Understanding how specific lung cells help heal lung injuries

Aerocyte-mediated Alveolar Epithelial Regeneration following Lung Injury

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11021851

This study is looking at special lung cells called aerocytes to see how they help heal the lungs after Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), with the hope of finding new ways to speed up recovery for people with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11021851 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of aerocytes, a type of lung cell, in healing damage caused by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). By focusing on how these cells interact with the alveolar epithelium, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could accelerate lung regeneration after injury. The researchers will explore the signaling molecules produced by aerocytes, particularly R-spondin3, to determine their impact on lung repair. This work could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from ARDS.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or similar lung injuries.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic lung diseases or those who do not have acute lung injuries may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients with lung injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of lung cells in regeneration, but this specific focus on aerocytes and their signaling is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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 Acute Lung InjuryAcute Pulmonary InjuryAcute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
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.