Using AI to better understand lupus kidney disease

Using artificial intelligence to bridge human and murine studies of lupus nephritis progression

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-11170635

This project uses advanced computer tools to compare kidney tissue from people and mice with lupus, hoping to find better ways to predict and treat the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11170635 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Lupus nephritis is a serious kidney condition that affects many people with lupus, and current treatments don't always work well. It's hard to know which patients will respond to treatment or why some get worse. This project uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence and detailed imaging to look closely at kidney tissue from both human patients and animal models. By comparing these tissues, researchers hope to uncover specific disease patterns that are shared between humans and mice. This deeper understanding could help us predict how the disease will progress and find more effective treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research does not directly recruit patients but aims to benefit those living with lupus nephritis by improving future diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Not a fit: Patients not affected by lupus nephritis would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict how lupus nephritis will progress and help doctors choose more effective treatments for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While AI is increasingly used in medical research, this specific approach of using high-dimensional confocal microscopy and AI to bridge human and murine lupus nephritis mechanisms is innovative.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.