Lung disease linked to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children

Pathogenesis of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Lung Disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · NIH-11326213

This project looks at how ongoing immune activation and some arthritis medicines may cause lung inflammation and breathing problems in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA).

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11326213 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From a patient perspective, researchers will examine immune signals, especially interferon gamma (IFNγ), seen in children with SJIA who develop a dangerous lung condition. They will study lung immune cells called alveolar macrophages using patient samples and laboratory models to see how IFNγ affects their function. The team will also explore whether commonly used anti-IL-1 biologic treatments amplify lung inflammation. The goal is to connect the immune changes to lung damage so future therapies can be better targeted.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, especially those under 12 who have had macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) or early breathing symptoms, would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Adults without SJIA and patients whose lung disease is already severe and irreversible are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to targeted treatments or prevention strategies to reduce life-threatening lung disease in children with SJIA.

How similar studies have performed: Earlier reports have linked IFNγ and MAS to SJIA-associated lung disease, but the precise mechanisms are largely untested, so this project builds on early findings and is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.