Pulmonary Vascular Disease: The Vascular Niche and its Interactions in Lung Homeostasis and Disease

About This Grant

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT With an emphasis on the integration of basic, translational and clinical approaches, the 68th annual Aspen Lung Conference (June 9th – 12th, 2026) will focus on answering a central question: Are current advancements in understanding the mechanisms of lung vascular cell dysfunction and lung vascular remodeling sufficient to develop effective strategies for the treatment of pulmonary vascular disease in conditions like pulmonary hypertension (PH), chronic lung disease, sepsis, and acute lung injury. To explore this central question, we structured the program into a series of six thematic sessions, each beginning with an opening keynote address: (1) Novel insights into PH phenotypes and vascular remodeling in the pulmonary circulation; (2) The vascular niche in the pulmonary circulation: Modifying resident cell function to treat pulmonary vascular disease (PVD); (3) The vascular niche in the pulmonary circulation: Modifying circulating and recruited cell function to treat PVD; (4) Understanding cellular interactions in the pulmonary circulation in chronic lung disease: Towards a cure for Group 3 PH; (5) Mechanisms of cardiac adaptation and maladaptation and their effects on heart-lung interactions in PVD; (6) Current and emerging diagnostic and treatment strategies for pulmonary hypertension and PVD. By addressing these topics, we seek to accomplish the following: 1) Provide a forum for leading basic, translational, and clinical researchers to exchange ideas regarding the current state of the field; 2) Stimulate interactions between scientific fields to identify emerging and shared interests leading to more efficient and productive research; 3) Enhance the likelihood of success in translation of preclinical scientific advances into direct patient benefit; and 4) Challenge and stimulate the scientific interests of trainees and attract a new generation of early career investigators into the fields of PVD and right heart failure. We identified outstanding thought leaders to present 12 State-of-the-Art lectures (35 min) on these topics. Lectures will be followed by 25 minutes of moderated discussion, a hallmark of the Conference. The program continues the Conference’s dedication to trainees and early-stage investigators, which will be supported by three Travel Awards (given to top scoring submitted abstracts). Travel Awardees give a 15-minute presentation in sessions that follow each State-of-the-Art speaker (24 total). Two evening poster sessions will provide additional presentation opportunities for trainees, early and established investigators (40 total posters). The final presentation is provided by the Conference Summarizer, who reviews the impact and common themes of the Conference. The Conference Summary is published annually in the Am. J. of Resp. Cell and Mol. Biol. as a “state of the field” review and includes key challenges and future directions for basic, translational, and clinical research. To encourage participation by trainees and early-stage investigators, registration is free for all students, trainees, fellows, Instructors, and Assistant Professors. The Conference is live-streamed and recorded to allow real time participation and/or viewing by investigators unable to attend in person.