Modulation of inflammation, tissue repair and extracellular matrix remodelling by the time course of ventilation profile – Evaluation of the effects in lung cell monolayers, co-cultures and air-liquid interface cultures in vitro and in a rat model of ARDS in vivo

• Applicant: Dr. Sashko Spassov
• Subject Area: Anaesthesiology ; Anatomy and Physiology ; Biochemistry ; Structural Biology ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 553760241

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving therapy, but is per se associated with complications, e.g. ventilator induced lung injury. Our research group has introduced a novel means for lung protective mechanical ventilation that focused on the ventilation profile (sinusoidal ventilation). Sinusoidal ventilation resulted in improved respiratory efficiency and lung histology. Furthermore, sinusoidal ventilation demonstrated the potential to support tissue repair in case of lung damage. To investigate the underlying cellular processes, e.g. inflammation, cell migration, tissue repair and extracellular matrix remodeling in in vitro models we developed a novel technique of timelapse video microscopy to study lung cell monolayers, hydrogel-co-cultures and air-liquid interface cultures subjected to cyclic mechanical strain. Furthermore, kinetics of immunmodulation, tissue repair and extracellular matrix remodeling processes will be investigated in vivo in ARDS rat models. These investigations are a necessary step in developing novel strategies to reduce clinical complications associated with mechanical ventilation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants