Understanding airway stem cell issues in lung transplant patients

Pathogenesis of Airway Stem Cell Abnormalities in Obliterative Bronchiolitis

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-11067152

This study is looking at how certain stem cells in the airways behave in people who have had a lung transplant and are dealing with a condition called obliterative bronchiolitis, with the goal of finding ways to help improve lung function and health for transplant patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11067152 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the abnormalities of airway stem cells in patients who have undergone lung transplantation, particularly focusing on the condition known as obliterative bronchiolitis (OB). By using a novel animal model that mimics human lung transplant conditions, the study aims to identify the depletion of specific stem cells and their impact on airway repair and function. The researchers will analyze the cellular changes in the airway epithelium and explore the mechanisms that lead to chronic lung allograft dysfunction, which significantly affects patient survival. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for lung transplant recipients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have received a lung transplant and are experiencing or at risk for obliterative bronchiolitis.

Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone lung transplantation or those with other unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for lung transplant patients, potentially increasing their survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding stem cell roles in lung diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, 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.
Conditions airway injury
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.