Exploring a new treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus using bacterial DNA
Official title: CpG-B ODN Mediated Protection from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10998519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment for lupus that uses tiny pieces of bacterial DNA to help your immune system work better and reduce side effects from current medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2024 |
| Project end | July 24, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,943 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI186528-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those not diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a potential new therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. The approach focuses on the gut microbiome's role in immune regulation, specifically using bacterial DNA to stimulate the production of beneficial immune cells. By utilizing short sequences of DNA that mimic bacterial DNA, the study aims to enhance the body's immune response while minimizing the side effects associated with current treatments. The research will explore how these sequences can promote the proliferation of regulatory B cells, which may lead to improved management of lupus symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, potentially reducing reliance on corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using bacterial DNA to modulate immune responses, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in lupus treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oakland, David Noah — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Oakland, David Noah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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Mechanistic clues about lupus from immune disorders
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-
Subjective thinking challenges in adults with lupus as they age
This grant aims to understand how lupus-related cognitive problems affect adults, especially older adults, and tests a real-time method to track daily fluctuations in those symptoms.
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Mitochondrial targets of antibodies in lupus (SLE)
A Johns Hopkins-led study will identify which mitochondrial membrane proteins are targeted by autoantibodies in lupus patients to understand how these immune attacks fuel the disease.
-
Influenza, Hydroxychloroquine, and the Windows of Self-Peptide Presentation in Lupus
A doctor-researcher is studying how flu infection and the lupus medication hydroxychloroquine change the way the immune system shows self-parts to trigger or prevent lupus flares in kids.
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.