NIH-funded research Career grant

Investigating the role of LINE1 and IFI16 in Sjögren's syndrome

Official title: The Retroelement LINE1 and the DNA Sensor IF16 in Sjogren's Syndrome

Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11036271 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific part of our DNA interacts with the immune system in people with Sjögren's syndrome, which could help us understand the disease better and find new ways to treat it.

More Sjogren's Syndrome research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2021
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$158,755
NIH project number5K08AR077100-05
Project IDNIH-11036271 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, particularly those exhibiting specific immune responses related to LINE1 and IFI16.

Less likely to help

Patients with Sjögren's syndrome who do not have detectable autoantibodies or those with other unrelated autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how the retroelement LINE1 interacts with the DNA sensor IFI16 in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease. The study aims to explore how these interactions may drive immune responses against the body's own nucleic acids, contributing to the symptoms of the disease. By examining the role of autophagy in regulating these immune responses, the research seeks to uncover new insights into the mechanisms behind Sjögren's syndrome. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their condition and potential new therapeutic targets.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with Sjögren's syndrome by identifying new targets for therapy.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune responses in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Antiochos, Brendan — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Antiochos, Brendan

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.