Stem Cells, Cell Therapies and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases

University Of Vermont & St Agric College, Burlington VT

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Abstract: Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases Repair and regeneration of diseased lung with stem cells or bioengineered tissue are exciting potential therapeutic approaches for a variety of lung and airway diseases. Increasing evidence in preclinical models suggests that cells which are not normally resident in the lung can be utilized to induce repair and remodeling after injury, but there have been challenges in translating these promising findings to the clinic. In parallel, there has been a surge in bioengineering studies investigating use of artificial and acellular lung matrices as scaffolds for three-dimensional lung or airway regeneration, with some recent attempts of transplantation in large animal models and limited numbers of clinical transplantation of airways. The combination of these studies with those utilizing stem cells and/or cell therapies is a promising and rapidly developing research area. These studies have been further paralleled by significant increases in understanding the molecular and cellular events by which endogenous lung stem and/or progenitor cells arise and differentiate during lung development and in normal and pathologic repair and remodeling after lung injury. We have held seven previous conferences at the University of Vermont in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. These conferences have brought together leading international investigators with junior faculty and trainees to debate and discuss issues in this rapidly moving field. These conferences have been highly successful and have both stimulated the field and resulted in a series of guidelines for basic, translational, and clinical research to be utilized by both investigators and by funding agencies. As studies of stem cell and cell therapies for lung diseases continues to move at a rapid pace and the field explores how to best translate these approaches, we propose to again convene the relevant investigators as well as representatives from the NHLBI, FDA, and leading non-profit Respiratory Disease Foundations to debate and discuss current issues. One area in particular to be discussed is the balance between basic and translational research and the role of clinical trials, particularly as there have now been clinical trials of stem cells for a number of conditions including ARDS, BPD, COPD, IPF, pulmonary hypertension and sepsis. A particular focus for the upcoming conference will be on rising junior investigators and trainees and how to best further develop careers in this area. As always, junior investigators, trainees, and investigators from underrepresented minority groups will be targeted for inclusion in conference organization, oral presentations, chairing activities, discussions and poster sessions. Trainees will be able to compete for an increased number of travel awards based on blinded review of submitted abstracts. The conference is planned for July 2019 at the University of Vermont. Enthusiasm is again high among potential participants. We anticipate that this conference will continue to foster extensive discussion and debate and will significantly guide directions in basic, translational, and clinical research of stem cells, cell therapies, and bioengineering approaches for lung diseases.