Exploring new treatment targets for neuropsychiatric symptoms in lupus
Official title: Potential of tissue kallikreins as therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric lupus
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10758599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein might help improve mental health issues like anxiety and depression in people with lupus, by testing new oral medications in animals to see if they can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $198,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171247-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10758599 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 neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus or those not experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of tissue kallikreins in treating neuropsychiatric lupus, a condition that can cause anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study focuses on how the kallikrein-kinin system can modulate the effects of interferon alpha, a common therapeutic agent that may contribute to depressive symptoms. By using animal models, researchers will assess the impact of oral medications that influence this system on neuroinflammation and related symptoms. The goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve mental health outcomes for lupus patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms in lupus patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting tissue kallikreins in neuropsychiatric lupus is novel, there is existing research indicating that modulation of the kallikrein-kinin system can influence inflammatory responses.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sriram, Uma — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Sriram, Uma
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how DIS3L2 helps keep RNA in check to help lupus patients
A physician-scientist team is studying how a watchdog molecule for RNA (DIS3L2) may drive lupus-related immune problems, with the goal of uncovering new paths to treatment.
-
Pathogenic T cells in discoid lupus erythematosus
A doctor-scientist at Yale is studying why certain immune T cells cause skin damage in discoid lupus, with the goal of finding ways to reduce scarring and improve health for patients, especially African American women.
-
Glycoprotein urine markers that signal lupus nephritis treatment response
A novel test uses urine glycoprotein patterns to show how well lupus nephritis is responding to standard treatment.
-
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.
-
Antiviral factors that limit HIV in people with SLE
Researchers at Howard University are studying how immune factors in people with lupus may help limit HIV infection.
-
PTPRS and lupus nephritis: a new target to reduce kidney damage in lupus
Aims to understand how PTPRS contributes to kidney inflammation and scarring in lupus nephritis and explore targeting it to help patients.
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.