunosuppression, including interventions to reduce nonadherence.Improving outcomes
PERSIMMON identifies the most promising research areas for improving graft survival, quality of life and cost efficiency in personalized immunosuppression.
The project is funded by the NWO Knowledge and Innovation Covenant (KIC) call ‘One kidney for life’
Internal Medicine, Pharmacy
UMC Groningen, Radboud UMC, Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Dennis A. Hesselink, M.D., Ph.D., Internist nephrologist
- Emma K. Massey, Ph.D., Psychologist
- Martin Hoogduijn, Ph.D.
- Sebastiaan Heidt, Ph.D.
- Karin Boer, Ph.D.
- Brenda C.M. de Winter, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
- Liset H.M. Pengel, Ph.D.
- Michiel G.H. Betjes, M.D., Ph.D., Internist nephrologist
- Emma K. Massey, Ph.D., Psychologist
- Martin Hoogduijn, Ph.D.
- Sebastiaan Heidt, Ph.D.
- Karin Boer, Ph.D.
- Brenda C.M. de Winter, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
- Liset H.M. Pengel, Ph.D.
- Michiel G.H. Betjes, M.D., Ph.D., Internist nephrologist
