The results, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, provide concrete evidence for the first time that the overactive signalling pathways of the immune system disrupt lung development. In the samples analysed, the researchers found parallels between animal models and human tissues and were thus able to identify a new starting point for future therapies.
The scientists hope to promote lung maturation during pregnancy by specifically inhibiting inflammatory processes. This could one day lead to the development of an additional prenatal therapy that improves children's chances of survival. For the next steps, the Leipzig researchers are planning a major research programme together with international partners in which anti-inflammatory substances will be tested in animal models and on the patient's own stem cells.
Press release from "Universitätsklinikum Leipzig" dated 22/09/2025