Proteins that drive inflammation in antibody-related kidney damage
RNA binding proteins in end-organ autoimmune pathology
This research looks at how certain proteins that control IL-17 immune signals may cause kidney damage in people with antibody-driven diseases like Goodpasture's and ANCA vasculitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258948 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have an antibody-driven kidney disease, researchers will look at how RNA-binding proteins affect IL-17 immune signaling and contribute to kidney inflammation. The team has identified two RNA-binding proteins that act downstream of IL-17 and link to C/EBP transcription factors that promote renal injury. They plan to use laboratory experiments in cells and mice and compare those results with data or samples from human disease to map how these molecules drive damage. The work aims to clarify pathways that could be targeted to reduce harmful inflammation in the kidney.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with antibody-mediated kidney diseases such as anti-GBM (Goodpasture) disease or ANCA-associated vasculitis would be the most relevant candidates for this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose kidney disease is not caused by antibody-mediated or IL-17–driven inflammation, or those seeking immediate therapeutic benefit, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets for treatments that reduce IL-17–driven kidney inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown IL-17 and Th17 cells contribute to antibody-mediated glomerulonephritis in humans and mice, but targeting these specific RNA-binding proteins is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaffen, Sarah L — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Gaffen, Sarah L
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.