How high-pressure ventilators can damage human lungs

Cellular and molecular mapping of ventilator-induced lung injury

['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11324205

Researchers will compare high- versus low-pressure ventilation on donated human lungs to learn which cells and molecules get hurt in people with respiratory failure.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11324205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project uses donated human lungs perfused and ventilated outside the body to mimic what happens during mechanical ventilation. For each donor pair, one lung will get high-pressure ventilation and the other low-pressure ventilation so each person serves as their own control. Scientists will profile individual cells using single-cell RNA sequencing and map proteins and RNA in intact tissue to link molecular changes with where damage happens. Some experiments will add high oxygen, higher PEEP, or bacteria to better mirror conditions seen in critically ill patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Results are most relevant to people who have or are at high risk for ARDS and to patients who are currently or expected to be mechanically ventilated.

Not a fit: People without respiratory failure or who will never require mechanical ventilation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify targets to prevent or treat ventilator-associated lung injury and help people with ARDS recover better.

How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and some human-tissue studies have suggested mechanisms of ventilator-induced injury, but this detailed single-cell and spatial mapping in human lungs is largely novel.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.