Understanding lung transplant complications and their causes
Official title: Integrated mechanisms of primary and chronic graft dysfunction following lung transplantation
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10933919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the problems that can happen after a lung transplant, like primary graft dysfunction and chronic lung allograft dysfunction, to better understand how the immune system and lung cells work together, with the goal of helping patients live longer and healthier lives after their transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,803,961 |
| NIH project number | 1P01HL169188-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have undergone or are scheduled for lung transplantation and may be at risk for complications like PGD or CLAD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received a lung transplant or those with conditions unrelated to lung transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex mechanisms behind complications that arise after lung transplantation, particularly focusing on primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). The team will explore how immune responses and lung cell interactions contribute to these issues, using advanced molecular techniques and animal models. Patients may be involved in studies that assess the role of specific antibodies and esophageal function in transplant outcomes, aiming to improve long-term survival rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and managing complications after lung transplantation, ultimately enhancing patient survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding graft dysfunction in other organ transplants, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for lung transplantation as well.
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.
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Body composition and outcomes after lung transplant
A patient-focused look at how body fat and muscle measurements around the time of lung transplant relate to recovery, complications, and quality of life after surgery.
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Objective lung-donor quality tools to expand the transplant pool
A lung-transplant-focused project aims to use gene-based risk tools to better judge donor organs and prevent recipient lung dysfunction.
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Bmp-Cx40 signaling to keep lung blood vessels calm after transplant
A study aims to keep blood vessels in transplanted lungs stable by boosting a specific signaling pathway to reduce injury after transplant.
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Complement inhibition to protect transplanted lungs from early injury
A small early trial tests whether a drug that blocks a key part of the immune system can prevent damage to new lungs right after transplant.
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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.
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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.
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.