How B cells can help protect lungs from damage caused by too much oxygen
Official title: Protective role of B cells in hyperoxic lung injury
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10984706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called B cells can help protect the lungs from damage caused by high oxygen levels, which are often used to treat seriously ill patients with breathing problems, and it hopes to find ways to improve lung health for those patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,536 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HL171347-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome or similar lung injuries requiring oxygen therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have lung injuries or those not requiring oxygen therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of B cells in protecting the lungs from injury caused by high levels of oxygen, which are often necessary for treating critically ill patients with conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study uses animal models to explore how hyperoxia can lead to inflammation and lung damage, particularly focusing on the depletion of B cells. By administering naïve B cells during hyperoxic exposure, the researchers aim to determine if this can reduce inflammation and improve lung function. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from lung injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help protect lung function in patients receiving high levels of oxygen.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that B cell therapies can be beneficial in other inflammatory conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hanidziar, Dusan — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hanidziar, Dusan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.