Understanding VISTA's Role in Discoid Lupus Skin Disease
Role of VISTA in discoid lupus erythematosus
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11130956
This research explores how a protein called VISTA might be involved in discoid lupus erythematosus, a chronic skin condition that causes disfiguring scars.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11130956 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that severely impacts quality of life due to disfiguring scarring, hair loss, itching, and pain, affecting many people, especially women of color. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments, and existing therapies often do not work well for all patients. This project aims to understand how certain immune cells, particularly plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and a protein called VISTA contribute to DLE. By learning more about VISTA and pDCs, we hope to identify new ways to target the disease and develop more effective treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with discoid lupus erythematosus, especially those for whom current treatments are ineffective, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without discoid lupus erythematosus or similar autoimmune skin conditions would likely not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new, more effective treatments for discoid lupus erythematosus, potentially reducing disfiguring symptoms and improving patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work in mouse models suggests VISTA inhibits DLE development, and human DLE skin biopsies show high VISTA levels, indicating a promising, yet early, area of focus.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VESELY, MATTHEW D — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: VESELY, MATTHEW D
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 below.