Understanding skin and immune system links in lupus
Official title: Langerhans cells and lymphatic regulation in immunity
Funded at Hospital for Special Surgery · NIH-11141653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how skin issues and the immune system are connected in people with lupus, especially regarding sun sensitivity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hospital for Special Surgery NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $691,884 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR084694-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141653 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for adult patients, 21 years or older, who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and experience photosensitivity or autoimmune issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without systemic lupus erythematosus or related autoimmune conditions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
For individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), skin problems like rashes from sun exposure are common and can even trigger wider disease flares. This project aims to uncover the specific ways skin sensitivity to light is linked to the body's overall immune response. We are focusing on how tiny vessels in the skin, called lymphatic vessels, and certain immune cells, called Langerhans cells, work together to regulate inflammation and immune activity. By understanding these connections, we hope to learn why these systems don't work properly in lupus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat skin inflammation and systemic flares in patients with lupus.
How similar studies have gone: This work builds upon recent findings that compromised lymphatic flow contributes to increased skin inflammation and immune responses in lupus, suggesting a promising direction.
Where this research is happening
-
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Theresa T. — Hospital for Special Surgery
- Study coordinator: Lu, Theresa T.
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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.