Can Immune Parameters Predict Acute and Chronic Rejection in Lung Recipients?

This study will evaluate the ability of lung transplant recipients to react to the transplanted organs. Previous research indicates that some immune tests can identify whether people are at risk for chronic rejection of transplanted lungs. Certain parameters, that is, physical properties involving the immune system, may cause acute chronic rejection of the lungs, which may lead to chronic rejection, a condition of scarring that worsens lung function. If such parameters can be identified and distinguished from those found in healthy subjects, information gained can help medical professionals to provide individualized treatments that work on the immune system. Short-term and long-term survival of lung transplant recipients may thus be improved.

Patients who will have or have had lung transplants will be recruited by clinical transplant coordinators. Normal control subjects will be recruited through flyers and newspaper advertisements.

Collection of blood samples will be done at Duke University Medical Center. Blood collections will be done of patients undergoing routine pretransplant and posttransplant blood tests, so no extra blood collections will be required. Control subjects will undergo three blood collections over an 8-week period. They will be compensated for their time in participating, at the rate of $5 for the initial blood draw, $10 for the second one, and $15 for the third one. A small amount of blood is involved, about 3 tablespoons. The blood cells and DNA (which contains genetic material) will be isolated for analysis. Patients' DNA samples collected will be identified by a code, and all other identifying information will be removed. The samples may be used in the future as new tests are developed.

This study will not have a direct benefit for participants. However, during the study, if it is found that any patients have an inherited risk for a disease likely to cause early death if the disease is not treated, then the researchers will attempt to notify those patients. Overall, it is hoped that information gathered will enhance researchers' understanding of what tests best identify patients at risk for developing chronic rejection of their transplanted lungs.