Investigating the role of the immune system in dry eye disease linked to Sjögren's syndrome
Official title: Complement and Dry Eye Disease Associated with Primary Sjogren's Syndrome
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10561638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system affects dry eye disease in people with Primary Sjögren's syndrome, with the goal of finding new ways to identify and treat this condition to help improve eye health and comfort.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2019 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $143,450 |
| NIH project number | 5K23EY028629-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10561638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Primary Sjögren's syndrome who experience severe dry eye symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with dry eye disease not associated with Sjögren's syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the immune system, specifically the complement system, contributes to dry eye disease associated with Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The study aims to explore how inflammation and immune responses lead to cell damage in the eyes of patients with pSS, which can result in severe dryness and vision problems. By examining the relationship between immune complexes and complement activation, the research seeks to identify potential biomarkers that could help differentiate between types of dry eye disease. This could ultimately lead to better-targeted treatments for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments for patients suffering from dry eye disease related to Sjögren's syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune mechanisms involved in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ziemanski, Jillian F — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ziemanski, Jillian F
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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.