Using engineered DNA particles to understand immune responses in lupus
Official title: Engineered DNA-particles to model immune events in systemic lupus erythematosus
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10880653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain antibodies in young women with lupus, especially those who are African American, can cause inflammation and kidney problems, and it hopes to find better and safer treatments for the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,170 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175926-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880653 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young women, especially those of African American descent, who are diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those who do not have systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that significantly impacts young women, particularly those of African American descent. The study focuses on the role of antibodies to DNA in causing inflammation and kidney damage, which are major concerns in lupus patients. By utilizing engineered DNA particles, researchers aim to model immune events and better understand the mechanisms behind the disease. This could lead to the development of more effective and safer treatments for lupus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for lupus that are more effective and have fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in lupus using similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Payne, Christine K — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Payne, Christine K
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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.