Improving infection detection after lung transplants
Official title: Non-invasive Monitoring for Infections and Rejection after Lung Transplantation
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11122308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a better way to check for infections and rejection in lung transplant patients by using a simple blood test instead of more uncomfortable procedures, helping doctors catch problems early and improve recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $583,817 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182349-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone lung transplantation and are at risk for infections or rejection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received a lung transplant or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing non-invasive methods to monitor infections and rejection in lung transplant patients. By utilizing advanced techniques like Next Generation Sequencing of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) from blood samples, the study aims to identify microbial pathogens more accurately and efficiently. This approach seeks to overcome the limitations of current invasive diagnostic methods, such as bronchoalveolar lavage, which can be uncomfortable and impractical for patients. The goal is to enhance early detection of infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes after lung transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of infections in lung transplant patients, improving their long-term health and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cfDNA for diagnostics in other medical fields, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bollyky, Paul L — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Bollyky, Paul L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Phase 1 trial of siltuximab for antibody-mediated rejection after lung transplant
A early-stage study tests whether siltuximab can help people who have antibody-mediated rejection after lung transplantation.
-
Targeted delivery of immune-suppressing agents to the lung graft to prevent rejection
A study at Northwestern University will test a new, targeted approach to prevent lung transplant rejection by delivering immune-suppressing drugs directly to the graft while blocking early signals that trigger rejection.
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Siltuximab for antibody-mediated rejection after lung transplant
This trial gives siltuximab to people with antibody-mediated rejection after a lung transplant to try to control the immune response harming the new lung.
-
Role of plasma cells in chronic rejection after lung transplantation
This research looks at how certain immune cells called plasma cells may drive chronic rejection in people who have had lung transplants and how this could lead to new ways to protect the transplant.
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Non-invasive infection detection after lung transplant
A non-invasive blood test using phage-based signals could help doctors detect lung infections early in people who have had a lung transplant.
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Investigating the role of plasma cells in lung transplant rejection
This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called plasma cells, might play a role in lung transplant rejection, especially for patients dealing with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve the success of lung transplants.
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.