News From the Lab: Study Identifies Potential New Approach for Treating Lupus

Watch the replay of our latest installment of "News From the Lab" with Lupus LA! We'll be discussing some of the latest developments in #lupusresearch and #metabolism, as well as the potential implications for #lupus patients with Lupus LA Medical Advisory Board Member and Associate Professor of the Department of Medicine (Division of Rheumatology) at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Caroline Jefferies, PhD, and Lupus LA Founding Chairman, board member and lupus patient, Adam Selkowitz!

About the Update: Disrupting the ability of immune cells to take up iron may offer a new approach to treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a study published in Science Immunology from investigators at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The findings show that targeting iron uptake serves to quiet pro-inflammatory T cells, known to be dysregulated in SLE, while simultaneously boosting the activity of their anti-inflammatory counterparts – regulatory T cells. This study finds targeting excess iron uptake can correct T cell dysfunction. “The ability to optimize T cell function through iron manipulation may have clinical significance for other autoimmune diseases in addition to lupus,” said Jeffrey Rathmell, Ph.D., Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Immunobiology.

[AngelinaATF]

Hi there! I’m late on finding it but the FATIGUE that comes w this DZ is overwhelming and I am now on year 20 of diagnosis. My question is the ability to qualify for CAR T CELL THERAPY without kidney dz yet bc would it not be sensible to help a patient that is suffering 20 yrs BEFORE it goes into the severest of dz? My diagnosis perfectly lines up with your ideal candidate of Lupus; Scleroderma; Polymyositis; RAYNAUD’s active syndrome. Please direct me where to go at Mayo or whom to speak to. I am not far in North Dakota, myself. Thank you! Angelina ATF

[Nameless]

Would turning off mitochondria cause side effects? Would it cause even worse fatigue and lack of energy for lupus patients? If not, can you explain why not?