Understanding how certain immune cells contribute to lupus
Official title: Mechanisms underlying interferon-induced T peripheral helper cell differentiation
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11050882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called T peripheral helper cells behave in people with lupus, especially when there's a lot of a signaling molecule called type I interferon, to help find new treatments for the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 24, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $715,957 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR083983-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus who exhibit high disease activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those without a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of T peripheral helper (Tph) cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease. It focuses on how high levels of type I interferon, a signaling molecule, lead to the expansion of these cells in lupus patients. By using advanced biochemical, genetic, and epigenetic techniques, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that drive Tph cell differentiation and their contribution to disease activity. The findings could pave the way for new targeted therapies for lupus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel therapies that specifically target the underlying causes of lupus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in autoimmune diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choi, Jaehyuk — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Choi, Jaehyuk
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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.