Immunostimulatory short non-coding RNAs and lupus
Official title: Immunostimulatory short non-coding RNAs in systemic lupus erythematosus
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11497703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with lupus looks at tiny RNA pieces that may spark inflammation, to understand if they drive disease activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $200,175 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR088737-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11497703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus who may provide blood samples or be involved in observational analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lupus or those unwilling to provide samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves chronic inflammation and autoantibody production. This project explores whether short non-coding RNAs, especially tRNA halves and rRNA fragments, activate immune pathways that worsen lupus. Researchers aim to improve how these RNA signals are measured, to better understand their role in triggering inflammatory cytokines via TLR7. The work combines advanced RNA detection methods with analyses of immune responses in SLE-related samples. If successful, it could clarify new mechanisms driving lupus activity and point toward novel therapeutic approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these RNA signals could lead to new targets for treating lupus and reducing flares.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows sncRNAs can drive immune responses in other diseases, suggesting potential relevance to lupus but specific evidence in SLE remains emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirino, Yohei — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Kirino, Yohei
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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.