Donor eosinophils and early injury after lung transplant

The Role of Donor-Derived Eosinophils on Lung Allograft Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11226352

This project looks at whether immune cells called eosinophils in donated lungs cause damage during transplant and whether blocking them could help people who get lung transplants.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11226352 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you are having a lung transplant, researchers found that immune cells called eosinophils in donated lungs can cause damage during storage and right after blood flow returns. They will study how organ storage conditions and reperfusion activate these eosinophils by testing donor lung samples and laboratory models. They will also try removing or blocking eosinophils before transplantation to see if that lowers early injury and improves breathing. The goal is to develop ways to better protect transplanted lungs and reduce rejection.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People who are awaiting or undergoing lung transplantation (and donor lungs intended for those transplants) would be the most relevant candidates for participation or sample donation.

Not a fit: People without a lung transplant or unrelated lung conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower early graft dysfunction and reduce rejection, improving outcomes and survival after lung transplant.

How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical and laboratory work has shown mixed roles for eosinophils and early animal/model data suggest removing donor eosinophils can reduce transplant injury, but applying this approach to human donor lungs is a newer direction.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.