Despite compelling evidence that the molecule BAFF, which stands for B-cell activating factor, plays a significant role in the development of lupus, current treatment that targets this molecule offers only a modest, if any, clinical benefit to patients. Dr. Camarero’s research will study the therapeutic effect of targeting a specific set of BAFF receptors that […]
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It is believed that both genetic and environmental risk factors play a role in causing lupus. Unfortunately, very little is known about the role of environmental exposures in the disease, including the effects of pesticides and other chemicals that may turn genes on and off by a process called DNA methylation. Previous research has shown […]
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Bacterial biofilms are bacterial communities that are abundant in the human microbiome but also found in chronic infections such as ear or urinary tract infections. Dr. Gallucci proposes that protein fragments known as curli, which are produced by bacterial biofilm infections, may trigger the onset of lupus (as well as subsequent flares in the disease), […]
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The Ets1 gene creates a protein also called Ets1 that regulates how B cells block the production of antibodies. As a result, some lupus patients who have low levels of this protein have high levels of autoantibodies. Dr. Garrett-Sinha’s research will improve our understanding of why some patients who have low levels of the Ets1 […]
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One way lupus is triggered is when B cells go haywire and start producing autoantibodies. Although current therapies that deplete B-cells can eliminate them for six months or longer, a significant number of SLE patients show only temporary and limited improvement. To improve the effectiveness of this treatment, which does not provide long-term beneficial therapeutic […]
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A common characteristic of lupus is the presence of antibodies directed against the body’s own tissues, known as autoantibodies. Understanding the factors that activate and perpetuate the production of these autoantibodies is important in the design of therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of this debilitating autoimmune disease. Dr. Mandik-Nayak’s novel research will investigate […]
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Specialized cells known as plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs), that typically help regulate the immune system, also trigger autoimmune disease when they are activated in lupus. Though many studies have identified factors that increase the inflammation caused by these cells, very little is known about proteins called negative regulators that suppress the activation of PDCs in […]
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Why women are significantly (90%) more likely than men to be diagnosed with lupus is not well understood. Until recently, scientists believed the disparity was due to the influence of sex hormones. However, researchers are now considering the possibility that women, with two X chromosomes, receive a double dose of X-linked genes that somehow predispose […]
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The clearance of dying cells is critical for the immune system to function properly, and the body’s inability to properly dispose of these cells has been implicated in lupus. Dr. Vilen and her group recently discovered that defects in the disposal of dead cells leads to the accumulation of antigens and the subsequent production of […]
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By consolidating all of the available data-sets on genes and lupus onto one free website, Dr. Weirauch’s team will provide a vital, free tool that will enable investigators to advance our understanding of how genetics influences lupus onset and progression. Their unique initiative will create an interactive website that enables researchers to develop and test […]
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