Why follicular helper T cells grow in lupus
Determinants of follicular helper T cell expansion in lupus
Testing whether medicines that change immune-cell metabolism can lower the harmful immune response that causes lupus in people with the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11244676 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are testing metabolic drugs (like 2-deoxy-D-glucose and a PKM2-stabilizing compound called TEPP-46) in laboratory models to see if they can reduce the follicular helper T cells that drive autoantibody production. They give these compounds orally and compare how each one changes cell metabolism, gut immune tissues (like ileal epithelial cells and Peyer’s patches), and the B cells that make antibodies. The team also looks at how these changes affect the gut microbiome and the types of B cells (including IgA+ B cells) that support microbial balance. The goal is to understand which metabolic approach best limits autoimmune antibody production and could guide future patient treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with systemic lupus erythematosus, especially those with active disease or high levels of autoantibodies, would be the likely candidates for related clinical work.
Not a fit: People without lupus, those with inactive disease, or individuals who cannot take metabolic drugs would be unlikely to benefit from this research directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new metabolism-targeting therapies that lower autoantibodies and reduce lupus activity.
How similar studies have performed: Similar metabolic interventions have reduced lupus-like disease in mice, but testing these specific drugs in people with lupus is still limited.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morel, Laurence — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Morel, Laurence
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.