New treatments for autoimmune hormone conditions
Identifying new immunotherapeutic targets for endocrine autoimmunity.
This research looks for new ways to treat autoimmune conditions that affect hormone-producing organs, like the adrenal glands, which impact many people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11190799 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system sometimes mistakenly attacks healthy hormone-producing tissues, leading to conditions like adrenal insufficiency. Currently, immune-based treatments, called immunotherapies, are not widely used for these specific autoimmune hormone conditions, even though the immune system is clearly involved. This project aims to understand why these conditions become long-lasting and to find new targets for immunotherapies. We are also exploring similar immune-related side effects that can occur in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy and investigating why some autoimmune hormone conditions affect more women than men.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with autoimmune conditions affecting hormone-producing glands, such as adrenal insufficiency, or those experiencing immune-related side effects from cancer immunotherapy, might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to autoimmune processes or hormone-producing glands may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective immunotherapy options for people living with autoimmune endocrine diseases and those experiencing immune-related side effects from cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While immunotherapies have shown success in other autoimmune conditions, their application to autoimmune endocrinopathies is less common, making this a novel area of focus for these specific diseases.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Maureen a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Su, Maureen a
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.