Investigating how EBV infection affects racial differences in IgA nephropathy
Official title: IgA Nephropathy: Impact of EBV Infection on Racial Differences
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10661504 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $91,740 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168754-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10661504 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, especially those from diverse racial backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy or those who do not belong to the racial groups being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that affects kidney function. By analyzing blood samples from patients of different racial backgrounds, the study aims to understand why IgA nephropathy is more common in certain populations compared to others. The researchers will focus on the immune response, particularly the production of specific antibodies, to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this disparity. Patients may be asked to provide blood samples and health information to aid in this investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for IgA nephropathy, particularly for affected racial groups.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that viral infections can influence autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mestecky, Jiri F — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Mestecky, Jiri F
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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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Identifying specific B cells linked to a kidney disease called IgA nephropathy
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.
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.