NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding B cell Roles in autoimmune diseases like lupus

Official title: Regulation of B cell Responses in SLE and Other Autoimmune Diseases

Funded at Emory University · NIH-11332680 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Doctors are studying how B cells go wrong in autoimmune diseases to develop better, more precise treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2014
Project endApril 30, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$4,279,748
NIH project number5U19AI110483-13
Project IDNIH-11332680 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

People with autoimmune diseases, including SLE, with well-characterized disease features and consent to provide samples and data.

Less likely to help

Patients not aligned with the study’s specific autoimmune profiles or without access to the participating centers may not directly benefit.

What this research studies

This grant focuses on mapping how B cells behave in autoimmune diseases such as SLE by examining their molecular programs at the single-cell level. It creates a collaborative platform to study B cells and other immune cells across multiple centers and patient populations. The goal is to translate these insights into targeted therapies that address the specific B cell dysregulation seen in different patients. The project emphasizes integrating clinicians, researchers, and patient samples to build a mechanistic understanding of autoimmune responses.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more tailored therapies that target the root causes of their autoimmune B cell abnormalities.

How similar studies have gone: Prior studies using single-cell analyses have shown meaningful insights into B cell roles in autoimmunity, supporting this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Emory University
    Atlanta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sanz, Ignacio E. — Emory University
  • Study coordinator: Sanz, Ignacio E.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.