Investigating how skin cells interact with the immune system in lupus inflammation
Official title: Stromal-Immune Interactions in Priming for and Maintaining Inflammation in Lupus Skin (Project 1)
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11009438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $507,633 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AI179251-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus who experience skin-related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for skin inflammation in lupus patients.
How similar studies have gone: 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
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gudjonsson, Johann Eli — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Gudjonsson, Johann Eli
Related research
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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.
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Researchers at Howard University are studying how immune factors in people with lupus may help limit HIV infection.
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PTPRS and lupus nephritis: a new target to reduce kidney damage in lupus
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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.