NIH-funded research Career grant

Sodium’s effect on kidney B cells in lupus kidney disease

Official title: The Effect of Sodium (Na+) on Kidney B cells in Lupus Nephritis

Funded at Yale University · NIH-11385489 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant explores how high sodium in the kidneys affects B cells in lupus nephritis and whether blocking a key cellular pump could reduce kidney damage.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$166,104
NIH project number5K08DK133496-05
Project IDNIH-11385489 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with lupus nephritis or related autoimmune kidney disease could benefit from future therapies arising from this work.

Less likely to help

Individuals without lupus or kidney involvement may not directly benefit from this specific research.

What this research studies

Lupus nephritis is a kidney complication of lupus that can lead to kidney failure. The project studies kidney-infiltrating B cells and how high sodium levels in the kidney environment influence their survival and behavior. It uses mouse models to see if blocking the Na+/K+-ATPase pump can reduce B cell infiltration and protein in the urine, potentially easing kidney damage. The research aims to uncover mechanisms that could point to new, kidney-focused treatments for people with lupus nephritis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide new strategies to protect kidneys in lupus patients by targeting B cells and sodium handling.

How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in mice suggest that targeting B cells and ionic balance can alter kidney inflammation and damage in lupus models.

Where this research is happening

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chernova, Irene — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Chernova, Irene

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.