Langerhans cells and skin lymphatics in lupus immunity
Official title: Langerhans cells and lymphatic regulation in immunity
Funded at Hospital for Special Surgery · NIH-11377609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adults with lupus aims to understand how skin immune cells and the skin’s drainage system influence overall autoimmune flares.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hospital for Special Surgery NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $730,319 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR084694-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with systemic lupus erythematosus or autoimmune conditions related to B cell activity who have photosensitivity.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or lupus patients without skin photosensitivity may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
In people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sun exposure can trigger skin lesions and may worsen systemic disease. This project looks at how skin lymphatic vessels and Langerhans cells interact to control immune activity in the skin and nearby lymph nodes. Researchers will study how UV light affects these skin pathways and how that translates to B cell responses that drive autoimmunity. The work builds on preliminary findings showing that lacking Langerhans cells disrupts lymphatic cells and flow, influencing inflammation. Through this, the team hopes to identify targets to reduce skin-triggered flares and systemic disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to prevent or lessen lupus flares triggered by sun exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked skin lymphatic function to local and systemic immune responses in lupus models, suggesting potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Theresa T. — Hospital for Special Surgery
- Study coordinator: Lu, Theresa T.
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.