J. Michelle Kahlenberg Lab

Our research focuses on uncovering the mechanisms that drive lupus, lupus flares and the development of subsequent complications.

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kahlenberg
J. Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator

Giles G Bole MD and Dorothy Mulkey MD Research Professor of Rheumatology
Department of Internal Medicine Vice Chair for Basic & Translational Research
Professor of Internal Medicine and Dermatology

Email: mkahlenb@med.umich.edu | X: @Kahlenberglab

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Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg presents "Investigating the Causes of Flares in Autoimmune Disease", followed by Dr. Joseph McCune who discusses the mission and goals of the Lupus Program.

Current Research
in the Kahlenberg Lab

Lupus, a systemic autoimmune disease, causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage, challenging the body in myriad ways. This devastating, unpredictable condition can affect anyone. As many as 1 million Americans have lupus, with that number reaching 5 million worldwide, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.

Because it is chronic, patients suffer through remissions and flare-ups for years. Complications such as accelerated heart disease and kidney damage increase mortality for lupus patients. Lupus can impact any part of the body, which means we engage physicians and scientists across our health system.

Collaboratively, we are invested in learning more about what causes lupus, how flare-ups can be prevented, how to predict disease progression, and how to prevent permanent organ damage. Our lab is especially interested in understanding how triggers like skin bacteria or ultraviolet light can stimulate the immune system to go into over-drive and cause damage.

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News
Translational immunology lab space ribbon-cutting ceremony
Department News
Collaborative Lab Space Fuels Translational Immunology Research
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate and officially mark the opening of the new Translational Immunology Research lab space at the North Campus Research Complex.
The Fundamentals Podcast Hero Card Final 1800 x 1350
The Fundamentals
From Patients to Progress: Advancing Autoimmune Research
Today on The Fundamentals, our guest is Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg, an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, the Giles Bole and Dorothy Mulkey Research Professor of Rheumatology and the Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Research in Internal Medicine. Her clinical work is centered on the care of patients with lupus, including those with refractory skin disease. In addition to running her lab, she's an active member of the Immunology Training Program and has received national recognition for her research.
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Health Lab
Fixing racial inequities in lupus care
When it comes to lupus care, Black adults are normally left behind despite being one of the highest lupus populations.