Understanding how the immune system mistakenly attacks DNA in lupus
Official title: Mechanisms of DNA-Specific Autoimmunity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11061817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called DNASE1L3 affects the immune system in people with lupus, to better understand why some patients produce antibodies that attack their own DNA and how this can impact their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2018 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $629,341 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR071703-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061817 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 severe symptoms or lupus nephritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those without a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the immune system's production of antibodies that target DNA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It focuses on a specific enzyme, DNASE1L3, which helps digest DNA in the body, and how its deficiency can lead to severe autoimmune reactions. By studying both human patients and mouse models, the research aims to uncover the clinical implications of these autoantibody responses and their role in disease progression. The team employs advanced techniques in immunology and patient phenotyping to gather comprehensive data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding autoimmune responses in similar contexts, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reizis, Boris — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Reizis, Boris
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Immunostimulatory short non-coding RNAs and lupus
A study in people with lupus looks at tiny RNA pieces that may spark inflammation, to understand if they drive disease activity.
-
Antiviral factors that limit HIV in people with SLE
Researchers at Howard University are studying how immune factors in people with lupus may help limit HIV infection.
-
Mechanistic clues about lupus from immune disorders
This grant looks at why certain immune disorders in people with genetic immune problems lead to lupus-like symptoms, by studying patients and mouse models.
-
Subjective thinking challenges in adults with lupus as they age
This grant aims to understand how lupus-related cognitive problems affect adults, especially older adults, and tests a real-time method to track daily fluctuations in those symptoms.
-
Mitochondrial targets of antibodies in lupus (SLE)
A Johns Hopkins-led study will identify which mitochondrial membrane proteins are targeted by autoantibodies in lupus patients to understand how these immune attacks fuel the disease.
-
Influenza, Hydroxychloroquine, and the Windows of Self-Peptide Presentation in Lupus
A doctor-researcher is studying how flu infection and the lupus medication hydroxychloroquine change the way the immune system shows self-parts to trigger or prevent lupus flares in kids.
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.