Mitochondrial targets of antibodies in lupus (SLE)
Official title: The identity of mitochondrial antigens in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11440181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins-led study will identify which mitochondrial membrane proteins are targeted by autoantibodies in lupus patients to understand how these immune attacks fuel the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $232,695 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI203165-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have detectable anti-mitochondrial antibodies or heightened disease activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without SLE or without antibodies to whole mitochondria may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
People living with SLE may have antibodies that attack mitochondria in their own cells. The project will use a new ELISA test based on intact human mitochondria and patient samples to pinpoint the membrane proteins that these autoantibodies recognize. By analyzing patient sera and employing mass spectrometry, researchers aim to map the exact mitochondrial targets and how they form immune complexes that amplify inflammation. The findings could reveal new markers of disease activity and potential pathways to reduce immune-driven damage in lupus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better understanding of lupus activity and potential new targets for diagnostics or therapies that interrupt harmful antibody–mitochondria interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has identified anti–whole mitochondria autoantibodies in a subset of SLE patients, with preliminary links to disease activity, but exact targets are not yet defined.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomez, Eduardo — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Gomez, Eduardo
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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.