Articles tagged with Lupus
A new $1.7 million NIH grant will support Carol Webb's research on the protein ARID3a and its role in lupus development and treatment. The study aims to identify genes controlled by ARID3a, understand how it disrupts the immune system, and test potential treatments.
Researchers developed a novel mouse model that accurately mirrors the progression and dynamic shift between disease states of lupus. The model demonstrates a direct link between skin defects and systemic disease, with dynamic features including remission and relapse cycles.
Researchers found that certain types of CD8+ killer T cells are more abundant in people with MS and target the EBV virus, indicating the virus may trigger an immune response leading to progressive neurological damage. The study suggests that interfering with EBV could have a significant impact on other autoimmune diseases.
Two first-in-class antibodies, C01 and C04, have been developed to inhibit inflammation in autoimmune diseases by blocking the high-affinity IgG receptor FcγRI. The antibodies were discovered using a unique immunization method and exhibit higher affinity for FcγRI than human IgG.
Researchers found that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is directly responsible for triggering lupus, a chronic autoimmune condition. Most Americans carry EBV, which resides silently inside their bodies and can activate autoreactive B cells to attack healthy tissues.
Researchers found a drug that blocks harmful immune proteins, preventing congenital heart block in newborns. A multicenter trial is planned to assess the effectiveness of the drug in preventing congenital heart block.
Researchers have identified 57 unique proteins in urine that can indicate active damage to the kidneys, enabling non-invasive monitoring of lupus nephritis. This breakthrough could transform diagnosis and treatment for millions worldwide affected by systemic lupus erythematosus.
A team led by Dr. Betty Tsao seeks to uncover the genetic drivers of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using DNA sequencing. By analyzing more than 90 families with a history of SLE, they hope to identify rare mutations that could lead to new treatments.
Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
A large-scale study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between early life antibiotic exposure and the development of autoimmune diseases in children. Researchers analyzed data from over 4 million Korean children and discovered no increased risk of Type 1 diabetes, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions.
A new drug delivery system targeting the spleen could provide more effective treatment options for lupus, a debilitating autoimmune disease. The system uses lipid nanoparticles modified with mannose to deliver medicine directly to the spleen and target critical immune cells thought to drive the disease.
Researchers discovered that our bodies add sugars to RNA, shielding it from the immune system. This 'sugarcoating' prevents inflammation and helps clean up dead cells.
The Lupus Research Alliance has announced the recipients of its 2025 Empowering Lupus Research Awards, which will support innovative studies on gut bacteria, immune cells, chronic pain, and inflammatory pathways. The awards aim to fuel discoveries that improve outcomes for people living with lupus.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina develop a new approach to preventing lupus nephritis by improving kidney cell function. Exposure to serum from patients with lupus nephritis causes inflammation, but simultaneous exposure to L-sepiapterin reduces inflammation and enhances nitric oxide production.
Researchers found that certain antiviral genes become less active with age in people with lupus, leading to fewer inflammatory proteins. This reversal of 'inflammaging' may explain why symptoms improve in some older patients, allowing them to approach healthy aging.
Research highlights the significant consequences of diagnostic delays for lupus patients, who often experience multiple misdiagnoses before receiving an accurate diagnosis. The study found that 'diagnostic overshadowing' is a major cause of these delays, leading to irreparable organ damage and poor quality of life.
The Lupus Research Alliance has launched the Lupus Nexus Foundational Analyses, integrating molecular datasets with clinical data to accelerate personalized lupus treatments. This initiative provides a comprehensive and accessible dataset, generating new hypotheses and driving meaningful breakthroughs for people living with lupus.
Researchers at KAIST have identified a critical protein called SLIRP that acts as an 'immune switch' regulating immune responses to viruses and autoimmune diseases. Suppressing SLIRP can alleviate abnormal immune responses in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, coronavirus, and encephalomyocarditis virus infection.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers identifies anti-TFAM antibodies as a significant risk factor for thrombotic events in people with lupus. These antibodies attack an essential protein crucial for maintaining the health of mitochondria, leading to damage and increased risk of blood clots.
The Lupus Research Alliance awards $150,000 to 11 talented researchers investigating novel therapeutic strategies, chronic inflammation, biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring. The studies aim to accelerate lupus research and potentially transform treatment approaches.
