Targeting autoantigen-specific B cells in ANCA vasculitis
Official title: Identifying and Targeting Autoantigen Specific B cells in ANCA Vasculitis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11400534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinician-researcher at UNC is studying a way to identify and remove the specific B cells that drive ANCA vasculitis to improve long-term remission.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $198,032 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AI187710-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with ANCA-associated vasculitis who have achieved long-term remission off therapy or are being considered for strategies to reduce immunosuppression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of ANCA vasculitis or those not pursuing immunosuppression-sparing approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on people with ANCA vasculitis who may be able to stay off long-term immunosuppressive therapy. It looks at autoantigen-specific B cells and B cell receptor patterns to define immunological remission beyond stopping treatment. The team plans to test a proof-of-concept therapy aimed at selectively removing those harmful B cells. Results could lead to safer, targeted strategies that reduce relapse and treatment-related risks. The work builds on an existing patient registry to translate findings toward clinical tools.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could enable more precise, safer ways to maintain remission in ANCA vasculitis with less broad immunosuppression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows B cell roles in ANCA vasculitis and some success in targeting B cells in related diseases, but this specific autoantigen-focused approach is still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Dhruti P — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Chen, Dhruti P
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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.