How tiny proteins affect the immune system
Unraveling microprotein biology with an evolutionary-immunological framework
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11174474
Researchers will explore whether very small proteins that are often missed by genome maps change how the immune system works and relate to autoimmune disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174474 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on microproteins—very small proteins under 100 amino acids that are frequently overlooked by standard genome annotations. Scientists will identify and catalog these microproteins, study how rapidly they evolve, and test whether the immune system recognizes them as self or foreign. The team will use laboratory models and molecular analyses tied to autoimmune biology to look for microproteins that trigger or protect against immune reactions. Findings could point to previously hidden players in autoimmune disease mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with autoimmune conditions who are willing to provide blood or tissue samples for research or to be contacted about related clinical components.
Not a fit: People without autoimmune conditions or those seeking immediate changes to their medical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new markers or targets that help diagnose, monitor, or treat autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Microprotein research is an emerging field with some promising early findings, but directly linking microproteins to human autoimmune disease remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CARVUNIS, ANNE-RUXANDRA — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: CARVUNIS, ANNE-RUXANDRA
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.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases