Investigating how venous cells can help heal lung damage from viral infections

Pulmonary Vascular Regeneration via Venous Endothelial Progenitors

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10916484

This study is looking at how the blood vessels in the lungs can heal after being hurt by serious viral infections like the flu, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with breathing problems like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10916484 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how the lung's blood vessels can regenerate after damage caused by severe respiratory viral infections, such as influenza. It explores the role of venous endothelial progenitor cells in repairing the lung's microvasculature, which is crucial for proper gas exchange. By using advanced techniques like clonal lineage tracing and transplantation, the study aims to identify the mechanisms that drive endothelial repair in response to injury. Patients may benefit from insights gained about potential new therapies for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced severe respiratory viral infections and are at risk for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic lung diseases unrelated to viral infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance lung repair and improve outcomes for patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using progenitor cells for tissue regeneration, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress SyndromeAirway infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.