Understanding how B cells go rogue in lupus (SLE) in both sexes
Official title: Mechanisms controlling ABC differentiation and function in SLE
Funded at Hospital for Special Surgery · NIH-11334382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies why B cells behave abnormally in lupus, a disease that mostly affects women, to help identify new ways to treat or prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hospital for Special Surgery NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $581,485 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR078766-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11334382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with SLE (lupus) or individuals with autoimmune features relevant to B cell dysregulation, including women who are at higher risk.
✕Less likely to help
People without autoimmune diseases or those not experiencing B cell–driven lupus activity may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The research focuses on B cell subtypes, especially a group called ABCs, and how signals from TLR7/9, IFN, and IL-21 shape their behavior in lupus. It aims to uncover molecular mechanisms behind the female bias in SLE by examining sex hormones and X chromosome biology. The team will explore IRF family regulators that help control B cell responses, with the goal of linking these pathways to disease activity and autoantibody production. Results could point to new targets for therapies that modulate B cell function in lupus patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new targets for therapies that better control lupus by normalizing B cell behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked aberrant B cell subsets like ABCs to lupus activity, suggesting this approach has promising translational potential, though specific mechanisms remain to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pernis, Alessandra B — Hospital for Special Surgery
- Study coordinator: Pernis, Alessandra B
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.