NIH-funded research Career grant

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.

More Arthritis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project startAugust 24, 2022
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$163,836
NIH project number5K08AR081405-03
Project IDNIH-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.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.