How the AhR pathway controls harmful T-bet+ B cells in lupus
AhR suppression of T-bet+ B cells in SLE
This work sees whether signals that turn on the AhR pathway can reduce harmful T-bet+ B cells in people with lupus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11234284 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine B cells from people with lupus and from lupus mice to see how IL-4 and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) influence harmful T-bet+ B cells. They will use single-cell gene expression and metabolomics to determine whether IL-4 causes B cells to make endogenous AhR-activating metabolites like kynurenine and indole derivatives. In lab tests they will add known AhR agonists (for example FICZ and kynurenine) to see if those signals stop B cells from becoming the activated T-bet+CD11c+ and DN2 types linked to autoantibodies. The experiments combine mouse models, human B-cell co-cultures, and molecular analyses to map the pathway from IL-4 to AhR activation and B cell suppression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with systemic lupus erythematosus who are willing to provide blood samples, especially those with active disease or elevated autoantibodies, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without lupus or those whose disease is driven primarily by other immune mechanisms may not benefit from this specific line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to lower disease-causing B cells and reduce lupus flares and autoantibodies.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown AhR agonists can dampen T-bet+ B-cell responses, but translating these findings into patient treatments is still early and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mountz, John D — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Mountz, John D
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.