Understanding how altered protein structures in lupus neutrophils affect the immune response
Official title: Altered protein structures and neoepitopes in lupus neutrophils from dysregulated splicing of messenger RNA
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11073371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in the way genes are read in immune cells from people with lupus might lead to new proteins that confuse the immune system, and it’s comparing these changes to those in healthy people and those with COVID-19 to better understand the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 21, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $256,808 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI183320-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those without a diagnosis of SLE may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by examining how messenger RNA splicing is altered in neutrophils from SLE patients. The team will compare these splicing patterns to those in healthy individuals and COVID-19 patients to identify unique changes. They aim to understand how these alterations may lead to the production of new autoantigens that the immune system does not recognize. The study will also explore the relationship between splicing changes and factors like age, sex, and disease activity, using advanced techniques to analyze protein changes resulting from these splicing events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into lupus pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for better management of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining mRNA splicing in lupus is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding other autoimmune conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mustelin, Tomas M — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Mustelin, Tomas M
Related research
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PTPRS and lupus nephritis: a new target to reduce kidney damage in lupus
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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.