Exploring how brain immune cells affect thinking problems in lupus patients
Official title: The Relationship Between Brain Macrophages and Cognitive Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10885942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the brain might affect thinking and memory problems in people with lupus, and it aims to find out if understanding these cells can help improve cognitive function for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $781,086 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170938-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885942 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 experiencing cognitive dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus or those not experiencing cognitive issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of brain macrophages, a type of immune cell, in cognitive dysfunction associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). By analyzing tissue samples and using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to understand how these immune cells contribute to cognitive issues in lupus patients. The researchers are particularly focused on how changes in these macrophages correlate with behavioral deficits and how treatments may improve cognitive function. Patients may be involved in providing samples or participating in assessments related to their cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive function in lupus patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in cognitive dysfunction, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cuda, Carla M — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Cuda, Carla M
Related research
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Subjective thinking challenges in adults with lupus as they age
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Brain immune cells and cognitive trouble in lupus
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-
Brain causes of thinking and mood problems in childhood lupus
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Understanding cognitive issues in children with lupus
This study is looking at how childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) affects kids' thinking and learning, using special brain imaging tools to understand what’s happening in their brains, so we can find better ways to help them.
-
Immunostimulatory short non-coding RNAs and lupus
A study in people with lupus looks at tiny RNA pieces that may spark inflammation, to understand if they drive disease activity.
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.