MONA-LISA: Understanding Why Autoimmune Signals Turn into Lupus Over Time
Official title: Mechanisms of New-Onset Autoimmunity/Longitudinal Immune Systems Analysis (MONA-LISA)
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11615667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using data and samples from people with early autoimmune signs to understand why some develop full-blown lupus and others do not.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | March 22, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $199,095 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI176135-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11615667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with early, asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic autoimmunity who are or were in the SMILE trial and have data/specimens available.
✕Less likely to help
If progression cannot be traced or no clear biomarkers are identified, some patients may not benefit directly from the findings.
What this research studies
MONA-LISA analyzes stored clinical data, patient reports, and biological samples collected during the SMILE trial to uncover immune, genetic, and metabolic differences between those who progress to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and those who don’t. By comparing longitudinal measurements before, during, and after progression, the researchers aim to identify markers that can improve early diagnosis and prognosis. The effort relies on advanced analyses of immune cells, genomes, and bodily fluids to pinpoint potential therapeutic targets that could prevent organ damage in early autoimmunity. This project is grounded in real patient data and seeks to translate findings into tools and strategies for clinicians and patients affected by autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier, more accurate diagnosis and new ways to prevent progression to organ-damaging lupus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that longitudinal immune profiling can reveal predictors of autoimmune disease progression, supporting the potential value of MONA-LISA.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karp, David R — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Karp, David R
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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.