Benaroya Research Institute
@benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
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Working toward our vision of a healthy immune system for everyone.
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Read more: bri-news.short.gy/UdQhHg
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
This project was also supported by collaborations with the laboratories of Dr. Ryan Tewhey at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, Dr. Carl de Boer at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Michael Guo at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Jay Shendure at the University of Washington.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
“These primary CD4 T cell emVars serve as a great jumping-off point for in-depth functional studies to identify genes that cause multiple autoimmune diseases. This brings us a step closer to understanding the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases and finding therapeutic targets,” said Dr. Ray.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
This research not only highlights new pathways involved in autoimmune disease but also identifies potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
The researchers identified 545 specific expression-modulating variants (emVars) that likely affect how genes in T cells behave. Many of these variants were found to influence how T cells grow and respond, suggesting they play a key role in autoimmunity.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
Unlike past studies that used cancer cell lines (which don’t always reflect real human immune cells), this study used T cells directly from human donors, providing a more accurate view.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
Led by BRI’s John Ray, PhD, (@jraylab.bsky.social) researchers tested more than 18,000 genetic variants with a possible link to autoimmunity.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
New findings published today in Nature Genetics (@natureportfolio.nature.com) unveil how genetic variants associated with autoimmune diseases alter T cell gene regulation and function. 🧵
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
Learn more from the Puget Sound Business Journal:
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BRI is honored to be among the first recipients of grants announced today by the Fund for Science and Technology, made possible by the estate of Paul G. Allen: bri-news.short.gy/m9ACQK
Graphic text reads: “BRI among inaugural recipients of grants from the Fund for Science and Technology”
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
(8/8): The CAUSE Network is supported by the National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
(7/8):

✍️ Editorial from @gustavonino.bsky.social; Jose L. Gomez, MD, MS; and @mgutie.bsky.social: bri-news.short.gy/ritZSs

✍️ Editorial from @pedsleeppulm.bsky.social and Jason S. Debley, MD, MPH: bri-news.short.gy/0AA14y
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
(5/8): This research not only explains why some children don’t fully respond to mepolizumab — it also identifies new, targetable disease pathways that could shape more personalized treatments.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
(4/8): “These results tell us that asthma in urban children isn’t a disease driven by a single pathway,” says Dr. Altman. “Even when we suppress one part of the immune system, others can take over and continue to drive asthma attacks.”
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
(3/8): The research team found that while mepolizumab effectively suppresses type 2 inflammation, children who continued to experience asthma attacks had disease involving other immune pathways not blocked by the therapy.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
(2/8): Led by BRI’s Matthew C. Altman, MD, MPhil, and Daniel J. Jackson of @uwmadison.bsky.social, researchers from the CAUSE Network analyzed data from the MUPPITS-2 clinical trial to learn why some children still have asthma attacks despite treatment with mepolizumab.
benaroyaresearch.bsky.social
(1/8): New findings published this week in @jama.com Pediatrics are reshaping how we understand severe childhood asthma — especially in urban, low-income communities. 🧵
Image of BRI’s Matthew C. Altman, MD, MPhil; headline reads: “Asthma Exacerbations in Children Caused by Multiple Molecular Pathways”