Exploring how environmental factors influence autoimmune diseases

Build to LEAD – Building partnerships to Link the Exposome to Autoimmune Disease

NIH-funded research Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-10871040

This study is looking at how things in our environment, like wildfire smoke and viruses, might affect people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and it’s inviting participants to share their health information and samples to help uncover important connections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBenaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10871040 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of environmental exposures, such as wildfire smoke and viruses, on the development and progression of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. By forming partnerships between leading research institutions, the project aims to analyze data from large biorepositories to understand how these exposures correlate with disease severity and flare-ups. Participants may provide samples and clinical data to help researchers identify critical links between the exposome and autoimmune conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus who are willing to participate in data and sample collection.

Not a fit: Patients without autoimmune diseases or those who do not have a history of relevant environmental exposures may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of autoimmune diseases, potentially reducing their severity and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in linking environmental factors to autoimmune diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseasesautoimmune disorderautoimmunity disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.