Understanding immune cell interactions in systemic sclerosis
Official title: Discovering immune drivers of fibroblast polarization andrecovery in systemic sclerosis
Funded at Hospital for Special Surgery · NIH-11002666 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells and skin cells work together in people with systemic sclerosis to find out what causes skin thickening, with the hope of creating better, personalized treatments to help improve your health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hospital for Special Surgery NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $175,793 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AR083509-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002666 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, particularly those experiencing skin and organ fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those not diagnosed with systemic sclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how immune cells interact with fibroblasts in the skin of patients with systemic sclerosis, a serious autoimmune disease. The study aims to identify specific immune drivers that influence the behavior of fibroblasts, which are responsible for excessive collagen production and fibrosis. By analyzing biological samples and clinical data, the research seeks to develop reliable tools that can help tailor treatments for individual patients based on their unique disease characteristics. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes by better understanding the phases of the disease and how they respond to treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatment strategies for patients with systemic sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggests that similar approaches have shown promise in understanding fibroblast behavior in systemic sclerosis, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lakin, Kimberly Showalter — Hospital for Special Surgery
- Study coordinator: Lakin, Kimberly Showalter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how a cell protein (SLC9A1) drives skin and lung scarring in systemic sclerosis
A five-year NIH grant aims to understand how a specific cell protein called SLC9A1 influences scar-forming cells in systemic sclerosis and related lung disease, with the goal of finding possible therapies.
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From proteins and genes to new treatments for scar-related lung disease
A large NIH grant is working to map the proteins in the lungs of people with systemic sclerosis to find new targets for drugs that could slow or stop lung fibrosis.
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Cell-level clues to skin scarring in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
A study at the University of Pittsburgh is looking at how skin cells and their helpers change at the DNA level in adults and children with systemic sclerosis to find new targets to reduce scarring.
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Clinical-Translational Studies in Skin, Lung, and Blood Vessel Problems in Systemic Sclerosis
A NIH grant supports coordinated efforts to understand and improve health for people with systemic sclerosis and related conditions by sharing resources, data, and pilot projects at MUSC.
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Role of A20 and DREAM in fat cells and skin scarring in systemic sclerosis
A research project at the University of Michigan looks at how differences in fat tissue and blood vessels relate to skin scarring in systemic sclerosis, with the aim of finding new ways to treat or prevent fibrosis.
-
Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis and Lung Disease in Adults
A study in adults with systemic sclerosis will look at how blood vessels in the lungs and body relate to the development of lung disease, with the aim of finding new ways to prevent it.
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.