Understanding the causes and progression of autoimmune skin diseases
Official title: Predictive drivers of new onset, relapse, and progression of human autoimmunity in skin
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11055333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how autoimmune skin diseases start and change over time by examining skin samples from people who might be at risk, with the goal of finding early signs that could help in preventing and managing these conditions better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | April 20, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,248,082 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI176310-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for autoimmune skin diseases, particularly women and those with skin of color.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established autoimmune skin diseases who are not in a preclinical state may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that lead to the onset, relapse, and progression of autoimmune diseases affecting the skin. By studying skin samples from individuals at risk, the team aims to identify specific biomarkers and immune signatures that indicate a preclinical state of disease. The approach includes innovative, minimally invasive techniques for tissue sampling, allowing for longitudinal tracking of changes over time. This multidisciplinary effort seeks to improve our understanding of autoimmunity and ultimately enhance prevention and management strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and management of autoimmune skin diseases, potentially reducing morbidity and improving quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, John E — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Harris, John E
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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.