Hyperpolarized gas MRI to detect and guide care for lung transplant rejection
Official title: Developing Hyperpolarized Gas MRI signatures to detect and manage acute cellular rejection
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11387572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging tool using specialized MRI scans aims to spot lung transplant rejection early, so doctors can tailor treatment for patients with transplanted lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $713,471 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173369-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have undergone lung transplantation and are eligible for routine post-transplant imaging and follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-rejection complications or those unable to undergo MRI may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project will test hyperpolarized gas MRI signatures to improve early detection of acute cellular rejection in lung transplant recipients. By comparing MRI signatures with tissue pathology and tracking changes before and after treatment, it seeks to integrate a noninvasive diagnostic aid into routine care. The study also explores links between MRI signals and single-cell RNA data to understand immune responses involved in rejection. If successful, these signatures could help clinicians personalize therapy and improve graft survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients could receive earlier, more precise treatment adjustments to protect lung grafts and improve outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Early imaging biomarkers have shown promise in other lung diseases; this study extends that concept to transplant rejection and seeks validation against pathology and transcriptomics.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mata, Jaime — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Mata, Jaime
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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.