Investigating environmental factors in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Official title: The Exposome in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: EXACT Network Planning
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10869439 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to understand how things in our environment might trigger autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, especially in people who are at risk, so we can learn more about what causes these conditions before they start.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $449,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR084036-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10869439 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly those with a family history or other predisposing factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who already have established rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a collaborative network to study the exposome, which includes environmental factors that may influence the onset of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). By focusing on individuals at risk before they develop these conditions, the research seeks to identify potential causal relationships between environmental exposures and disease onset. The study will utilize existing cohorts and databases to gather data on various exposures and their effects on health. This approach will help clarify how environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for autoimmune diseases, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying the exposome in this context is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding environmental impacts on other diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norris, Jill M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Norris, Jill M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
Researchers are studying how gut bacteria affect how well methotrexate works for people with rheumatoid arthritis, aiming to make MTX effective for more patients.
-
Hybrid biomaterial system to boost immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
A new, patient-facing immunotherapy approach uses specialized particles to retrain the immune system to calm RA in adults.
-
Immunostimulatory short non-coding RNAs and lupus
A study in people with lupus looks at tiny RNA pieces that may spark inflammation, to understand if they drive disease activity.
-
Antiviral factors that limit HIV in people with SLE
Researchers at Howard University are studying how immune factors in people with lupus may help limit HIV infection.
-
Role of Stabilin receptors in rheumatoid arthritis
A short study to understand how certain scavenger receptors may influence the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
-
Mechanistic clues about lupus from immune disorders
This grant looks at why certain immune disorders in people with genetic immune problems lead to lupus-like symptoms, by studying patients and mouse models.
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.