Lyme arthritis: how joint immune cells switch from protectors to attackers
Official title: Synovium Immunoprivilege and the Modulation of Resident Synovial Macrophage Functions in Lyme Arthritis
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11357658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-researcher at the University of Iowa is studying why Lyme arthritis sometimes becomes a long-lasting inflammatory problem and how protective joint immune cells may turn inflammatory during infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $167,076 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR084605-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Lyme arthritis or those at risk of progressing to Antibiotic-Refractory Lyme Arthritis.
✕Less likely to help
People without Lyme arthritis or without progression risk may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at the cells lining the joint that normally help control inflammation during Lyme infection. By studying these resident synovial macrophages, researchers hope to understand how they change from anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory in Antibiotic-Refractory Lyme Arthritis. The work uses ex vivo infection models, imaging, and histology to map changes in the joint’s immune environment over time. If successful, the findings could point to new ways to prevent or treat persistent joint inflammation after Lyme disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the mechanisms are clarified, patients with Lyme arthritis may gain targeted therapies to prevent or reduce chronic joint inflammation and disability.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in inflammatory arthritis models suggests resident macrophages influence disease, supporting potential benefit but Lyme-specific ARLA is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cyndari, Karen I — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Cyndari, Karen I
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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.