Regulation of B cell Responses in SLE and Other Autoimmune Diseases
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11332684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A largescale NIH grant is studying how specific B cell types drive autoimmune diseases like lupus, with the aim of improving treatments for people affected by these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2014 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $313,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI110483-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with SLE or related autoimmune conditions, especially those with severe disease features, may benefit from future targeted therapies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without autoimmune conditions are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on understanding how different B cell groups contribute to autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Researchers will use advanced techniques to map the diversity and regulatory programs of effector B cells at the single-cell level. The work includes analyzing how these B cells respond in severe disease and in severe COVID-19 cases, with the goal of linking cell profiles to disease pathways. Findings could guide the development of targeted therapies that modulate harmful B cell activity in patients. The project is led by Emory University researchers and spans multiple years, reflecting a sustained effort to translate basic B cell biology into patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to more precise therapies that curb harmful B cell responses in lupus and related autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown distinct B cell pathways contribute to autoimmunity, suggesting targeted approaches may improve outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanz, Ignacio E. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Sanz, Ignacio E.
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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.