Understanding how certain immune cells affect lung transplant success and organ injury.
Official title: Donor nonclassical monocytes mediate primary graft dysfunction and remote organ injury following lung transplant surgery
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11013351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells from donors might cause problems after lung transplants, like lung and kidney injuries, and aims to find new ways to help lung transplant patients recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2019 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $624,366 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL145478-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing lung transplantation or those who have experienced complications related to lung transplants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for lung transplantation or those with unrelated health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of donor nonclassical monocytes in causing complications after lung transplantation, particularly primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and injury to other organs like the kidneys. By studying how these immune cells interact with classical monocytes in the transplant recipient, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to organ damage. The project will involve laboratory experiments to identify pathways that could be targeted for new treatments, ultimately aiming to improve the outcomes for lung transplant patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the success of lung transplants and reduce complications in other organs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune cell interactions in transplant settings, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bharat, Ankit — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Bharat, Ankit
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Targeting inflammation and alloimmunity in lung transplant recipients with clazakizumab
A study to see if blocking IL-6 with clazakizumab can improve survival and reduce rejection in people who have received a lung transplant.
-
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.
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.