Investigating the immune response in a specific autoinflammatory disease
Official title: Radioresistant Innate Immunity in SAVI Tissue-Specific Autoinflammation
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10899703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system works in babies with a serious condition called SAVI, using mice to help understand what causes lung problems, with the hope of finding better treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $209,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178978-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with STING-Associated Vasculopathy or related autoinflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated autoimmune diseases or those not exhibiting symptoms of SAVI may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the immune mechanisms involved in STING-Associated Vasculopathy with onset in Infancy (SAVI), a severe autoinflammatory disease. By utilizing a mouse model that mimics the human condition, researchers aim to explore how certain immune cells and molecular pathways contribute to lung inflammation and fibrosis. The study seeks to identify the underlying causes of these debilitating symptoms, which could lead to the development of more effective treatments for affected patients. The approach involves detailed analysis of immune responses and tissue changes in the context of this disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from SAVI.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding similar autoinflammatory diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marshak-Rothstein, Ann — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Marshak-Rothstein, Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding HIV-1 Env shapes to boost immune attack against infected cells
Aimed at helping people living with HIV, this project explores how specific HIV-1 envelope structures attract or resist immune attack so future therapies could better help the body clear hidden virus.
-
Reprogramming metabolism to power alternative fat-burning modes
A new project will explore how fat cells burn calories in different ways to help combat obesity.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
-
Gut microbes and brain function in autism
Researchers are exploring how gut bacteria may influence brain signals and behavior in autism, using worm models to uncover possible links that could someday inform human therapies.
-
Chlamydia and gonorrhea interaction: how host interferons influence co-infection
A human-health focused project looks at how the body’s interferon signals during chlamydia infection affect the way gonorrhea behaves, with potential implications for people vulnerable to both infections.
-
Conquering High Blood Pressure in Vietnamese Cities
A program to adapt and test a proven plan for lowering high blood pressure in urban Vietnam using a mobile health platform and integrated care approach.
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.