Dr. Wu’s previous research demonstrated that an enzyme known as PLK1 plays a role in lupus. With their Novel Research Grant, they will test if blocking the enzyme PLK1 in mice with lupus reduces inflammation and other symptoms. They will also examine blood samples of lupus patients to see how inhibiting this enzyme affects human […]
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The B cells of lupus patients are hyperactive, causing inflammation and damage to tissues. By studying mice, she has discovered a new molecular control switch for these cells. In their new study, they want to find out more about how this control switch works in human B cells and why it doesn’t function properly when […]
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Our cells store their DNA by wrapping it around proteins called histones. People with lupus show abnormal immune system responses against their own DNA and against histones. She thinks that histones are a little like the substances that cause allergies — they stimulate the immune system inappropriately, but controlled exposure to them may reduce this […]
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B cells usually protect us from bacteria and viruses, but in lupus they release proteins, known as antibodies, that target patients’ own cells. Researchers don’t know which immune system molecules spur B cells to start making these destructive antibodies. In their study, they will use mice to test whether specific immune system molecules, called cytokines, […]
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Up to 50% of young people with lupus have neuropsychiatric disorders, but many of these patients don’t receive the treatment they need. Her study will ask whether a variety of tests, including brain scans with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and analysis of proteins in blood samples, can help identify which patients have these disorders due […]
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Dr. Kumar found that certain immune cells accumulate in the kidneys of mice with a lupus-like disease. His research has shown that molecules structurally related to sulfatide that stimulate these cells can prevent kidney disease in animal models of lupus. One such analog has been used for the treatment for the tropical disease leishmaniasis. In […]
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The energy our cells need comes from structures known as mitochondria that serve as power plants. Dr. Lood recently found that some immune cells throw out their mitochondria, which trigger inflammation and promote development of disease. In the current study he proposes to investigate how the body normally disposes of the released mitochondria so that […]
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The immune system molecules known as interferons protect us from infections, but they also spur tissue damage in lupus. Dr. Rongvaux has discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which interferons may cause or worsen lupus. Using state-of-the-art technologies, he is investigating how some proteins, known as caspases, block this novel interferon mechanism. He also will […]
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Regulatory T cells serve as the immune system’s dimmer switch, turning down attacks by immune cells. One factor causing regulatory T cells to fail in lupus patients might be the protein cathepsin S. This protein switches on another protein, known as toll-like receptor 7, that curbs the body’s production of regulatory T cells and prevents […]
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Lupus patients with active disease produce higher-than-normal amounts of the protein Fli-1 in their immune cells. The more of the protein they make, the worse their symptoms are. He has found that the drug topotecan, a therapy for ovarian cancer and other types of cancers, curbs production of Fli-1 and reduces the signs of inflammation […]
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