Understanding the immune cells involved in Sjögren's syndrome
Official title: Specificity and Molecular Definition of Pathogenic Lymphocytes in Sjogren's Syndrome
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-10469419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain immune cells in people with Sjögren's syndrome to understand what triggers the immune response, which could help find new ways to treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $520,558 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR074310-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10469419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, particularly those experiencing severe symptoms like dry mouth and eyes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Sjögren's syndrome who do not have significant immune cell involvement or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the specific immune cells, particularly B lymphocytes and T cells, that contribute to Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease affecting the salivary and lacrimal glands. By analyzing the genetic and molecular characteristics of these cells, the study aims to identify the antigens that trigger the immune response in affected patients. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to isolate and characterize these immune cells and their interactions, which could lead to new insights into the disease's pathology and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective biologic therapies for Sjögren's syndrome, improving the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farris, a Darise — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Farris, a Darise
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Glycolytic metabolites, Calcium entry, and Sjögren’s syndrome
A patient-focused look at how tiny changes in metabolism and calcium signaling might contribute to Sjögren’s syndrome and its effects on saliva.
-
How aging and cell stress damage salivary glands in Sjögren’s
Researchers are testing whether getting older and increased oxidative (cell) stress make salivary glands more likely to be damaged in Sjögren’s, using mouse models that mimic the disease.
-
Protein-polymer treatment for Sjögren's
This project creates tiny protein-polymer medicines intended to reduce eye and mouth dryness and inflammation for people with Sjögren's syndrome.
-
Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome and Saliva Production
This research explores how natural body chemicals and calcium affect saliva production and immune cells in people with Sjögren's syndrome.
-
Developing a new treatment for dry eye disease caused by Sjogren's syndrome
This study is testing a new, easy-to-get treatment for dry eyes caused by Sjogren's syndrome, using special cells to create a healing extract that could help improve your symptoms and overall eye health.
-
Improving saliva and tear production in Sjögren's syndrome
This study is looking at how blocking certain receptors in the glands that produce saliva and tears might help people with Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that causes dry mouth and dry eyes, by improving their gland function and making them feel better.
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.