J. Michelle 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.