Understanding Brain Problems in Lupus and Finding New Treatments

Antibody-triggered mouse models of neuropsychiatric lupus: heterogeneity, mechanisms and therapeutic approaches

NIH-funded research Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11113402

This project aims to understand how certain antibodies cause brain issues like memory problems, anxiety, and depression in lupus, and to discover new ways to help patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFeinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Manhasset, United States)
Project IDNIH-11113402 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We are developing advanced mouse models that closely resemble the brain problems seen in people with neuropsychiatric lupus. Our goal is to understand how specific antibodies enter the brain and lead to symptoms such as memory loss, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. We will also explore how different brain cells interact and contribute to inflammation, and test new treatment strategies, including those targeting specific immune pathways. This work is closely connected to ongoing studies with patients to ensure our findings are relevant to human disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with neuropsychiatric lupus who experience symptoms like cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, or fatigue may eventually benefit from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose lupus does not involve brain-related symptoms or who have conditions unrelated to neuropsychiatric lupus may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of neuropsychiatric lupus and the development of new, more effective treatments for brain-related symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Researchers have successfully developed initial models of neuropsychiatric lupus, and this work builds upon those foundations to explore new mechanisms and therapeutic approaches.

Where this research is happening

Manhasset, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired brain injuryAffective Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.