Targeting abnormal salivary gland proteins in Sjögren's to protect glands
Harnessing High-Resolution Proteomics to Uncover and Target Neoepitopes in Sjogren's Disease
Using very detailed protein tests on salivary glands, researchers will look for abnormal protein pieces that may trigger Sjögren's disease in people with dry mouth and dry eyes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11409360 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You may be asked to provide a small salivary gland biopsy or blood sample so researchers can map proteins directly from the glands. The team will use high-resolution proteomics to find neoantigens created by protein changes in inflamed glands and check how those pieces bind to immune-related HLA genes. They will compare samples from people with Sjögren's and from controls to spot disease-specific abnormal protein fragments. The goal is to identify specific protein targets that could be blocked or tolerated by future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with Sjögren's disease who are willing to provide salivary gland tissue or blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People without Sjögren's, those unwilling to provide tissue or blood samples, or patients whose symptoms arise from causes unrelated to gland neoepitopes may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for new treatments that stop the immune attack on salivary glands and reduce dry mouth and eye symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Mapping neoantigens at the protein level is a relatively new approach in autoimmune disease—concepts from successful cancer neoantigen work exist, but this is early-stage for Sjögren's.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Cuong Q — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Cuong Q
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.