Penetrance of microglia-specific transcriptional signatures in circulating monocytes of patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms of SLE

Project: Research project

Project Details

Description

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are among the earliest signs of SLE and classified into focal or diffuse syndromes. While autoantibodies to brain-specific antigens (NMDA receptor), blood-brain barrier disruption, accelerated atherosclerosis and intrathecal inflammatory cytokines are implicated in NP-SLE, these clinical outcomes cannot account for the high prevalence and heterogeneity of NP-SLE symptoms in patients. As microglia, the tissue resident macrophages of the brain, have recently gained more attention in the pathogenesis of NP-SLE, we will be the first to potentially demonstrate the predictive value of our newly identified microglia-specific ‘NP-SLE’ and ‘DAM’ signatures as a surrogate for NP-SLE clinical outcomes. Since patients with SLE often fail to achieve remission using current immunosuppressive and biologic therapies and side effects from treatment are substantial, the ultimate objective is to utilize these research discoveries to help in the development of safer and more effective therapies for patients suffering from NP-SLE.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/1/2012/31/22

Funding

  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Agmt 3/3/20)

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