Project 1: Multiplexed multimodal single-cell genomic profiling of SLE in remission

Abstract – Project 1 This project will identify the immune states present in 250 SLE patients in long-term drug free remission (+/- hydroxychloroquine) by analyzing 1) blood for composition of immune cells, 2) the transcriptional epigenetic and proteomic profile of blood immune cells at the single cell level, and 3) determining the repertoire of B cells in blood that react with nuclear antigens. The data will be analyzed in comparison to 60 active SLE patients and 60 healthy controls and will provide insight into the heterogeneity of immune profiles in patients in remission and the homeostatic mechanisms to sustain remission. As 25% will likely relapse over 5 years, the studies may also identify predictors of relapse.