A signaling switch that keeps inflammation in check in lupus-like disease
Official title: A phospho-tyrosine-based signaling module controlling TLR-mediated inflammatory disease.
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11361703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers study how a signaling module in immune cells controls inflammation linked to lupus by examining proteins that turn inflammation on and off.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $734,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170942-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with inflammatory diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus or related immune disorders who could benefit from therapies that modulate TLR signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without inflammatory or autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This project investigates how the TLR pathway uses a signaling network involving LYN, IRF5, and MyD88 to balance normal immune responses with inflammatory disease. By looking at how tyrosine phosphorylation and protein interactions regulate LYN activity, the researchers aim to understand how IRF5 gets activated in inflammation. The work uses cell-based systems and animal models to uncover the molecular steps that prevent runaway inflammation in lupus-like disease. Findings could reveal targets to modulate the immune response in patients with inflammatory conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets to treat or prevent excessive inflammation in diseases like lupus.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in mouse models show that manipulating components of the TLR pathway can alter lupus-like inflammation, supporting translational potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haecker, Hans — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Haecker, Hans
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.