Brigham scientists developed a method to simultaneously detect more than 2,000 CD1 lipid molecules that are displayed to T cells in the human immune system. This resulted in the first integrated CD1 lipidomic map, guiding the investigation of lipid T cell antigens and cleft blockers in any cellular system or disease.

In an observational study in “real-world” practice, Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers did not identify significant differences in antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination among rheumatoid arthritis patients who held versus continued disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for the last dose of the primary series.

Michael E. Weinblatt, MD, and colleagues are conducting the first randomized, placebo-controlled study using an immunomodulator with pegloticase to increase urate-lowering response durability. Initial findings confirm the superiority of pegloticase plus methotrexate co-therapy to pegloticase monotherapy.

Brigham rheumatologist and Lupus Program director Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH, helped develop a risk prediction model for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) incorporating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors, as well as family history. Clinicians one day may use the model to predict individuals’ SLE risks.