Therapeutic Inhibitors of Antigen Presentation Pathways in SLE

B cells are doubly destructive in lupus. They can directly stimulate T cells to attack patients’ own tissues. Dr. Mamula has found that they also indirectly trigger T cell attacks by interacting with other immune cells. although current lupus drugs can prevent B cells from directly stimulating T cells, they do not stop B cells from interacting with other immune cells. the goal of his research is to discover molecules that thwart B cells’ indirect effects on the immune system and identify approaches to potential new treatments for the disease.

What this study means for people with lupus

Dr. Mamula is working to identify molecules that block one harmful impact of B cells and reduce the tissue damage triggered by these cells.