Understanding why autoimmune diseases affect more women than men
Mechanisms of sex discrepancy in autoimmune disease: Regulation of the female-biased VGLL3 immune pathway
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-10889140
This study is looking into why autoimmune diseases, like lupus, are more common in women and hopes to find new ways to treat and prevent these conditions by exploring a specific immune pathway.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10889140 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms behind the higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women, particularly focusing on conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus. The project aims to identify the VGLL3 immune pathway, which may play a crucial role in this sex discrepancy. By conducting a series of experiments and analyses, the research seeks to uncover new treatment and prevention strategies for these diseases that disproportionately affect women. The principal investigator will also receive training to enhance her skills in academic dermatology and immunology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have autoimmune diseases or are male may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments and preventive measures for autoimmune diseases that primarily affect women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sex differences in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BILLI, ALLISON CHELSA — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: BILLI, ALLISON CHELSA
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.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases, Cancer Genes, Cancer-Promoting Gene