Explore each grant program’s funded research below.
This research examines how metabolic changes in macrophages and circulating monocytes contribute to early granuloma formation in sarcoidosis. By analyzing gene expression and metabolism in patient-derived skin biopsies and blood cells, the study aims to uncover key metabolic drivers of inflammation and identify potential therapeutic targets to modulate macrophage function.
This project investigates whether blocking the TLR9 receptor, which is activated by mitochondrial DNA, can reduce fibrosis in severe pulmonary sarcoidosis. By analyzing lung biopsies and testing targeted therapies in cell models, the study aims to identify new treatment approaches for this rare and serious condition.
This project explores how a specialized subset of fibroblasts, called FRC-like cells, contributes to granuloma formation and maintenance in sarcoidosis. By mapping fibroblast activation and identifying key signaling pathways, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for this complex inflammatory disease.
This project investigates how dysfunctional phagosome development in immune cells may contribute to granuloma formation in sarcoidosis. By comparing immune responses in patient and control cells, it aims to uncover key molecular pathways that could lead to new biomarkers and targeted therapies.
This project seeks to uncover how different immune cell types contribute to the development and progression of sarcoidosis. Using a rich dataset of patient tissue samples, the team will apply genetic, molecular, and computational approaches to identify immune cell patterns linked to specific clinical phenotypes and outcomes.
This project explores how lysosomal dysfunction and related proteins TFE3 and TFEB contribute to sarcoidosis, particularly in the lung, aiming to identify biomarkers and test a potential drug therapy in a mouse model.
This project analyzes patient samples to investigate how specific immune proteins called CLRs, particularly Mincle, contribute to the formation of multinucleated giant cells in sarcoidosis. The researchers also aim to develop a targeted nanoparticle therapy to modulate these proteins and potentially disrupt granuloma formation.
This study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of neurosarcoidosis by analyzing exosomes, immune cells, and brain biopsies from affected individuals and controls. Researchers will compare protein and gene expression to identify molecular drivers and potential infectious triggers of the disease.
This project aims to evaluate cell-free DNA as a biomarker for detecting organ involvement, disease severity, and treatment response in sarcoidosis using blood samples and machine learning. The goal is to develop a more sensitive and specific tool for monitoring disease progression and complications across multiple organs.
This study uses neuroimaging and blood biomarkers to investigate the link between systemic inflammation and cognitive dysfunction in sarcoidosis patients without neurosarcoidosis. By comparing 40 patients to 20 controls, the research aims to uncover how inflammation-related changes in brain metabolism and structure contribute to impaired cognition.
This project aims to create a cellular-level gene expression ìatlasî of granuloma formation across six conditions, including sarcoidosis, using biobanked tissue samples and an established analytic pipeline. The resulting publicly available tool will enable researchers to explore the cell types and genetic mechanisms driving granuloma formation, advancing insights into sarcoidosis and related diseases.
This project investigates how sarcoidosis-related granulomas may provide protection against infectious agents like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, focusing on the role of specific immune pathways (e.g., IL-4/IL-13/STAT6) and cell types. Using blood samples from individuals with and without sarcoidosis, the team will analyze granuloma formation, bacterial proliferation, and the impact of modulating key immune signaling pathways.