Understanding how B lymphocytes contribute to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: B Lymphocytes in Autoimmune Disease
Funded at St. Louis VA Medical Center · NIH-11109720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called B lymphocytes might contribute to rheumatoid arthritis by producing harmful antibodies, and it’s exploring how a protein called BTK affects this process, which could help us understand more about the disease and find better ways to manage it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Louis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX002882-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or those at risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune conditions unrelated to B lymphocyte activity or those without rheumatoid arthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of B lymphocytes, a type of immune cell, in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The team is exploring how these cells produce autoantibodies that lead to joint damage and how a specific protein, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), influences this process. By studying mice with altered BTK signaling, researchers aim to uncover the relationship between B cells, the gut microbiome, and autoimmune responses. This work could reveal new insights into how immune regulation can affect the onset and progression of RA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating rheumatoid arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Louis VA Medical Center
St. Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kendall, Peggy L — St. Louis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kendall, Peggy L
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.