For those living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), flare-ups can feel unpredictable. But, what if the root of disease recurrence isn’t just in active immune cells, but in the stem cells that generate them?
A team of researchers from the University of Colorado, led by Eric Pietras, PhD, and AABB Foundation Hall of Fame member Angelo D’Alessandro, PhD, investigated this idea by transplanting blood stem cells from lupus-prone mice into healthy mice. The results were striking—immune cells derived from these transplanted stem cells showed heightened inflammatory activity, resembling those seen in lupus patients.
This suggests that blood stem cells may “remember” autoimmune disease, influencing the immune system even after the disease appears controlled.
Beyond identifying this mechanism, the researchers explored ways to modify the metabolism of these stem cells to reduce inflammation. If similar metabolic interventions prove effective in humans, this could lead to new approaches for preventing lupus flares and managing disease progression.
“By examining the fundamental role of blood stem cells, we’re beginning to rethink how autoimmune diseases persist and relapse,” Pietras explained. “Understanding the metabolic and epigenetic changes within these cells could lead to new therapeutic strategies.”
These findings highlight a potential paradigm shift in lupus treatment—moving beyond symptom management to targeting the underlying immune memory within stem cells.
