New methods to help lung transplant patients avoid rejection

Project 1: Next Generation Mixed Chimerism Strategies to Induce Lung Allograft Tolerance in NHPs

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11035228

This study is looking at new ways to help people who receive lung transplants accept their new lungs better, so they won't need to take strong medications for a long time, and it's being tested in monkeys first to make sure it's safe and effective before trying it in humans.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11035228 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving lung transplant outcomes by developing strategies to induce tolerance in lung allograft recipients. The approach involves using mixed chimerism techniques, which have shown promise in other organ transplants, to help the body accept the new lung without the need for long-term immunosuppression. By modifying existing protocols, the research aims to enhance the body's regulatory mechanisms while minimizing harmful side effects. The study is conducted in nonhuman primates to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these new methods before potential application in humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are undergoing or have undergone lung transplantation and are at risk of allograft rejection.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for lung transplantation or those with contraindications to mixed chimerism techniques may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the survival rates and quality of life for lung transplant patients by reducing or eliminating the need for chronic immunosuppression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has successfully induced tolerance in kidney transplants using similar mixed chimerism strategies, but this approach has not yet been effectively applied to lung transplants.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases, autoimmune disorder, autoimmunity disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.