Understanding how mutations in MIF may drive inflammatory arthritis in kids
Official title: Mechanism of Allosteric Site Mutations of MIF in Systemic Juvenile Arthritis
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11454897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A kid-focused look at how changes in a protein called MIF could cause systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and what this could mean for better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,491 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR087067-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis or those carrying MIF mutations identified in research databases.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy children or those without MIF-related disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This grant explores mutations in the MIF protein that may contribute to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) in children. Researchers will examine how allosteric mutations alter MIF’s structure and interactions, using 3D models and relevant genetic data to understand potential disease mechanisms. The work aims to link genetic variants to inflammatory pathways so future therapies can target the right molecules in kids with sJIA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could guide the development of targeted therapies for children with sJIA.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked MIF to inflammatory diseases, but specific pediatric sJIA mutations are being explored in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lolis, Elias — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Lolis, Elias
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
Researchers are studying how gut bacteria affect how well methotrexate works for people with rheumatoid arthritis, aiming to make MTX effective for more patients.
-
Understanding how immune checkpoint drugs can trigger inflammatory arthritis in cancer patients
This research looks at why some cancer patients develop inflammatory arthritis after PD-1 inhibitor therapy and what could be done to prevent it.
-
Hybrid biomaterial system to boost immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
A new, patient-facing immunotherapy approach uses specialized particles to retrain the immune system to calm RA in adults.
-
Dose guide for physical activity to improve arthritis symptoms
A study from the University of South Carolina will look at how different amounts of weekly physical activity affect arthritis symptoms and quality of life in adults with arthritis.
-
Collaborating Center for Arthritis Care Tools and a Coordinating Center for an Arthritis Management & Wellbeing Network
A coordinated NIH program aims to improve how primary care providers refer people with arthritis to evidence-based, self-management programs and to boost participation, especially among groups facing disparities.
-
Arthritis prevention program to help adults with OA in mountain west communities
A program to help adults with osteoarthritis in the Mountain West connect with physical activity counseling and community activities to reduce activity limitations.
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.