How gene differences change immune targets in HLA-linked uveitis
Modulation of immunodominance in HLA class I associated uveitides
This work looks at whether specific ERAP1 gene variants change the immune signals that trigger uveitis in people with HLA-linked forms like Behçet's and acute anterior uveitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11415230 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have HLA-linked uveitis, researchers will examine how different versions of the ERAP1 gene alter the tiny protein pieces shown to immune cells by HLA class I molecules. They will use CRISPR to make human cells with specific ERAP1 allotypes and then identify which peptides bind to disease-related HLA types such as HLA‑B*51 and HLA‑B*27. The team will test whether those peptide changes make immune cells react in ways that start or calm eye inflammation. The goal is to find ERAP1–HLA combinations that cause or protect from uveitis and point toward targeted treatments for those genetic subgroups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HLA class I–associated uveitis—especially those known to be HLA‑B*51+ (Behçet’s uveitis) or HLA‑B*27+ (acute anterior uveitis), or those willing to donate blood or tissue for research—are the most relevant candidates for participation.
Not a fit: Patients without HLA class I–associated uveitis or who do not carry the specific ERAP1 or HLA variants studied are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable therapies that target ERAP1‑HLA interactions to prevent or treat specific genetic forms of uveitis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic and biochemical studies have linked ERAP1 variants to autoimmune disease and altered peptide presentation, but applying CRISPR to define how ERAP1 changes immunodominance in HLA I uveitis is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowatzky, Johannes — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Nowatzky, Johannes
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.