How the gene CARD9 may affect ankylosing spondylitis
Official title: CARD9 in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Funded at Portland VA Medical Center · NIH-11116936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether differences in a gene called CARD9 help explain inflammation and treatment response in people with ankylosing spondylitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Portland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006436-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (axial spondyloarthritis), particularly Veterans who can provide clinical information and biological samples, would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without ankylosing spondylitis or those unwilling/unable to provide samples or clinical data are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
What this research studies
This project will examine blood and other samples from people with ankylosing spondylitis to study immune signals linked to the gene CARD9. The team will compare molecular and genetic markers tied to Th17 immune responses that drive spinal inflammation and pain. They aim to find markers that predict who responds best to approved biologic treatments like IL-17 blockers. Results may guide more personalized treatment choices for patients, especially Veterans served at the Portland VA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to biomarkers that help match patients with the biologic drug most likely to reduce their inflammation and pain.
How similar studies have gone: Blocking IL-17 already helps many patients with ankylosing spondylitis, but using CARD9-related biomarkers to guide treatment is a newer approach that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Portland VA Medical Center
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Napier, Ruth — Portland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Napier, Ruth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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CARD9 and Ankylosing Spondylitis: understanding immune signals in veterans
A study with veterans who have ankylosing spondylitis will explore how immune signals linked to CARD9 may influence disease and treatment responses.
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Understanding how spinal disease progresses in ankylosing spondylitis
This study is looking at how ankylosing spondylitis affects the spine over time, and it aims to find specific markers in your blood that can help predict how severe the damage might get, so we can catch problems early and take better care of you.
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Investigating the role of CARD9 in Ankylosing Spondylitis
This study is looking at how genes and immune cells affect Ankylosing Spondylitis in veterans, with the goal of finding better ways to predict and personalize treatments for this painful condition.
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HB0017 Injection safety and PK in low-weight adults at different injection sites
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This study tests whether a radiation-free 3D surface topography method can reflect spine damage and sagittal balance in adults with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
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New modified acupotomy method for ankylosing spondylitis
This study tests whether a modified ultrasound-guided acupotomy can reduce disease activity and symptoms in adults (18–75) with active ankylosing spondylitis (BASDAI ≥4) compared with a sham procedure.
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.