Understanding how immune cells behave in a specific lung disease related to scleroderma
Official title: Molecular Basis for Altered Natural Killer Cells in Systemic Sclerosis associated-Interstitial Lung Disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11087300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells behave in people with lung problems caused by scleroderma, to better understand what makes these cells act differently and how that might affect lung health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $147,840 |
| NIH project number | 3P50AR080612-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis who are experiencing interstitial lung disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without systemic sclerosis or those not experiencing lung complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior of natural killer (NK) cells in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). By utilizing advanced techniques like single cell ATAC sequencing and Multiome-seq, the study aims to uncover the genetic and molecular mechanisms that lead to the activation of these immune cells in the lungs. The researchers will compare NK cells from affected lung tissue with those from healthy individuals to identify key transcription factors that may drive abnormal immune responses. This work could provide insights into the underlying causes of lung complications in scleroderma patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing lung disease in patients with systemic sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell behavior in autoimmune diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lafyatis, Robert a. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Lafyatis, Robert a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how a cell protein (SLC9A1) drives skin and lung scarring in systemic sclerosis
A five-year NIH grant aims to understand how a specific cell protein called SLC9A1 influences scar-forming cells in systemic sclerosis and related lung disease, with the goal of finding possible therapies.
-
From proteins and genes to new treatments for scar-related lung disease
A large NIH grant is working to map the proteins in the lungs of people with systemic sclerosis to find new targets for drugs that could slow or stop lung fibrosis.
-
Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis and Lung Disease in Adults
A study in adults with systemic sclerosis will look at how blood vessels in the lungs and body relate to the development of lung disease, with the aim of finding new ways to prevent it.
-
Functional markers to guide treatment in systemic sclerosis–related lung disease
A research grant at USC is studying blood biomarkers that show whether medicines are helping people with systemic sclerosis–related interstitial lung disease.
-
Systemic sclerosis-related lung disease: who’s at risk and what blood markers hint at it
A dedicated research grant asks how to identify which people with systemic sclerosis will develop interstitial lung disease and which blood biomarkers can signal that risk.
-
New treatments for lung scarring in systemic sclerosis
This project looks for new drug targets and therapies to help people with systemic sclerosis who have scarring in their lungs.
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.