Hyperpolarized-gas MRI to find and guide treatment for lung transplant rejection
Developing Hyperpolarized Gas MRI signatures to detect and manage acute cellular rejection
This project tests whether a special MRI using inhaled hyperpolarized gas can spot early rejection in people who have had lung transplants.
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 ID | NIH-11180959 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get a high-resolution MRI that images inhaled hyperpolarized gas to show how different parts of your transplanted lung are working. Researchers will compare those MRI patterns with biopsy results, look at scans before and after rejection treatment, and link imaging patterns to single-cell gene activity from lung tissue. The team aims to see if the MRI can detect acute cellular rejection earlier and classify types of rejection to help guide therapy. If the approach works, this scan could be added to regular follow-up after lung transplant.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have received a lung transplant and are undergoing routine surveillance or evaluation for possible rejection.
Not a fit: People who have not had a lung transplant, or those who cannot undergo MRI or inhale the hyperpolarized gas, are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors find rejection sooner and tailor treatments to protect the transplanted lung from lasting damage.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work, including from this group, shows hyperpolarized-gas MRI can reveal regional lung problems, but using it specifically to detect and guide treatment of acute cellular rejection is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mata, Jaime — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Mata, Jaime
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.