Reducing helper T cells that fuel lupus
Targeting follicular helper CD4 T cells in SLE
This work is testing whether blocking a specific type of helper T cell can lower the harmful autoantibodies that cause flares in people with lupus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115774 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on follicular helper (Tfh) and extrafollicular helper CD4+ T cells that drive B cells to make pathogenic autoantibodies in lupus. They will use lupus-prone mouse models alongside laboratory studies of immune cells and patient-derived samples to map the metabolic programs that sustain these helper T cells and autoreactive B cells. The team will test metabolic interventions (for example targeting glucose or glutamine pathways) to see whether reducing Tfh/eTf activity lowers autoantibody production without blocking normal vaccine or infection responses. Findings aim to point to ways to specifically dampen the antibody responses that worsen lupus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with systemic lupus erythematosus, especially those with active disease or high anti-dsDNA autoantibody levels, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not have lupus or whose disease is driven by non-antibody mechanisms (for example seronegative disease) may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that lower disease-causing autoantibodies and reduce lupus flares while preserving normal immunity.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work in mouse models and lab samples has shown promising reduction of autoantibodies with metabolic inhibitors, but this strategy has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morel, Laurence — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Morel, Laurence
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.