Our research focuses on why scar develops in the airway, specifically the larynx and trachea, and developing treatments that may be effective in halting the progression of scar or reversing scar.  Airway scar can form both in the hospital setting and in otherwise healthy patients, and we are investigating the causes and risk factors for both subtypes of disease. The research is funded by a K23 award from the NIH/NIDCD and by the American College of Surgeons and Triological Society.  Dr. Hillel is also a co-investigator on a Multicenter Trial of Treatment Alternatives in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis funded by PCORI.

​Our research questions include:

What immune cells and inflammatory proteins are critical to the development of laryngotracheal scar?

• What is the role that key immune cells, such as macrophages and T-cells, play in the development of laryngotracheal stenosis?
• How does the presence of bacteria (microbiome) in the larynx and trachea affect the inflammation and scar seen in laryngotracheal stenosis?
• What are the critical pro-inflammatory proteins that lead to increased scar?
• How can we decrease the activity of these cells and proteins to reduce the development of scar?

What is the genetic architecture of idiopathic subglottic stenosis?

• Why does idiopathic subglottic stenosis principally affect women?
• Are there specific genes that predispose patients to subglottic stenosis? And if so, what is the function of these genes?

How can we improve patient safety by preventing with the development of airway scar in the hospital setting? ​

• What are risk factors for the development of laryngotracheal stenosis?
• What are effective ways to spread the use of smaller breathing tubes and reduce the length of time they are in place?
• What are effective hospital protocols to identify high-risk patients and strategies to reduce the development of scar?