Role of plasma cells in chronic rejection after lung transplantation
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11346016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $743,256 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172493-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11346016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who have undergone lung transplantation and are at risk for or experiencing chronic rejection could benefit from future clinical applications stemming from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lung transplants or those not at risk for chronic rejection are unlikely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
The project studies the immune mechanisms behind chronic rejection after lung transplantation, focusing on B cells and plasma cells in a mouse model and in retransplanted human tissues. It aims to connect findings from animal studies with patterns seen in patients who experience chronic lung allograft dysfunction. The team will examine how B cells become plasma cells and how these cells might cause tissue remodeling and airway damage in the transplanted lung. By understanding these pathways, the research could identify targets to prevent chronic rejection and improve long-term graft survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to prevent chronic rejection and extend lung transplant survival for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown B cell involvement in chronic rejection in animal models; similar patterns have been observed in retransplanted human lungs, suggesting translational potential.
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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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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Investigating the role of plasma cells in lung transplant rejection
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.
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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.