Articles tagged with Lupus
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%.
The American College of Rheumatology has developed five new quality measures to improve lupus care, focusing on steroid use, mental health support, and patient-reported outcome measures. The measures aim to address long-standing inequities in care and reduce lupus-related morbidity by 2030.
Researchers at George Washington University discovered a potential new treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus, a severe autoimmune skin disease, using anandamide nanoparticles. The study found that the treatment reduced the size and severity of skin lesions in mice with the disease.
Scientists have discovered a new small molecule called Feeblin that inhibits the interaction of SLC15A4 with TASL, a key player in pro-inflammatory signalling pathways. This finding offers promising new treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus.
Research found ginger consumption makes neutrophils more resistant to NETosis, a process that contributes to inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Ginger supplementation also boosted chemical levels in neutrophils, inhibiting NETosis in response to disease-relevant stimuli.
A recent study found elevated TonEBP expression in patients with lupus nephritis, correlating with inflammatory cytokines and kidney damage. Suppressing TonEBP was shown to halt lupus progression and mitigate kidney damage in animal models.
Researchers at Hollings Cancer Center have made a breakthrough in CAR-T-cell therapy by eliminating the need for lymphodepleting chemotherapy, which reduces the risk of severe side effects. In preclinical models, their method showed promising results in controlling cancer and creating memory cells trained on specific proteins.
Imaging mass cytometry showcases odd numbers of proteins in kidneys of lupus patients, identifying novel markers for disease. The study found decreased and increased disease markers pointing to renal disease, with potential enlargement of glomeruli in some patients.
A recent study from the University of Cambridge and King's College London found that over half of patients with autoimmune conditions experience mental health symptoms, but are rarely or never asked about in clinic. The study highlighted a significant gap in mental health support for these patients.
The Lupus Research Alliance has awarded four talented scientists from underrepresented minority groups to promote diversity in lupus research. Alí Duarte-García, Maria Gutierrez-Arcelus, Ekemini Ogbu, and Jessica Williams will receive Career Development Awards to investigate glucocorticoid treatment, lupus heterogeneity, cerebrovascula...
A recent study has elucidated the genetic factors involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) development. The researchers found that HLA-DRB1*15:01 is primarily associated with SLE development in the Japanese population, suggesting its role in influencing disease progression. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of anal...
A new study from NYU Langone Health found a strong link between lupus flare-ups and specific bacterial growth in the gut, particularly Ruminococcus blautia gnavus. The researchers identified 34 genes linked to the bacterium's growth in people with inflammation, highlighting its potential role in triggering autoimmune diseases.
Researchers analyzed data from 120 clinical trials and found no evidence that treatment efficacies differ depending on the number of comorbidities. The study suggests that modest levels of comorbidities do not affect treatment outcomes, providing valuable insights for clinicians to make informed recommendations.
Researchers warn that patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions are vulnerable to long term opioid use. The study found that up to 1 in 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia may be at risk of transitioning to long term opioid use, highlighting the need for vigilance in practice prescribing.
Pregnant women with SLE are more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and fetal morbidity, with higher risks of premature birth, growth restriction, and acute renal failure. The study highlights the need for informed counseling and care for patients with SLE during pregnancy.
Researchers at Linköping University found that C-reactive protein has a beneficial function in systemic lupus erythematosus, reducing interferon activity and promoting milder disease. The study's findings suggest new treatment strategies to reduce immune complexes and elevated interferon levels.
Researchers found that Fumarate Hydratase is repressed in macrophages, leading to the release of cytokines and worsening inflammation. Restoring or targeting this enzyme could lead to new anti-inflammatory therapies for diseases like Lupus and sepsis.
Researchers identified a type of immune cell called age-associated B cells as key drivers of lupus disease. Targeting these cells in a mouse model reduced disease progression, suggesting a potential new therapy for lupus patients.
Researchers tracked the lifecycle and function of tingible body macrophages, specialized cells that clean up the immune system's waste, in a significant breakthrough. The study sheds light on autoimmune disorders like lupus by understanding the role of these cells in triggering autoimmunity.
A University of Houston research team has developed a new method for early diagnosis and monitoring of lupus nephritis using a smartphone-based test. The test assesses the levels of ALCAM protein in urine, showing high diagnostic accuracy for renal pathology activity in active lupus nephritis.
Researchers from Nagoya University have identified two microRNAs that are downregulated in systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease where the immune system attacks itself. The study found that these miRNAs regulate the same set of genes through 'seed overlap' co-targeting, which negatively regulates inflammatory cytokine production.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health identified the genetic basis of VEXAS syndrome in 2020, now estimating its prevalence among US men and women over 50. The study found that approximately 1 in 4,269 American men over age 50 and 1 in 26,238 women may develop the syndrome.
A study published in Science Immunology has discovered a potential new approach for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by targeting iron metabolism in immune system cells. Blocking the iron uptake receptor reduced disease pathology and promoted anti-inflammatory regulatory T cell activity in a mouse model of SLE.
Researchers have discovered that a protein called CXCL5 may hold the key to treating systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), an incurable autoimmune disease. By restoring balance of this protein in the blood, patients may experience improved survival rates and reduced inflammation.
Researchers report highly promising early results for CAR T therapy in lupus patients, offering a new hope for treatment of autoimmune diseases. The therapy has shown to remove existing B cells and restore natural B cell function, paving the way for potential new applications.
Researchers report positive results from the first placebo-controlled trial of anifrolumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting type I interferon receptor in patients with lupus. Treatment with anifrolumab was well-tolerated and sustained reduction in lupus disease activity.
