Role of bacterial biofilms in triggering anti-DNA antibodies in lupus
Official title: The role of bacterial biofilm components in anti-DNA induction in SLE
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11465697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how gut bacteria and their biofilm components may provoke the antibody responses seen in lupus (SLE) and how certain bacterial factors might influence disease markers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $739,187 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI194540-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11465697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with autoimmune lupus (SLE) or those at risk may benefit from future therapies informed by this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without lupus or autoimmune diseases may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If I have lupus or am at risk, this project looks at how bacterial communities in the gut could drive the immune system to make anti-DNA antibodies, including rare Z-DNA targeting. The team plans to study biofilm components like amyloids and extracellular DNA and how they interact with the immune system in lupus models. They will use animal models to test whether these biofilm elements promote autoantibody production and what dietary factors, such as cholesterol, might influence this process. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating autoimmune responses in SLE.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to reduce harmful autoantibody production in lupus patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models suggest biofilm components can influence autoantibody production, supporting potential relevance to lupus.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tukel, Cagla — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Tukel, Cagla
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.