Integrated Program for Cutaneous Immune-Stromal Interactions in SLE (IPCISS)

The University of Michigan (U-M) is a leader in interdisciplinary translational research, and this is especially true for the field of autoimmune skin disease. The study PIs have built an impactful translational research program in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) that integrates a wellcharacterized patient cohort coupled with expertise in skin biology, autoimmunity, immunology, and state-of-theart bioinformatics analysis. Despite these successes, there are untapped opportunities to build further research synergy and progress in the stromal-immune interface that contributes to disease. These needs include the study of connectivity networks in the skin, the role of immune memory on disease, and the etiology of photosensitivity. The proposed Integrated Program in Cutaneous Immune-Stromal interactions in SLE (IPCISS) will provide investigators the opportunity to expand and synergize their research, access a state-of-the-art Research Core, and enhance a vibrant, integrated skin and rheumatic disease research community through outstanding enrichment programs. The ultimate goals of the Program are to: 1) develop sufficient knowledge of the pathogenesis and triggers of CLE in SLE patients to facilitate novel treatment approaches in this difficult to treat disease; and 2) incorporate the highest yield translational and state-of-the-art omic approaches in SLE skin disease investigation. The U-M IPCISS Program will achieve these goals through two research projects focused on 1) the role of stromal/immune interaction in disease and treatment response and 2) the stromal/immune interactions that contribute to aberrant ultraviolet (UV) light responses and initiation of disease. It will also establish a state-of-the-art Scientific Core, the Bioinformatics and Integrated Omics Pipeline for Stromal and Immune Interaction (BIOPSII) Core, which is designed to provide innovative, in-depth services and training to Program participants and collaborators. The IPCISS Administrative Core will coordinate Programmatic activities and oversee management of the Projects and Research Core, with the following specific aims: 1) Provide leadership and oversight for the IPCISS; 2) Develop and enact effective Center management strategies; 3) Effectively disseminate information regarding the IPCISS findings to a broad constituency that encompasses patients, clinicians, and scientists through a strong communication platform; 4) Build and administer a robust Enrichment Program to enhance the goals of the IPCISS. This will include a quarterly Visiting Speaker Series, an Annual Symposium, and a Patient Recruitment and Education Program to promote patient engagement in research. As a result of these Center activities and the outstanding science conducted by the Projects and the BIOPSII Core, the IPCISS will have a powerful and sustained impact on lupus disease research at U-M and beyond. Project Number: 1P01AI179251-01A1 | Fiscal Year: 2025 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) | Principal Investigator: Joanne Kahlenberg (+1 co-PI) | Institution: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR, ANN ARBOR, MI | Award Amount: $1,540,008 | Activity Code: P01 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZAI1 MR-I (S1)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/1P01AI17925101A1