A phase 2 clinical trial has generated promising results for deucravacitinib, an oral inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), in patients with active lupus. The study found that patients treated with deucravacitinib experienced significant improvements in disease activity, with response rates ranging from 34% to 58% compared to placebo.
Researchers investigated Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and found that viral RNA recognition drives uncontrolled interferon production. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells due to the failure of safety mechanisms to distinguish between viral and host genetic material.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that genetic variants linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may also provide protection against severe COVID-19 infection. The researchers identified TYK2, a gene involved in interferon production, as the key locus behind this protective effect.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals with autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk of complications after a heart attack. The research emphasizes the importance of controlling cardiovascular disease risk factors and developing personalized treatment plans for this population.
A team of engineers and doctors at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have designed a unique 3D-printed light-sensing medical device that correlates light exposure with disease flare-ups in people with lupus. The device provides real-time feedback to help determine what causes symptoms.
A prespecified subgroup analysis of East Asian adults with lupus nephritis found that belimumab added to standard therapy improved kidney outcomes significantly. The study also showed no new safety concerns were raised in the subgroup.
Researchers have developed a new compound, afimetoran, that prevents lupus-like symptoms and reverses organ damage in mice. The compound works by blocking toll-like receptors 7 and 8, which are involved in the immune system's response to viral RNA. Phase 2 clinical trials are underway to test its effectiveness in humans.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a molecular mechanism that drives the disease-causing effects of the most common genetic risk factor for lupus. The study suggests that targeting this new pathway could lead to the development of safe and effective treatments for SLE, an autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccine boosters significantly reduce the risk of breakthrough infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The research showed that those who received a booster dose had an immediate rise in antibody levels, but still required additional protection against severe disease.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a molecular pathway by which stress affects lupus, revealing a potential target for treatment. The study found that sleep deprivation caused the activation of microglial cells in the brain, leading to increased levels of IL12 and IL23, a diagnostic marker for neuropsychiatric SLE.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that Medicare could save up to $3.6 billion by purchasing generic drugs at the same prices as the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. The researchers compared the price of 89 generic drugs sold by MCCPDC to the price Medicare paid in 2020 and estimated potential savings of up to $3....
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified blood biomarkers predicting heart disease in lupus patients and urine biomarkers for diagnosing kidney inflammation in children with lupus. These findings hold promise for early preventive measures and improved treatment outcomes.
The Mount Sinai Microbiome Lab will use advanced methods to study the microbiome's role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus. The lab aims to identify microbial features that can help find more precise matches between diseases and treatments.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new bioinformatics pipeline, CRESSP, to investigate the mechanism underlying autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tool identified potential epitopes responsible for COVID-related autoimmune diseases and predicted cross-reactive epitopes of di...
Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.
Researchers identify TLR7 gene as cause of lupus, a life-threatening autoimmune disease. The discovery could lead to new and effective treatments with fewer side effects, revolutionizing treatment options for patients.
Researchers have identified a genetic cause of lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects 50,000 people in the UK. The TLR7 gene mutation causes inflammation in organs and joints, leading to debilitating symptoms. This discovery paves the way for new treatments targeting the mutated gene.
Researchers analyzed genomic profiles of over one million cells from 1,000 people, identifying a link between specific genes and immune cell types in autoimmune diseases. The discovery could lead to tailored treatments and refine clinical trials.
A recent analysis found that hospital admissions for children with lupus showed a decrease in severe kidney problems over time. However, racial disparities persist, with Black and Asian children at higher risk of developing new kidney problems.
Researchers identified common features of pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease causing inflammation and recurring blood clots. Nearly half of children with APS experienced recurrent blood clots despite treatment, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and prevention.
A University of Houston researcher has identified potential biomarkers for neuropsychiatric symptoms of lupus, which include CSF Lipocalin-2, M-CSF, IgM, and complement C3. Elevated levels of these proteins in cerebrospinal fluid may indicate a diagnosis of NPSLE.
Researchers developed a new 'Easy-BILAG' tool to measure lupus disease progression, enabling accurate and consistent assessments in 91.3% of cases. The single-page document uses color-coding to make assessment more user-friendly, reducing completion time from 80 minutes to under an hour.
A large-scale review of anti-inflammatory drugs used for autoimmune disorders suggests that current treatments can worsen lipid metabolism, leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers propose the development of combination therapies targeting lipid metabolism to reduce immune complications and CVD risk in patients.
A new targeted therapy inhibits specific immune cells associated with lupus nephritis, improving kidney inflammation in animal models. Elevated levels of ALCAM molecules suggest a potential new path toward personalized medicine.
The Lupus Research Alliance has announced 11 recipients of the 2021 Lupus Innovation Award, supporting innovative approaches to understanding lupus and developing personalized therapies. The award will fund studies aiming to illuminate genetic causes of lupus and develop targeted treatments.
A new web-based application uses machine learning to predict lupus nephritis treatment response, considering various disease indicators. The tool may help physicians identify patients at risk of poor outcomes, enabling them to provide targeted care and preserve as much kidney function as possible.
A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a link between systemic lupus erythematosus and an altered gut microbiome. Researchers at Osaka University identified two species of Streptococcus bacteria significantly increased in SLE patients, which can affect the body's functions by altering plasma metabolites. T...
Researchers will focus on understanding the disease, identifying B cell characteristics and plasma cells that create attacking antibodies. The study aims to enhance knowledge of SLE pathogenesis and differences in clinical manifestations, outcomes, and therapeutic responses.