Understanding how a specific sugar affects autoimmune diseases
Official title: Elucidation of the interactome for the bioactive disaccharide Man(B1-4)GlcNAc
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11009059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific sugar that might be causing problems in autoimmune diseases like lupus by triggering the immune system to attack the body, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these diseases work and finding new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 8, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $223,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178437-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune diseases not related to the mechanisms of disaccharides or those without any autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a disaccharide called Man(b1-4)GlcNAc in autoimmune diseases like lupus. It aims to uncover how this sugar accumulates in cells and mistakenly activates immune responses, leading to autoimmunity. Using advanced chemoproteomic mass spectrometry techniques, the study will identify the proteins and receptors that interact with this disaccharide. By understanding these interactions, the research hopes to shed light on the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases and their potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and therapies for autoimmune diseases, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of elucidating the interactome of Man(b1-4)GlcNAc is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the roles of glycosylation in autoimmune diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Mia L — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Huang, Mia L
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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.