# IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES IN CUTANEOUS LUPUS

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 1987 · $130,846

## Abstract

Recent studies by our and other groups have determined that almost all
neonatal lupus infants and their mothers possess La (SSB) and/or Ro (SSA)
antibodies.  These data indicate that the Ro and La antibodies are of
maternal origin and pass via the placenta to the infant.  The clinical
manifestations of the neonatal lupus syndrome are increased fetal wastage
(i.e. increased incidence of abortions in the first trimester and perhaps
stillbirths), isolated congenital heart block, cutaneous lupus lesions, and
perhaps dyslexia.  This experiment of nature constitutes the best evidence
indicating a pathologic role for the Ro and La antibodies in the
development of the clinical features of lupus.

To study this experiment of nature further, we plan to create a mouse model
by injecting mouse Ro and La monoclonal antibodies into pregnant mice to
determine the effects of these antibodies upon neonatal pups.
Specifically, we plan to purify Ro and La antigens, develop sensitive ELISA
assays for the quantitation of Ro and La antibodies and raise monoclonal
mouse Ro and La antibodies using hybridoma technology.  Following the
characterization of the class, specificity, and homogeneity of the
monoclonal Ro and La antibody, we plan to inject these antibodies into
pregnant mice during different times of the gestational period.  Prior to
term, the pregnant mice will be sacrificed and the uterine contents
examined.  The mouse fetuses will be examined histologically for evidence
of inflammatory lesions in the heart, brain, and skin.  Other experiments
will be performed on living mouse pups from Ro and La injected mother to
determine the presence of cardiac conduction abnormalities by
microelectrocardiograms and the ability of UV-B exposure to induce in these
mice abnormal, inflammatory cutaneous responses similar to that seen in
human neonatal lupus infants.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3155334
- **Project number:** 5R01AR025650-10
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FTMTDMBR29C7
- **Principal Investigator:** THOMAS T. PROVOST
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $130,846
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1978-09-01 → 1989-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3155334

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3155334, IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES IN CUTANEOUS LUPUS (5R01AR025650-10). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3155334. Licensed CC0.

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