Understanding how stress responses affect lung transplant outcomes
Official title: Pathological activation of integrated stress response as a driver of Chronic allograft dysfunction after lung transplant
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11024748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress in the body affects lung transplants and aims to find ways to improve the health of transplanted lungs by understanding how certain cells behave, so it’s for people who have had a lung transplant and want to ensure their new lungs stay healthy.
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, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $798,958 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL176632-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone lung transplantation or are awaiting a lung transplant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung transplants who are not experiencing any complications or those with other unrelated lung conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the integrated stress response in the development of chronic allograft dysfunction following lung transplantation. It aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms linking early graft dysfunction to long-term complications like lung fibrosis. By studying the behavior of specific immune cells and epithelial cells in the lungs, the research seeks to identify potential targets for improving lung transplant outcomes. Patients may be monitored for changes in their lung function and overall health as part of this investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing chronic lung transplant complications, enhancing patient survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the immune response and stress mechanisms in lung transplants can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurihara, Chitaru — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kurihara, Chitaru
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.