Mystery Of Autoimmune Diseases To Be Uncovered: Scientists To Study Genes And Immune Systems

New Delhi: Autoimmune diseases arise when the body’s immune system—designed to protect it from illnesses—turns against the body itself. A nationwide scientific initiative is now being launched to uncover the genetic and immunological mysteries underlying these conditions. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has entrusted a significant research project, titled "Genomic Profiling and Identification of Targetable Shared Immunopathogenic Events in Multiplex Families with Autoimmune Diseases," to Dr. Dipyaman Ganguly, the project coordinator at Ashoka University, Sonipat.

The four-year project aims to establish a national cohort of 200 families in which more than one member is affected by an autoimmune disease. In each selected family, at least one member must be suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)—commonly known as lupus. Research indicates that if one family member has an autoimmune disease, the risk for other family members may be nearly twice as high.

Six medical institutions will participate in this major initiative, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and Bibinagar, SGPGI Lucknow, St. John’s Hospital in Bengaluru, Nizam’s Institute in Hyderabad, and Medical College, Kolkata. The study will involve a detailed examination of blood samples, genetic makeup, and the immune systems of the selected patients and their family members. Scientists anticipate that this research will identify the shared biological triggers of these diseases, paving the way for the development of new, more effective, and targeted therapies in the future.

An Appeal to Lupus Patients in Delhi-NCR

Patients in the Delhi-NCR region interested in undergoing screening and registration at AIIMS, Delhi, may contact Dr. Ranjan Gupta, Additional Professor in the Department of Rheumatology. E-mail: dr.guptaranjan@aiims.edu | Phone/WhatsApp: 7303061991 | A special message: Science will reach the root causes of illness, and the involvement of families will open up new horizons for treatment.