Investigating how telomeres affect immunity and outcomes in lung transplant recipients
Official title: The Role of Telomeres in Lung Transplant Recipient Immunity and Outcomes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11084363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at lung transplant patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to see how certain gene changes affect their immune system and the chances of their new lungs being accepted, with the goal of finding ways to help them live healthier, longer lives after their transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $636,735 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166265-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are lung transplant recipients, particularly those diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and identified telomere maintenance gene mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone lung transplantation or those without telomere-related genetic mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on lung transplant recipients, particularly those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), to understand how mutations in telomere maintenance genes influence their immune response and transplant outcomes. The study aims to explore the relationship between telomere length, immune system function, and the risk of organ rejection. By analyzing patient samples and immune responses, researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that could improve transplant survival rates for these patients. The findings could lead to better management strategies for lung transplant recipients with telomere-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and better management of lung transplant recipients with telomere-related immune issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding telomere biology can significantly impact immune responses and transplant outcomes, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdyer, John F — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mcdyer, John F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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The Post-Lung Transplant Aging in Immune Cells in Donor Lungs
This grant explores how aging donor lungs affect lung transplant outcomes by studying immune cells called alveolar macrophages.
-
Predictors of Lung Transplant Success and Costs
This study looks at what pre-transplant patient factors and biology predict a smooth recovery and lower costs after lung transplant.
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.