New treatment targeting autoimmune responses in Graves' disease
Official title: Characterization of a novel chimeric autoantigen receptor (CAAR) treatment for Graves' disease
Funded at Brigham Young University · NIH-11115191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for Graves' disease that uses specially designed immune cells to target and remove the harmful cells causing your symptoms, aiming to tackle the problem at its source instead of just easing the symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham Young University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Provo, United States) |
| Project start | February 24, 2025 |
| Project end | February 23, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $440,333 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI183096-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Graves' disease who have high levels of anti-TSHR autoantibodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those who do not have Graves' disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that leads to hyperthyroidism. The approach involves creating chimeric autoantigen receptor (CAAR) T cells that specifically target and eliminate the autoreactive B cells responsible for producing harmful antibodies. By using a fragment of the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) as bait, these engineered T cells can selectively bind to and destroy the problematic B cells while sparing healthy ones. This innovative strategy aims to address the root cause of the disease rather than just its symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a curative treatment option for patients suffering from Graves' disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using similar CAR T cell approaches in treating autoimmune conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham Young University
Provo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weber, K. Scott — Brigham Young University
- Study coordinator: Weber, K. Scott
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Early risk stratification of thyroid eye disease in newly diagnosed Graves' disease
This study tests whether early eye-related signs, blood and tear biomarkers, or eye surface features can predict who with Graves’ disease will develop thyroid eye disease within a year.
-
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This study tests felzartamab vs placebo in adults with Graves’ disease to see if it can normalize thyroid hormones and let people stop anti-thyroid drugs.
-
AI-based MRI and ultrasound for thyroid-related eye disease
This study tests an AI model using orbital MRI and eye ultrasound to help diagnose activity and severity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and predict its course in adults.
-
YB-101 for Graves' Disease: safety, dosing, and how it works
This study tests YB-101 versus placebo in adults with Graves' disease to see if it is safe, tolerated, and whether it can help thyroid symptoms over about 40 weeks.
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.