Understanding how immune responses interact with a key protein in lupus
Official title: Delineating the interplay between nucleic-acid-dependent phase separation and immune responses against cGAS in SLE
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11039063 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called cGAS affects the immune system in people with lupus, aiming to understand why some patients develop certain antibodies, which could help improve treatments for the disease, and we may ask patients to share blood samples to help with this research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $375,100 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR085266-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039063 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly those experiencing active disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those not diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called cGAS in the immune response of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disease. The study aims to explore how cGAS interacts with DNA and triggers immune responses that may contribute to the disease. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved, the researchers hope to uncover why some patients develop autoantibodies against cGAS, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options for SLE. Patients may be involved in providing blood samples to help identify these immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and therapies for patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Antiochos, Brendan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Antiochos, Brendan
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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.