Investigating the role of plasma cells in lung transplant rejection
Official title: Role of plasma cells in chronic rejection after lung transplantation
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11181272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | September 2, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $747,239 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172493-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11181272 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 experiencing or at risk for chronic rejection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received a lung transplant or those with acute rejection without chronic complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how plasma cells contribute to chronic rejection in lung transplant patients. It aims to identify specific immune cell populations involved in the rejection process, particularly in the context of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, a common complication after lung transplantation. By utilizing a novel mouse model and analyzing patient samples, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind tissue remodeling and immune responses that lead to chronic lung allograft dysfunction. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving transplant outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing chronic rejection in lung transplant patients, enhancing their long-term survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in transplant rejection, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eickelberg, Oliver — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Eickelberg, Oliver
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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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Sending anti-rejection medicine directly to blood vessels in transplanted lungs
This project tests tiny drug carriers that deliver anti-rejection medicine straight to the blood vessels of transplanted lungs to help people who receive 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.