Investigating how specific immune cells relate cancer and scleroderma.
Official title: RNA Polymerase III specific CD8+ T cells: a mechanistic insight into cancer-induced autoimmunity in scleroderma
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10927344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having scleroderma might be linked to cancer by exploring how the immune system can sometimes mistakenly attack healthy tissues while fighting cancer, especially in patients who have certain antibodies; it's for people with scleroderma who are concerned about their cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $158,729 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR077732-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with scleroderma who also have autoantibodies to RNA polymerase III.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without scleroderma or those who do not have the specific autoantibodies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between cancer and autoimmune diseases, specifically focusing on scleroderma, a condition characterized by skin and tissue hardening. It examines how the immune system's response to cancer can inadvertently trigger autoimmune reactions in healthy tissues. By studying CD8+ T cells that target a specific protein associated with both cancer and scleroderma, the research aims to understand the mechanisms behind this dual response. Patients with autoantibodies to RNA polymerase III will be a key focus, as they have a higher risk of developing cancer alongside scleroderma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with scleroderma and cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between immune responses to cancer and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tiniakou, Eleni — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Tiniakou, Eleni
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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.