NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating the role of autoantibodies in Sjögren's syndrome

Official title: Sjogren's Syndrome Pathogenic Autoantibodies

Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-10854472 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the salivary glands of people with Sjögren's syndrome create antibodies that might make dry mouth and dry eyes worse, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the condition.

More Sjogren's Syndrome research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOklahoma Medical Research Foundation
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$291,045
NIH project number7R01DE028001-05
Project IDNIH-10854472 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome who experience symptoms such as dry eyes and dry mouth.

Less likely to help

Patients with autoimmune conditions other than Sjögren's syndrome may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the glands responsible for producing saliva and tears, leading to symptoms like dry mouth and dry eyes. The study aims to understand how certain B cells in the salivary glands produce autoantibodies that contribute to glandular dysfunction. By examining the presence of specific autoantibodies in patients' serum and their correlation with disease symptoms, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind this condition. The findings could help identify new therapeutic targets for managing Sjögren's syndrome.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from Sjögren's syndrome by targeting the underlying causes of glandular dysfunction.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the role of autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
    Oklahoma City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Scofield, Robert Hal — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
  • Study coordinator: Scofield, Robert Hal

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Glycolytic metabolites, Calcium entry, and Sjögren’s syndrome

    A patient-focused look at how tiny changes in metabolism and calcium signaling might contribute to Sjögren’s syndrome and its effects on saliva.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11359626

  • How aging and cell stress damage salivary glands in Sjögren’s

    Researchers are testing whether getting older and increased oxidative (cell) stress make salivary glands more likely to be damaged in Sjögren’s, using mouse models that mimic the disease.

    NIH research Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · Oklahoma City, United States · NIH-11296942

  • Protein-polymer treatment for Sjögren's

    This project creates tiny protein-polymer medicines intended to reduce eye and mouth dryness and inflammation for people with Sjögren's syndrome.

    NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11251228

  • Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome and Saliva Production

    This research explores how natural body chemicals and calcium affect saliva production and immune cells in people with Sjögren's syndrome.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11110346

  • Developing a new treatment for dry eye disease caused by Sjogren's syndrome

    This study is testing a new, easy-to-get treatment for dry eyes caused by Sjogren's syndrome, using special cells to create a healing extract that could help improve your symptoms and overall eye health.

    NIH research Stellular Bio, INC. · Watertown, United States · NIH-11067525

  • Improving saliva and tear production in Sjögren's syndrome

    This study is looking at how blocking certain receptors in the glands that produce saliva and tears might help people with Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that causes dry mouth and dry eyes, by improving their gland function and making them feel better.

    NIH research University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-11041086

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.