Improving lung transplant outcomes through advanced donor lung treatment
Official title: Immunoengineering of donor lungs to optimize long-term graft function
Funded at University Health Network · NIH-11032872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to make lung transplants safer and more successful for people with serious lung diseases by using a special method to keep and check donor lungs outside the body, while also using gene editing to improve their quality.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University Health Network NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | February 12, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $584,781 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173319-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with end-stage lung disease who are awaiting lung transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for lung transplantation or those with other severe comorbidities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the success of lung transplants, which are critical for patients with severe lung disease. The team utilizes a groundbreaking technique called Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) that allows donor lungs to be preserved and assessed outside the body. By applying innovative gene editing strategies during this process, the researchers aim to improve the quality of the lungs and reduce the risk of complications after transplantation. This approach could lead to better long-term outcomes for transplant recipients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the survival rates and quality of life for lung transplant patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar techniques in organ preservation and gene editing, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University Health Network
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keshavjee, Shaf — University Health Network
- Study coordinator: Keshavjee, Shaf
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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.