Transplanting engineered lung cells to restore airway and alveolar function

Engraftment of PSC-Derived Lung Lineages to Reconstitute in vivo Airway and Alveolar Stem Cell Function

NIH-funded research Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11046609

This study is exploring a way to help heal lung problems by using specially made cells to replace damaged ones in the lungs, which could lead to better treatments for people with genetic lung diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11046609 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to restore the function of airway and alveolar stem cells by transplanting engineered lung epithelial progenitor cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. The approach involves differentiating these stem cells into specific lung cell types and then instilling them into the airways of recipient mice. By doing so, the researchers aim to durably reconstitute the stem cell compartments in the lungs, potentially leading to new treatments for genetic lung diseases caused by dysfunction in these areas.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with genetic lung diseases that affect airway or alveolar function.

Not a fit: Patients with non-genetic lung conditions or those whose lung issues are not related to stem cell dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that restore lung function in patients with genetic lung diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using stem cell-derived therapies for lung diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

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.
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.