NIH-funded research R01 grant

Molecular and clinical clues to relapse in ANCA-related vasculitis

Official title: Molecular and clinical predictors of relapse in ANCA-associated vasculitis

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11361068 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Researchers are studying nasal and airway signals, including bacteria and gene activity, to find predictors that a person with ANCA-associated vasculitis might relapse.

More Relapse research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startJuly 18, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$482,934
NIH project number5R01AR084646-03
Project IDNIH-11361068 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with ANCA-associated vasculitis who are currently in clinical remission and under care at participating centers.

Less likely to help

Patients without relapse risk factors or without airway involvement may see limited benefit.

What this research studies

This project looks at people with ANCA-associated vasculitis to see if nasal tissue biology and symptoms can forecast relapse months before it happens. It uses 16S sequencing to profile airway microbes and gene expression, plus patient-reported outcomes to identify early warning signs. The goal is to find biomarkers that could guide personalized treatment decisions and potentially reduce unnecessary continued immunosuppression. If successful, patients in remission could receive earlier or tailored therapies to prevent flares.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If the biomarkers are accurate, patients could avoid relapses or experience earlier, more targeted treatment adjustments.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest nasal gene expression and microbial changes may precede relapse, but this approach needs validation in larger groups.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rhee, Rennie — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Rhee, Rennie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Relapse from Upper Airway Changes

    This project aims to find early signs in the nose that can tell us when ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) might come back, helping doctors better manage the disease.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11141014

  • Investigating predictors of relapse in ANCA-associated vasculitis

    This study is looking at how certain genes and bacteria in the nose can help predict when people with ANCA-associated vasculitis might have a relapse, even if they aren't showing any symptoms, so doctors can better adjust their treatments and manage the condition.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-10945401

  • Virtual Mind-Body Resiliency for SARDs (AAV and SLE)

    A patient-facing program will test a virtual group-based mind-body approach to help people with ANCA-associated vasculitis and lupus cope with stress and improve well-being.

    NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11357846

  • Exploring the role of a protein in a type of blood vessel inflammation

    This study is looking at how a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin influences immune cells in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease, to help find better ways to treat and predict flare-ups for those affected.

    NIH research Ohio State University · Columbus, UNITED STATES · NIH-10887261

  • Social stress and smoking: why disadvantaged young adults struggle to quit

    This grant looks at how daily social stress affects if and when disadvantaged young adults who smoke can quit and stay quit.

    NIH research Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, United States · NIH-11540695

  • FcgR-activated neutrophils shaping T cells in kidney and vessel inflammation

    This NIH grant explores how a specific neutrophil behavior may drive harmful T-cell activity in lupus-related kidney inflammation and vasculitis, with potential to inform new treatments.

    NIH research University of Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11523442

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.