NIH-funded research R01 grant

Alveolar macrophage development in ARDS

Official title: Alveolar macrophage subset ontogeny and differentiation during ARDS

Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11348147 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Researchers are studying how lung macrophage cells grow and change during acute respiratory distress syndrome to identify new ways to help patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startJune 30, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$686,104
NIH project number5R01HL169265-03
Project IDNIH-11348147 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome or at risk of ARDS who could provide samples or participate in related studies.

Less likely to help

Patients not meeting ARDS criteria or unable to donate samples may not directly benefit from this study.

What this research studies

This project explores how different alveolar macrophage subsets form and function in ARDS and how their origins influence disease outcomes. Using human-relevant data and existing animal models, the study aims to map the development of resident and recruited macrophages and link these patterns to lung injury and repair. The team plans to integrate cellular analyses from patient samples with findings from animal studies to understand potential therapeutic targets. The work could pave the way for treatments that modulate immune cells directly in ARDS patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to improve lung recovery and survival for people with ARDS by targeting specific macrophage populations.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked alveolar macrophage subsets to ARDS outcomes, suggesting that targeting these cells could influence disease course, though human-specific effects need further validation.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Washington
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Morrell, Eric Douglas — University of Washington
  • Study coordinator: Morrell, Eric Douglas

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Coordinating ARDS, Pneumonia, and Sepsis research to improve care

    A national coordinating center helps researchers studying ARDS and related infections work together more efficiently to learn what helps patients recover.

    NIH research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, United States · NIH-11595454

  • Lipid-gene Profiles in Septic ARDS

    A Mayo Clinic team is studying how dysfunctional HDL in sepsis relates to different ARDS patient outcomes, aiming to find features that could guide better treatment.

    NIH research Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · Jacksonville, United States · NIH-11575353

  • Improving blood vessel repair after pediatric ARDS

    Aims to better repair the lungs of children who have ARDS by delivering targeted therapy to lung blood vessels using tiny nanoparticles.

    NIH research University of Arizona · Tucson, United States · NIH-11444432

  • NOX4 links to ARDS risk and progression

    Aims to understand how NOX4-driven cell damage may make some adults with ARDS worse off and how this could lead to earlier, targeted care.

    NIH research Marquette University · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11444021

  • Leading causes of death in alcoholic ARDS patients using clinical data

    This project uses big clinical data and AI to find the main factors that cause death in adults with ARDS who have alcohol use issues, aiming to improve understanding and care.

    NIH research Loyola University Chicago · Maywood, United States · NIH-11442761

  • Targeting aging-related blood vessel injury to prevent ARDS in older lungs

    Aims to find ways to protect lung blood vessels in older adults to prevent dangerous lung swelling (ARDS).

    NIH research Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-11431171

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.