Identifying genes linked to lupus nephritis in specific immune cells
Official title: Identifying autoimmune associated genes in patrolling monocytes that promote lupus nephritis
Funded at Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-10873263 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called patrolling monocytes affect kidney problems in people with lupus, especially in communities that are more impacted, like African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, to find new ways to treat or prevent these kidney issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $216,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178562-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873263 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly those who are African-American, Hispanic, or Asian.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lupus nephritis who do not have systemic lupus erythematosus or those from non-affected ethnic backgrounds may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of patrolling monocytes, a type of immune cell, in the development of lupus nephritis, a serious kidney condition associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. The study aims to identify specific genes that contribute to the accumulation of these monocytes in the kidneys, which may lead to new treatment options. By understanding the genetic mechanisms involved, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that could prevent or treat lupus nephritis more effectively. The research focuses particularly on populations disproportionately affected by this condition, including African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that more effectively prevent or treat lupus nephritis, improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in understanding lupus nephritis, targeting patrolling monocytes represents a novel approach that has not yet been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamerman, Jessica a — Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
- Study coordinator: Hamerman, Jessica a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Glycoprotein urine markers that signal lupus nephritis treatment response
A novel test uses urine glycoprotein patterns to show how well lupus nephritis is responding to standard treatment.
-
PTPRS and lupus nephritis: a new target to reduce kidney damage in lupus
Aims to understand how PTPRS contributes to kidney inflammation and scarring in lupus nephritis and explore targeting it to help patients.
-
Sodium’s effect on kidney B cells in lupus kidney disease
This grant explores how high sodium in the kidneys affects B cells in lupus nephritis and whether blocking a key cellular pump could reduce kidney damage.
-
Oral CD11b Activator for Lupus Nephritis
A new oral CD11b activating drug is being explored to help people with lupus nephritis by targeting immune pathways that cause kidney inflammation.
-
Objective classification of lupus nephritis using computer vision
A new computer vision tool uses deep learning to classify lupus nephritis from kidney tissue images to help doctors predict outcomes for patients with lupus.
-
AI-powered look at lupus nephritis in humans and mice
Researchers will use artificial intelligence to compare kidney tissue from people with lupus nephritis to tissue from mouse models, aiming to understand why treatments work differently in humans.
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.