Investigating environmental factors in childhood autoimmune diseases
Official title: Pediatric Autoimmune Consortium for Exposome Research (PACER)
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10871577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things in our environment might affect the development of autoimmune diseases in kids and teens, with the hope of finding ways to prevent or slow these conditions as they grow up.
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 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $451,938 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR084040-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults without a history of autoimmune diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how environmental exposures influence the development of autoimmune diseases in children and adolescents. By examining various risk factors, including genetic predispositions and environmental triggers, the study aims to identify patterns that could lead to targeted interventions. The research will involve collaboration with existing cohorts and utilize advanced data science techniques to analyze the complex interactions between these factors. Ultimately, the goal is to inform strategies that could prevent or slow the progression of autoimmune diseases from childhood into adulthood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies for autoimmune diseases in children, potentially reducing their severity and improving long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of environmental factors in autoimmune diseases, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frohnert, Brigitte I — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Frohnert, Brigitte I
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.