Understanding How Hormones Affect the Immune System and Conditions like LAM
Examining Sexual Dimorphisms: The Role of Estradiol Signaling in Modulating Immunity
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11101395
This work explores how sex hormones like estradiol influence our immune system and conditions such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis, a rare lung disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11101395 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies show natural differences in immunity between sexes, and hormones like estrogen and androgens play a part in these differences. We are learning more about how these hormones affect immune function, but there are still many questions. Our team became interested in this connection while studying lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease that mostly affects women and is sensitive to estrogen. We believe that understanding how hormones impact the immune system could lead to new ways to help patients with LAM and other autoimmune conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and those with autoimmune conditions that show differences between sexes or are influenced by hormones.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to hormone signaling or immune system differences between sexes may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how hormones contribute to diseases like LAM and autoimmune conditions, potentially guiding the development of new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While the general link between steroids and immune function is an emerging area of research, this specific approach connecting uterine origins to LAM and its estrogen sensitivity is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAMMES, STEPHEN R. — UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: HAMMES, STEPHEN R.
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 below.