The Lupus Research Alliance has awarded grants to 11 researchers working on engineered cell therapies for lupus. These studies focus on developing safer and more effective treatments using techniques such as CAR T cells, which involve reprogramming a patient's own immune cells to attack disease-causing cells.
A study co-led by the University of Zurich has shown that gluconolactone significantly increases the number and function of regulatory T cells in both mice and humans, promoting a more balanced immune environment. This effect was observed in lupus patients as well, with visible improvements in clinical studies after just two weeks.
A study found that misdiagnoses of autoimmune diseases like lupus and vasculitis can lead to increased depression, anxiety, and lower mental wellbeing in patients. Clinicians are calling for greater awareness and support for patients affected by these misdiagnoses.
A new study of 2,900 patients with lupus pericarditis found that using corticosteroids increases the risk of recurring pericarditis. The study suggests minimizing corticosteroid use and exploring alternative treatments to reduce recurrence rates.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a method to track disease progression in patients with autoimmune diseases. The new method identifies large immuno-active complexes and can be measured in parallel, increasing capacity and reducing the need for training new staff or investing in equipment.
Researchers found that topical mupirocin treatment significantly lowers lesional Staphylococcus aureus levels and inflammatory signals in cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions. The reduction in bacteria also decreases skin monocyte levels, which drive inflammation.
Researchers have identified a key protein called Apex1 as a potential therapeutic target for stopping the immune system from attacking itself. By inhibiting this protein, harmful T cells that cause autoimmune diseases and allergies can be eliminated.
A recent study by Emory University researchers found that mRNA vaccines developed to fight COVID-19 are less effective in patients with autoimmune diseases like lupus. The findings highlight the importance of developing tailored vaccination strategies for this vulnerable population.
A new AI model developed by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine can predict the progression of autoimmune disease among those with preclinical symptoms up to 1,000% more accurately. The GPS model integrates data from large genetic studies and electronic health records to identify individuals at high risk of disease progression.
A Virginia Tech student is exploring a potential new treatment avenue for Lupus using DNA-like molecules, with the goal of alleviating symptoms and reducing organ damage. The researcher's approach has shown promise in cell cultures and may lead to less invasive treatments that harness the body's natural immune responses.
The IDEAL Initiative will fund pilot clinical studies assessing the impact of diet intervention on lupus lived experience. The initiative aims to identify a practical dietary approach that benefits people with lupus.
The Lupus Research Alliance has awarded the inaugural Translational Bridge Award to five researchers tackling pressing lupus issues, including pain management, nephritis diagnostics, glucocorticoid alternatives, novel therapies, and brain fog diagnosis.
The Lupus Research Alliance will present 33 studies at ACR Convergence 2024, covering foundational research, clinical trials, and CAR T cell therapy approaches for treating lupus. These studies represent significant advancements in understanding and addressing the complexities of this autoimmune disease.
Researchers found that patients who consumed caffeine had better vascular health, as measured through endothelial cells. The study suggests that caffeine may play a role in controlling disease progression and improving cardiovascular health.
A large study found that women with premature ovarian insufficiency are 2.6 times more likely to have an autoimmune disorder, with some conditions increasing the risk by 26 times. The study suggests a strong link between POI and severe autoimmune diseases, highlighting the need for medical professionals to be aware of this increased risk.
Researchers found that neoself-antigens, presented on MHC-II, induce an immune response and lead to autoimmunity in lupus patients. EBV reactivation increases the presentation of these antigens, triggering T cell activation and autoimmune disease development.
A 23-year-old patient with severe systemic lupus erythematosus achieved complete symptom relief after five injections of teclistamab, a cancer medication. The treatment significantly improved kidney function, blood levels, and reduced inflammation in the skin and joints.
A team of researchers from Columbia University and Harvard University report that autoantibodies alone directly affect heart function in lupus patients. The study identified four autoantibodies that may directly affect the heart muscle, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
A Berlin-led research team has discovered that a small population of immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) trigger severe kidney inflammation in patients with lupus. ILCs, which are present in the kidneys, amplify organ damage when activated by NKp46 receptors.
