NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how gut bacteria affect inflammation in lupus patients

Official title: Thromboinflammatory pathways triggered by gut dysbiosis in patients with Lupus

Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10991804 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how changes in gut bacteria might make lupus, especially lupus nephritis, worse, and it's for people with lupus who want to understand how their gut health could affect their condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startDecember 1, 2023
Project endOctober 31, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$205,519
NIH project number5R21AI180737-02
Project IDNIH-10991804 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, especially those experiencing Lupus Nephritis.

Less likely to help

Patients with lupus who do not have significant gut microbiome imbalances or those with other unrelated autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between gut microbiome imbalances and the worsening of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), particularly in patients experiencing Lupus Nephritis. By analyzing blood samples from patients during periods of high disease activity, the study aims to identify how specific gut bacteria may trigger inflammatory responses and platelet activation. The research employs advanced RNA sequencing techniques to uncover the mechanisms behind these interactions, potentially leading to new insights into lupus management.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that target gut microbiome imbalances to improve outcomes for lupus patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • New York University School of Medicine
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Silverman, Gregg Joshua — New York University School of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Silverman, Gregg Joshua

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Gut bacteria and tryptophan's role in lupus

    This project looks at how changes in gut bacteria and tryptophan metabolism may drive immune activity in people with systemic lupus.

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  • The role of gut bacteria and tryptophan in lupus

    This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut and how your body processes tryptophan might affect lupus, a condition that can cause your immune system to attack itself, by comparing the gut bacteria of people with lupus to those who are healthy, to find out if certain bacteria could be making your symptoms wors

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11071398

  • Understanding how DIS3L2 helps keep RNA in check to help lupus patients

    A physician-scientist team is studying how a watchdog molecule for RNA (DIS3L2) may drive lupus-related immune problems, with the goal of uncovering new paths to treatment.

    NIH research Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · Oklahoma City, United States · NIH-11630879

  • Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer

    A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.

    NIH research Northwestern University · Chicago, United States · NIH-11624054

  • From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis: How Resolving Inflammation Could Restore Your Mouth’s Balance

    This grant explores how turning off the harmful inflammation in periodontitis and promoting natural healing could help restore the mouth’s healthy balance.

    NIH research Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · Somerville, UNITED STATES · NIH-11621747

  • Pathogenic T cells in discoid lupus erythematosus

    A doctor-scientist at Yale is studying why certain immune T cells cause skin damage in discoid lupus, with the goal of finding ways to reduce scarring and improve health for patients, especially African American women.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11607165

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.