Using cell therapies to treat lung scarring in pulmonary fibrosis
Official title: Adapting cell-based therapies for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11001114 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for pulmonary fibrosis that uses specially designed immune cells to help stop lung scarring, and patients may have the chance to join trials to see how well it works and if it's safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL172610-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001114 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis who are not eligible for lung transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pulmonary fibrosis or those who have other underlying lung conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease that causes scarring and stiffening of lung tissue. The approach involves using engineered T cells, known as CAR-T cells, to specifically target and inhibit the cells that contribute to fibrosis. By combining these T cells with a drug delivery system, the goal is to release a potent inhibitor that can prevent the progression of the disease while minimizing side effects. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in trials that test the safety and effectiveness of this innovative therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, targeted treatment option for patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, potentially improving their quality of life and extending survival.
How similar studies have gone: While CAR-T cell therapy has shown success in treating certain cancers, its application in pulmonary fibrosis is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitty, Caroline — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Whitty, Caroline
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
-
Alveolar Cell Dysfunction in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Using SFTPC Mutations to Find New Targets
This grant explores how rare SFTPC mutations in alveolar cells may drive IPF and seeks new molecular targets to improve treatment.
-
Iron and scar-forming cells in the lungs (IPF)
Researchers are exploring how iron in the lungs may drive the scarring seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and whether this could lead to new therapies.
-
Repurposing Pyrvinium as an Inhaled Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
A patient-friendly look at a project trying to use an existing drug, pyrvinium, as an inhaled treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
-
Screening new compounds to reverse gene signatures in IPF lungs
A researcher hopes to find compounds that reverse harmful gene changes in the lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
-
Role of lactate transporters in lung scarring
Aims to see if blocking lactate transporters can slow or stop scar-forming cells from thickening the lungs in people with fibrotic lung disease.
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.