How different forms of the FOXP3 protein affect lupus antibodies
Foxp3 isoform expression and regulation of autoantibody production
Researchers are looking at whether different forms of the FOXP3 protein change how immune-regulating cells control lupus-related autoantibodies for people with or at risk of lupus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11234319 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will use a mouse model that mimics moderate lupus flares to study how alternative versions (isoforms) of the FOXP3 protein influence regulatory T cells and the production of autoantibodies. They will expose animals to environmental triggers to see how those exposures interact with FOXP3 isoform expression to cause flares. The team will compare mouse findings to what is known about human FOXP3 splice variants to judge relevance to patients. Results could point to molecular ways to restore immune balance in lupus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with systemic lupus erythematosus, especially those who have measurable autoantibodies or fluctuating disease activity, would be most relevant to contribute samples or join related future trials.
Not a fit: People without lupus or those with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this specific project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost regulatory T cells or modify FOXP3 splicing to reduce harmful autoantibodies and lupus flares.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows FOXP3 is essential for regulatory T cells and that FOXP3 mutations cause severe autoimmunity, but applying FOXP3 isoform differences to explain lupus flares is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campbell, Daniel J — Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
- Study coordinator: Campbell, Daniel J
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 below.