How a protein affects immune cell function and fat metabolism in autoimmune diseases
Official title: Apolipoprotein E governs lymph node stromal cell function and lipid metabolism during autoimmunity
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11033258 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called apoE affects immune cells and fat processing in people with autoimmune diseases, hoping to find new ways to help treat these conditions and prevent heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 18, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,540 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AI187740-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033258 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diseases who may also be experiencing lipid metabolism issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune diseases or those not experiencing lipid metabolism disruptions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of apolipoprotein E (apoE) in regulating immune cell functions and lipid metabolism in patients with autoimmune diseases. It focuses on lymph node stromal cells, which are crucial for maintaining immune balance and responding to infections. By understanding how these cells interact with lipids and immune responses, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for treating autoimmune conditions and preventing related cardiovascular diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and strategies to prevent cardiovascular complications in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between lipid metabolism and immune regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poholek, Catherine — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Poholek, Catherine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.