Identifying specific B cells linked to a kidney disease called IgA nephropathy
Official title: Distinct Glycophenotypes with Abnormal Signaling Define a Subpopulation of B cells Responsible for Production of Galactose-Deficient IgA1, the Main Autoantigen in IgA Nephropathy
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10978234 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of immune cell that makes a form of IgA linked to IgA nephropathy, to better understand how it contributes to kidney problems, with the hope of finding new treatments for people with this condition.
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 start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $448,004 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134489-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978234 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, particularly those showing signs of disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of kidney disease or those without a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of certain B cells that produce a specific form of IgA, known as galactose-deficient IgA1, which is associated with IgA nephropathy. The study aims to understand how these B cells contribute to the disease and the formation of harmful immune complexes that can lead to kidney damage. By analyzing the characteristics of these B cells and their signaling pathways, researchers hope to uncover new insights into the mechanisms of IgA nephropathy. This could potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with IgA nephropathy, potentially slowing disease progression and improving kidney health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the autoimmune aspects of IgA nephropathy, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reily, Colin Robert — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Reily, Colin Robert
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how IgA1 immune complexes cause kidney disease in Berger’s disease
This grant studies the specific features of abnormal IgA1 immune complexes that drive kidney damage in IgA nephropathy to pave the way for better diagnosis and treatment.
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Genetics of IgA nephropathy through network-based genetic links
A study to understand why some people develop IgA nephropathy by looking at how our genes and immune system networks contribute to the disease.
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B cells that make abnormal IgA1 in IgA kidney disease
Researchers are identifying a group of B cells that produce a harmful form of IgA1 in people with IgA nephropathy to help guide future treatments.
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Genetic drivers of IgA (Berger's) kidney disease
This project looks for gene changes that make people more likely to get IgA (Berger's) kidney disease.
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A new way to identify IgA nephropathy using specific markers
This project aims to create better blood tests for IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease, by looking for specific immune markers.
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Investigating how EBV infection affects racial differences in IgA nephropathy
This study is looking at how the Epstein-Barr virus might be linked to IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease, and it wants to understand why this condition affects some racial groups more than others, so if you're a patient, you might be asked to share a blood sample and some health details to help with this important rese
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.