Targeting inflammation and alloimmunity in lung transplant recipients with clazakizumab
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11416426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if blocking IL-6 with clazakizumab can improve survival and reduce rejection in people who have received a lung transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI163086-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have received a lung transplant and are being treated within the study framework.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ongoing immunosuppression or those outside the study protocol may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
If you’ve had a lung transplant, this study will test whether adding an IL-6 blocker, clazakizumab, can lessen harmful immune responses that lead to rejection and chronic lung problems. Researchers will look at markers of antibody formation and immune activity, and how these relate to the risk of graft dysfunction over time. The study builds on prior data showing that blocking this immune signal can shift the immune balance toward regulation and potentially protect the new lung. Participation would involve clinical follow-up and lab assessments to track immune responses and transplant outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve lung transplant survival and reduce rejection and chronic lung allograft dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous IL-6 blockade showed reduced alloantibody levels and improved graft outcomes in other organ transplants, suggesting potential for benefit in lung recipients.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madsen, Joren C — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Madsen, Joren C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exercise-based frailty program for people awaiting lung transplants
A tailored exercise and lifestyle program is being tested to reduce frailty and improve outcomes for people waiting for a lung transplant.
-
Understanding why a lung transplant sometimes fails early and how to tailor treatment
A study of people receiving lung transplants to find molecular differences that cause early graft failure and point to better, personalized therapies.
-
Vaccination responses in lung transplant patients
This grant studies how people who have received lung transplants respond to COVID-19 vaccines and why their antibody responses may be limited.
-
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.
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Lung Transplant Network Data Center coordinating multicenter research
A national network is creating a shared data and biosample hub to support a large study of 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.