Understanding how immune cells produce inflammatory signals in children with arthritis
Official title: Mechanisms of T Cell IFNy and IL-17 Production in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10903950 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis produce substances that cause inflammation, and it hopes to find genetic clues that could help improve how we diagnose and treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $163,836 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR081405-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903950 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who do not have significant inflammatory responses or those outside the age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the production of inflammatory cytokines, specifically interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), by T helper cells in children suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The study aims to identify genetic mutations that may lead to abnormal immune responses in these patients. By examining how these immune cells develop and function, the research seeks to uncover potential biological markers that could enhance diagnosis and treatment options for JIA. The findings could provide insights into the underlying causes of chronic joint inflammation in affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patrick, Anna Elizabeth — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Patrick, Anna Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Deciphering What Drives Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in African American Children
This project looks at why African American children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis have more joint damage, using clinical data and genetic information to find factors that may explain the differences.
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Understanding how T cells make IFN-γ and IL-17 in kids with juvenile arthritis
A doctor-scientist at Vanderbilt is studying why certain immune cells in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis produce inflammatory signals, with the goal of improving diagnosis and treatment.
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Lung disease linked to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children
This project looks at how ongoing immune activation and some arthritis medicines may cause lung inflammation and breathing problems in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA).
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Linking JIA Registry with Claims Data to Improve Understanding of Juvenile Arthritis
A study will connect the CARRA JIA patient registry with a large national claims database to see how well registry data match real-world care and outcomes for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
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Investigating the role of viruses and gut bacteria in arthritis flares in children
This study is looking at how certain viruses and bacteria in the gut might affect flare-ups of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in kids, hoping to find clues that could help manage these painful episodes better.
-
Understanding lung disease in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
This study is looking at how a serious lung problem in some kids with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis happens, and it aims to find new ways to help treat or prevent this issue by understanding how a certain part of their immune system works.
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.