Investigating how IL-4 affects certain B cells in lupus

AhR suppression of T-bet+ B cells in SLE

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11047839

This study is looking at how a substance called IL-4 affects certain B cells in people with lupus, aiming to find out how it helps keep some B cells calm and prevents the growth of those that could cause problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11047839 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the role of IL-4 in regulating specific types of B cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It aims to understand how IL-4 interacts with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to inhibit the development of certain activated B cells that are associated with autoimmune responses. By analyzing B cells from lupus patients, the researchers will investigate the mechanisms by which IL-4 promotes the maintenance of resting B cells and suppresses the formation of potentially harmful B cell types. This study employs advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics and metabolome analysis to uncover the underlying biological processes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus or those with other autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing lupus by targeting specific B cell pathways.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding B cell regulation in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.