NU 2022-147 

INVENTOR 

Ankit Bharat* 

Emilia Lecuona 

Wenbin Yang 

BACKGROUND 

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a critical barrier to successful lung transplantation. Our research identifies pre-existing lung autoantibodies as key contributors to PGD, opening new avenues for prevention and treatment. We propose a streamlined tri-fold approach to enhance transplant outcomes: Universal Pre-Transplant Screening, Precision Medicine, and Complement Inhibition. This concise strategy integrates cutting-edge diagnostics with specific treatments to significantly reduce PGD risks, offering a brighter future for lung transplant recipients. 

PUBLICATION 

Yang, W. et al. IL-1β–dependent extravasation of preexisting lung-restricted autoantibodies during lung transplantation activates complement and mediates primary graft dysfunction. Journal of Clinical Investigation 132, (2022).  

IP STATUS 

A non-provisional patent application has been filed.