NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding chronic rejection after lung transplantation

Official title: Advancing our Understanding of the Development, Phenotypes, and Progression of Chronic Rejection after Lung Transplantation

Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11005004 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at why some lung transplant patients experience ongoing rejection of their new lungs, and it aims to create tools that help doctors predict who might be at risk, so they can provide better, personalized care to improve patients' lives and chances of survival.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2024
Project endDecember 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$196,193
NIH project number5K23HL171904-02
Project IDNIH-11005004 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone lung transplantation and are at risk for chronic rejection.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not received a lung transplant or those with acute rejection may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the causes and progression of chronic rejection, known as chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), in lung transplant recipients. It aims to develop clinical risk prediction models that combine patient-specific clinical data with biological signals found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. By identifying risk factors and understanding the interplay of immune responses and lung microbiota, the research seeks to improve personalized care for lung transplant patients. The ultimate goal is to enhance survival rates and quality of life for those affected by CLAD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prediction and management of chronic rejection in lung transplant patients, improving their long-term outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in identifying biological signals related to CLAD, indicating that this research builds on existing knowledge in the field.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
    Ann Arbor, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Combs, Michael Peter — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
  • Study coordinator: Combs, Michael Peter

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • 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.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11419647

  • 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.

    NIH research Northwestern University · Chicago, United States · NIH-11401866

  • 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.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11394141

  • Role of plasma cells in chronic rejection after lung transplantation

    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.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11346016

  • 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.

    NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11333348

  • 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.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11181272

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.