Investigating B cells involved in lupus nephritis
Official title: Autoimmunity-Associated B Cells in Lupus Nephritis
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11091641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special immune cells that can cause kidney problems in people with lupus, and it aims to learn how these cells work and what makes them harmful, so we can find better ways to treat lupus nephritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,240 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AI168450-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with lupus nephritis who are experiencing active disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lupus who do not have kidney involvement or those with other autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a specific type of immune cell called autoimmunity-associated B cells (ABC) that are increased during lupus nephritis. The study aims to understand how these cells develop and produce autoantibodies, which can cause kidney damage in lupus patients. Researchers will use advanced techniques to analyze the genetic and epigenetic changes in these cells and their interactions with other cells in the kidney environment. By identifying the signals that regulate these processes, the research hopes to uncover new therapeutic targets for treating lupus nephritis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage or even prevent kidney damage in lupus nephritis patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding B cell behavior in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barnas, Jennifer Lynn — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Barnas, Jennifer Lynn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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PTPRS and lupus nephritis: a new target to reduce kidney damage in lupus
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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.
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Oral CD11b Activator for Lupus Nephritis
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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.
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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.