How immune sensors and interferons drive lupus skin inflammation
The role of TLRs, Type II IFN and Type III IFN in a Murine Model of Autoinflammation
This work looks at whether immune sensors called TLRs and interferon proteins cause the skin inflammation that affects people with lupus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131404 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model that mimics lupus-like skin inflammation to study how Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and type II and type III interferons affect skin damage and immune cell behavior. The model is triggered by transferring specific T cells and reproduces key features seen in human cutaneous lupus, including skin cell death, antibody deposits at the skin border, and recruitment of immune cells. The team measures skin changes, chemokine signals, interferon activity, and the role of TLR7 to map the chain of events that lead to flares. Findings in mice are intended to point to mechanisms that could be tested later in people and guide new treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cutaneous lupus or systemic lupus (SLE) who experience skin lesions or photosensitive flares would be the most likely to benefit from follow-up studies based on these findings.
Not a fit: People without lupus or whose disease is driven by unrelated biological pathways may not see direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify immune pathways to target for preventing or treating lupus-related skin flares.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies have supported roles for TLR7 and interferons in lupus, but applying this inducible skin model and exploring type III interferon in depth is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marshak-Rothstein, Ann — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Marshak-Rothstein, Ann
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.