Federal Grant Award Summary

Massachusetts General Hospital received a $165,240 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) under the Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.846), effective June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2031. The award funds research to unravel shared and unique mechanisms of autoimmunity using systems immunology approaches, with a particular focus on regulatory T (Treg) cell dysfunction in lupus. The research leverages an integrated dataset of 3.5 million cells across 11 autoimmune conditions, identifying 10 distinct Treg cell populations, two of which are markedly upregulated in lupus.

The project delivers research services across two primary aims: (1) characterization of peripheral T cells at the cellular and transcriptional level in autoimmune diseases using multiomics techniques on patient samples from the MGH-created Lupus Biobank, with emphasis on isolating and defining the functionality of identified Tregs; and (2) preclinical evaluation of a novel interleukin-2 (IL-2) mutein in the MRL/LPR mouse model of lupus to assess its ability to induce Treg expansion and ameliorate disease. The IL-2 mutein approach offers extended half-life and increased specificity compared to low-dose IL-2 previously tested in lupus, enabling less frequent dosing and minimized off-target side effects. These integrated studies are designed to enhance understanding of shared pathophysiology across autoimmune diseases while identifying unique mechanistic distinctions and potential therapeutic targets.