How the HLA-B51 and ERAP1 genes affect eye inflammation in Behcet's disease
Unraveling the role of HLA-B51/ERAP1 in Behcet's eye disease
This project looks at how two genes, HLA-B51 and ERAP1 Hap10, change immune cells in people with Behcet's eye disease.
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-11415227 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have Behcet's eye disease, researchers will compare immune cells from you and other patients who do or do not carry HLA-B51 and the ERAP1 Hap10 variant. They'll analyze blood and eye fluid samples using large-scale flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and T cell cloning to find overactive immune cell types and clonal responses. The team will combine data from Stanford and international collaborators to link genetic status with immune behavior. The aim is to map which immune cells drive eye inflammation in people with these genetic risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with Behcet's disease who have active or past eye inflammation and are willing to provide blood and, when possible, eye fluid samples and genetic information.
Not a fit: People without Behcet's disease, or whose eye problems are due to other causes, are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific immune cells or pathways to target with new, more precise treatments for Behcet's eye disease.
How similar studies have performed: Immune profiling and single-cell methods have helped identify drivers in other autoimmune diseases, but applying them specifically to HLA-B51/ERAP1 in Behcet's eye disease is 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.