New approaches to lupus-related kidney inflammation
Lupus nephritis: novel insights in the pathogenesis and treatment
['FUNDING_P01'] · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11324178
This project looks at how immune cells and kidney cells interact to cause lupus-related kidney damage and explores targeted treatments for people with lupus nephritis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11324178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be part of work that examines how the immune system and cells that live in the kidney cause inflammation and injury in lupus nephritis. Researchers will analyze urine for molecular signals from podocytes and tubular cells that reflect what is happening inside the kidney, and study tissue features such as newly formed high endothelial venules. The team will combine laboratory models, patient samples, and bioinformatics to map these interactions and identify potential targets. They will also explore ways to deliver treatments directly to kidney-resident cells to try to reduce side effects from systemic therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with systemic lupus erythematosus who have active or recent lupus nephritis, including individuals from Black and Asian backgrounds who commonly experience higher rates of LN, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without lupus or those whose kidney disease is caused by conditions other than lupus are unlikely to receive direct benefit, and patients already on long-term dialysis may not benefit from kidney-targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to urine-based markers that reflect kidney damage and to kidney-targeted treatments that work better and cause fewer side effects than current systemic therapies.
How similar studies have performed: While a few drugs have recently been approved for lupus nephritis, approaches that target kidney-resident cells and use urine molecular signatures are relatively new and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TSOKOS, GEORGE C — BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: TSOKOS, GEORGE C
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 below.