Studying environmental factors in autoimmune diseases like lupus and scleroderma.
Official title: Enhancing the IMHRD cohort to support study of the exposome in autoimmune disease
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10871488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things in our environment might impact autoimmune diseases like systemic sclerosis and lupus, especially in women of African ancestry, to help improve health for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $415,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR084039-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are females of African ancestry who are diagnosed with systemic sclerosis or lupus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune diseases not related to environmental exposures or those outside the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance understanding of how environmental exposures affect autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic sclerosis and lupus, which are more severe in females of African ancestry. By establishing collaborations and study populations, the project will analyze various environmental factors that may contribute to these conditions. The research team will utilize advanced methodologies in exposure science and epidemiology to gather and interpret data, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases influenced by environmental factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of environmental factors in autoimmune diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearce, John Lanier — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Pearce, John Lanier
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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.