New treatment approach for severe immune system disorders
Official title: Targeting the immunoproteasome as a novel therapeutic strategy for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-10881951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a serious immune disorder called primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) to find new treatments that could help people with this condition by targeting a part of immune cells that might be involved in the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $227,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI170984-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, particularly those who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of hyperinflammation or those not diagnosed with pHLH may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH), a serious immune disorder that leads to severe inflammation and can be life-threatening. The study aims to develop new therapies targeting the immunoproteasome, a component of immune cells that processes proteins and may play a role in the disease's progression. By understanding how certain immune cells behave in pHLH, researchers hope to find more effective treatments that could improve patient outcomes. The approach involves both laboratory studies and potential clinical applications for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with pHLH, potentially reducing mortality and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting the immunoproteasome is relatively novel, previous research has shown promise in similar immune disorders, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nichols, Kim Erika — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nichols, Kim Erika
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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.