Researchers identified a mutated version of the TNIP1 protein that causes chronic autoimmune disease similar to Sjogren's Syndrome. The study suggests that targeting this protein may lead to new and tailored treatments for these conditions.
Researchers identified a fundamental imbalance in immune responses that patients with lupus make, leading to insufficient activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. This imbalance can be corrected by reprogramming disease-causing cells into Th22 cells promoting wound healing, offering a potential cure for lupus.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that chronic air pollution exposure may increase the risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition that affects multiple organs. Individuals with high genetic risk and high air pollution exposure had the highest risk of developing lupus.
Researchers have discovered several rare types of helper T cells associated with immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that genetic variants in bidirectional enhancer DNA are linked to specific immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease.
A study published in PNAS reveals that ETV5 enhances the expression of osteopontin, leading to the differentiation of T cells into follicular helper cells. In SLE patients, disease activity is proportional to ETV5 and osteopontin levels, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for treating lupus.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified two sets of genetic mutations associated with lupus, enabling the development of targeted therapies. The discoveries could lead to more effective treatments for patients with oversensitive TLRs and TLR7 receptors.
Researchers found that patients with lupus and other autoimmune diseases often experience vivid nightmares before hallucinations appear. These symptoms can serve as an early warning sign for disease flares, allowing clinicians to take action to improve care and reduce clinic times. Recognizing these mental health and neurological sympt...
Researchers found that specific combinations of interferon proteins, including I, II, and III, are associated with various lupus symptoms like skin rashes, kidney inflammation, and joint pain. Elevated levels of these interferons can lead to severe disease presentations.
A new study by Duke University researchers provides fundamental insights into autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. They developed a system to test how DNA attached to nanoparticles interact with the immune system, revealing that larger nanoparticles provide more protection for DNA.
Women with selected rheumatic diseases experience a higher prevalence of childlessness, while risks for pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery are increased for many conditions. Men with rheumatic conditions also face a higher risk of childlessness, although the impact on fertility varies among different diseases.
ISB researchers identify NKG2A-biased immune responses as protective against decreased inflammation and increased survival rates in various disease contexts. The study suggests potential therapeutic targets for modifying immune responses across diseases.
Monash University researchers have developed a treatment that restores the protective side of the immune system, preventing autoimmunity in people with lupus. The new method uses human cells to introduce protective molecules into defective T-regs, effectively 'resetting' the abnormal immune system.
A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.
New biomarkers have been discovered to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of lupus nephritis, a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. The study identified six novel urine biomarkers that can detect even low concentrations of proteins in the urine.
Researchers identified a mutation in the UNC93B1 gene in patients with SLE, which leads to selective overactivation of TLR7 receptor and results in an immune attack on normal cells. The findings demonstrate that UNC93B1 controls the activity of specific nucleic acid receptors, such as TLR7, thereby preventing autoimmunity.
Researchers from Scripps Research have developed a small molecule that blocks the activity of SLC15A4, a protein linked to autoimmune diseases like lupus and Crohn's disease. The compound, FFF-21, successfully reduced inflammation in mouse models and isolated cells from people with lupus.
A study of over 1,000 patients and clinicians found that patient self-assessments were undervalued, with clinicians ranking them lowest in diagnostic decisions. Experts call for a more collaborative approach valuing patients' 'lived experiences', citing potential benefits including improved diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction.
A comprehensive review of targeted therapies for lupus nephritis discusses the challenges of current treatments and proposes strategies to overcome obstacles. Recent advancements in B-cell targeting and alternative approaches such as CAR-T cells are highlighted.
Researchers have developed a new method, SECRE, to identify genetic regulators of cytokine secretion in autoimmune diseases. The technique has been validated on cells known to play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and shows promising results for treating conditions with few therapeutic options.
Researchers found that a molecule associated with the X chromosome contributes to lupus development in females. The X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) triggers an immune response that damages healthy tissue, leading to muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, and other complications.
Treatment with obinutuzumab has been shown to preserve kidney function and prevent flares in patients with lupus nephritis. The addition of obinutuzumab to standard treatment reduced the risk of composite outcomes, such as death or treatment failure, by 60%.