Investigating the role of specific immune cells in skin disease related to lupus and sunlight sensitivity
Official title: MAIT cells in lupus skin disease and photosensitivity
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11174475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your skin interact with the bacteria that live there, especially in people with cutaneous lupus erythematosus, to see how these interactions might affect skin damage from sunlight and help find better treatments for skin problems related to lupus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $381,569 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080641-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly those experiencing skin manifestations and photosensitivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of lupus or those not experiencing skin symptoms related to the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a type of immune cell, known as MAIT cells, interacts with the skin microbiome in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). The study aims to profile these cells and determine their function in relation to skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. By analyzing skin samples from lupus patients, researchers will explore how changes in the skin microbiome may influence immune responses and contribute to disease severity. The ultimate goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for patients suffering from lupus-related skin issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of skin complications in lupus patients, potentially reducing their sensitivity to sunlight.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the microbiome in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skopelja-Gardner, Sladjana — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Skopelja-Gardner, Sladjana
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.