Targeting key helper T cells in lupus
Official title: Targeting follicular helper CD4 T cells in SLE
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11403793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study that looks at how certain immune cells that help B cells produce harmful antibodies contribute to lupus, aiming to find ways to interrupt this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2016 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $465,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R37AI128901-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11403793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with lupus or autoimmune B-cell–driven disease who could participate in related metabolic or translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune involvement or those not meeting study criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the immune cells that help B cells create autoantibodies in lupus, and how their metabolism may be a vulnerability. Researchers will study both germinal center and extrafollicular pathways in lupus models and human samples to understand how these cells support disease. The team has previously found metabolic differences in immune cells from lupus patients and mice and will test metabolic inhibitors to see if autoantibody production can be reduced. Findings could point to new metabolic targets for therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that dampen bad antibody production in lupus, potentially reducing disease activity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show metabolic pathways can influence autoantibody production, supporting potential benefits in targeting metabolism.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morel, Laurence — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Morel, Laurence
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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.