NIH-funded research R21 grant

Finding ways to reduce inflammation and help salivary glands heal in Sjogren's syndrome

Official title: Controlling Autoimmune Inflammation and Promoting Salivary Gland Regeneration in Sjogren's Syndrome

Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-10657745 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how special substances can help heal the salivary glands in people with Sjogren's syndrome, aiming to improve dry mouth and overall health.

More Sjogren's Syndrome research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAda Forsyth Institute, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$298,500
NIH project number5R21DE031058-02
Project IDNIH-10657745 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome who experience symptoms related to salivary gland dysfunction.

Less likely to help

Patients without Sjogren's syndrome or those who do not have salivary gland dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune condition that leads to inflammation and damage of salivary glands, causing dry mouth and other health issues. The project aims to explore the use of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) to enhance the healing and immune-regulatory functions of salivary gland stem cells. By studying these mediators both in laboratory settings and in living organisms, the researchers hope to develop new strategies that can effectively regenerate damaged salivary glands and improve patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that restore salivary gland function and alleviate symptoms for patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

How similar studies have gone: While stem cell therapies for Sjogren's syndrome are promising, the specific use of SPMs in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Where this research is happening

  • Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
    Cambridge, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yu, Qing — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Yu, Qing

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Glycolytic metabolites, Calcium entry, and Sjögren’s syndrome

    A patient-focused look at how tiny changes in metabolism and calcium signaling might contribute to Sjögren’s syndrome and its effects on saliva.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11359626

  • How aging and cell stress damage salivary glands in Sjögren’s

    Researchers are testing whether getting older and increased oxidative (cell) stress make salivary glands more likely to be damaged in Sjögren’s, using mouse models that mimic the disease.

    NIH research Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · Oklahoma City, United States · NIH-11296942

  • Protein-polymer treatment for Sjögren's

    This project creates tiny protein-polymer medicines intended to reduce eye and mouth dryness and inflammation for people with Sjögren's syndrome.

    NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11251228

  • Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome and Saliva Production

    This research explores how natural body chemicals and calcium affect saliva production and immune cells in people with Sjögren's syndrome.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11110346

  • Developing a new treatment for dry eye disease caused by Sjogren's syndrome

    This study is testing a new, easy-to-get treatment for dry eyes caused by Sjogren's syndrome, using special cells to create a healing extract that could help improve your symptoms and overall eye health.

    NIH research Stellular Bio, INC. · Watertown, United States · NIH-11067525

  • Improving saliva and tear production in Sjögren's syndrome

    This study is looking at how blocking certain receptors in the glands that produce saliva and tears might help people with Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that causes dry mouth and dry eyes, by improving their gland function and making them feel better.

    NIH research University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-11041086

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.