Exosome therapy to protect and heal lungs affected by bronchopulmonary dysplasia
MSC Exosome Treatment for BPD: Impact on Immunity and Lung Development
This project uses tiny particles from stem cells (exosomes) to help protect and repair the lungs of babies born very prematurely who develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323872 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using small particles released by mesenchymal stem cells, called exosomes, to reduce inflammation and support lung growth in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). They will study how these exosomes change immune responses and lung structure using laboratory and experimental models and human-derived materials. The team aims to show whether exosomes can prevent or reverse the lung damage that leads to long-term breathing problems. If successful, this work would help move the approach toward safer treatments for preterm infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The work is most relevant to extremely preterm infants at risk for or diagnosed with BPD and to families seeking new treatment options for neonatal lung disease.
Not a fit: People without prematurity-related lung disease or those with other unrelated lung conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could prevent or repair lung damage from BPD and reduce long-term breathing problems and infections in affected children.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies using mesenchymal stem cells and their secreted vesicles have shown promise in lab and animal models and early clinical work, but broad safety and effectiveness for BPD in humans remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kourembanas, Stella — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kourembanas, Stella
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.