Understanding how iron overload in lung transplant patients affects their immune response to fungal infections.
Official title: A critical role for macrophage ferroptosis in promoting fungal invasion in lung transplant recipients
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11061050 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how too much iron in the body can make it harder for lung transplant patients to fight off fungal infections, using mice to understand how this happens and hoping to find ways to help improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $558,367 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL157414-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061050 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are lung transplant recipients who are at risk for Aspergillus-related pulmonary disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone lung transplantation or those without risk factors for Aspergillus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of iron overload in lung transplant recipients and how it affects the immune response to the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. The study uses a mouse model to explore how transplant-related hemorrhage increases iron levels, which in turn impairs the ability of immune cells called macrophages to fight off fungal infections. By examining the interactions between iron, immune response, and infection, the research aims to uncover new insights that could improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for fungal infections in lung transplant recipients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune response to fungal infections, but this specific approach focusing on iron overload in lung transplant patients is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsu, Joe L — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hsu, Joe L
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-
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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.