Award
NIH Reporter #5P01AI179405-03
Project 2 - BWH
Recipient
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
Award Amount
$655,601.00
Ceiling
$655,601.00
Awarded
January 22, 2026
Identifier
5P01AI179405-03
This award funds research on lupus nephritis, focusing on immune cell homing via high endothelial venules (HEVs) and using nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery to improve therapy efficacy and safety.
Description
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects 1 to 2 million Americans, with 50-60% developing lupus nephritis (LN) within the first 10 years. Despite new immune therapeutics, LN management remains challenging. Intrarenal inflammation involves immune cell homing, with high endothelial venules (HEVs) playing a key role. Our data reveal intrarenal HEVs in mouse and human LN kidneys. We hypothesize that LTR+ stromal cells stimulated by Th17 cells drive HEV formation, leading to immune cell homing and LN progression. Experiments will examine the interaction between LTR in kidney stromal cells and LT in Th17 cells, and target HEVs for delivering nano-immune therapeutics (anti-CD3, anti-IL23) coated with MECA-79 mAb. This targeted approach aims to improve therapeutic efficacy and safety. The project will elucidate mechanisms of LN development and inform targeted therapies.