The effects of calorie restriction on autoimmunity and body temperature regulation
Official title: Autoimmunity, calorie restriction, and core body temperature
Funded at San Diego Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11218606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating fewer calories might help people with lupus age healthier and possibly reduce their symptoms, by checking how it affects body temperature during sleep and the genes in their tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $541,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI194047-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11218606 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with autoimmune conditions, particularly lupus, who are interested in dietary interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune diseases or those who are not interested in dietary changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how calorie restriction (CR) can promote healthy aging and potentially reduce autoimmunity, particularly in conditions like lupus. By studying the effects of CR on core body temperature during sleep, the researchers aim to understand how temperature changes may influence autoimmune responses. The study will involve examining gene expression in lupus-affected tissues and assessing the long-term impacts of CR under different temperature conditions. This research could lead to new insights into dietary interventions for managing autoimmune diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new dietary strategies to help manage autoimmune conditions and improve overall health in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding calorie restriction and its effects on autoimmunity in animal models, suggesting potential for similar outcomes in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baccala, Roberto G — San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Baccala, Roberto G
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.