Targeting harmful immune cells in lupus
Official title: Concurrent eradication of pathogenic plasma cells and their precursors in systemic lupus erythematosus
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10872773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a new, safer treatment for women with lupus that targets and removes the harmful cells causing their symptoms, using a special non-toxic approach to help improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $415,414 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR084116-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly women aged 15 to 44.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those not diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting women. It aims to develop a new treatment that specifically targets and eliminates harmful plasma cells and their precursors, which produce autoantibodies that attack the body's own tissues. The approach involves using a patented, non-toxic splice-modulating oligomer to prevent the production of certain proteins associated with disease exacerbation. By doing so, the research seeks to provide a more effective and safer treatment option for patients with SLE.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a targeted therapy that provides sustained remission for patients with lupus while minimizing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting specific immune cells in lupus is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other autoimmune conditions, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swaminathan, Srividya — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Swaminathan, Srividya
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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.