Understanding how certain immune cells contribute to lupus
Official title: Mechanisms controlling ABC differentiation and function in SLE
Funded at Hospital for Special Surgery · NIH-11097209 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain types of B cells, especially a new group called Age/Autoimmune-associated B cells, behave in people with lupus, with the goal of finding new ways to help treat the disease.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,726 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR078766-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097209 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly women, as they are disproportionately affected by the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune conditions other than lupus or those without a diagnosis of SLE may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific B cell subsets in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disease that primarily affects women. The study focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that lead to the abnormal behavior of these B cells, particularly a newly identified subset known as Age/Autoimmune-associated B cells (ABCs). By examining how these cells are regulated and how they contribute to the production of autoantibodies, the research aims to uncover potential new therapeutic targets for treating SLE. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help elucidate these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that more effectively manage or even prevent lupus and its associated complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding B cell behavior in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Subjective thinking challenges in adults with lupus as they age
This grant aims to understand how lupus-related cognitive problems affect adults, especially older adults, and tests a real-time method to track daily fluctuations in those symptoms.
-
How bone density and joint loads affect implant migration after knee replacement
A knee replacement project explores how bone density and how the knee is loaded relate to early implant movement that could lead to loosening.
-
ctDNA biomarker to guide safety of cancer immunotherapy in inflammatory arthritis
A patient-facing biomarker study using a blood test to detect tumor DNA in people with cancer who develop inflammatory arthritis from immunotherapy, to help doctors pick safer treatment choices.
-
Glucocorticoid-regulated transcription networks in macrophage biology
A scientist-led project will study how stress-related hormones and immune signals control macrophages, which are key players in inflammation and tissue repair.
-
Targeting bone-resorbing osteoclasts with cell-specific therapies
A doctor-research team is exploring a new way to treat bone diseases by targeting the blood-forming cells that become osteoclasts, aiming to reduce bone loss and side effects for patients.
-
Osteoclast programming and reprogramming during bone formation and disease
A research project explores how bone-resorbing cells called osteoclasts are controlled at the genetic level to find ways to prevent or slow bone loss in conditions like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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.