Investigating how skin cells interact with the immune system in lupus inflammation

Stromal-Immune Interactions in Priming for and Maintaining Inflammation in Lupus Skin (Project 1)

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11009438

This study is looking at how skin cells and immune cells work together in people with lupus who have skin inflammation, to better understand what causes this inflammation and find new ways to help treat it.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009438 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the interactions between skin stromal cells and immune cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly those experiencing skin inflammation. The project aims to explore how these interactions contribute to the inflammatory responses seen in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). By examining the roles of various skin cell types, such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts, the researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that drive inflammation and potentially identify new therapeutic targets. Patients may be involved in providing skin samples or participating in assessments to help elucidate these cellular interactions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus who experience skin-related symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus or those who do not experience skin manifestations of the disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for skin inflammation in lupus patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune interactions in lupus, but this specific focus on stromal-immune interactions is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.