# AUTOANTIBODIES IN TECHNICIANS HANDLING LUPUS BLOOD

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 1988 · $147,446

## Abstract

The basic premise to be tested is that a transmissible agent capable of
causing autoantibody formation is present in the blood of patients with
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).  Ample evidence now exists to support a
multi-factorial etiology of SLE including genetic, hormonal and
environmental influences.  In terms of prevention and cure, environmental
influences are potentially the most susceptible to manipulation and
therefore of prime importance.  In previous work we had shown that the
prevalence of lymphocytotoxic antibodies (LTCA) is increased in blood and
nonblood relatives of SLE patients and in technicians working with lupus
blood.  Others have shown increased binding of denatured DNA in lupus
technicians.  We believe these technicians form an ideal group in which to
document the presence of a transmissible agent.  Their primary exposure to
SLE is through the blood they handle.  Unlike SLE family members they do
not share the same environment with the patient, thus the likelihood of
common dietary or environmental chemicals being involved is greatly
reduced.  These technicians will also provide an ideal group in which to
assess the risk factors involved in acquisition of autoantibodies after
exposure to this agent.

In phase 1 of this study we will recruit a large group of technicians with
different levels of exposure to SLE blood;  high, medium and low.  The
prevalence of LCTA and ANA will be determined in technicians as well as
their spouses to search for secondary transmission.  Phase two will be a
case control study of these individuals comparing exposure factors in
autoantibody positive and negative subjects.  Finally, LCTA from
asymptomatic technicians will be compared to those obtained from SLE
patients with respect to the effects of these antibodies on in vitro
lymphocyte function to better understand the role of these autoantibodies
and the pathogenesis of SLE.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3157237
- **Project number:** 5R01AR035529-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KABJZBBJ4B54
- **Principal Investigator:** RONALD P MESSNER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $147,446
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1986-07-01 → 1990-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3157237

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3157237, AUTOANTIBODIES IN TECHNICIANS HANDLING LUPUS BLOOD (5R01AR035529-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3157237. Licensed CC0.

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