Research
The Division of Rheumatology at the University of Pittsburgh leads an extensive portfolio of clinical, translational, and basic science research dedicated to understanding autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, improving patient outcomes, and advancing novel therapies. Major areas of investigation include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, myositis, vasculitis, and women’s and reproductive health in autoimmune disease. The Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis programs integrate patient registries, biorepositories, and multi-omics analyses to identify biomarkers, predict treatment responses, and explore mechanisms of immune regulation and pain. Research in Sjögren’s syndrome and scleroderma employs translational models, biomarker-driven clinical trials, and single-cell analyses to uncover immunologic and fibrotic pathways, while the Myositis Center investigates disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets through advanced imaging, immunologic profiling, and longitudinal data.
The Vasculitis Center advances care for patients with rare forms of vasculitis through participation in NIH-funded research consortia, biomarker studies, and clinical trials focused on improving outcomes in diseases such as ANCA-associated vasculitis and giant cell arteritis. The Women’s and Reproductive Health Rheumatology Research Program explores the intersection of autoimmunity and pregnancy, medication safety, and maternal outcomes, aiming to reduce morbidity and redefine standards of reproductive healthcare for patients with chronic illness. Complementing these disease-specific efforts, faculty also investigate cytokine biology and immune signaling pathways, including IL-9, IL-13, and IL-17, to better understand inflammation, fibrosis, and autoimmunity.
Supported by robust clinical infrastructure, longitudinal registries, NIH and foundation funding, and collaborative initiatives, the Division fosters a deeply integrated research environment. Together, these programs drive discovery from bench to bedside, translating scientific insights into improved diagnostics, treatments, and quality of life for patients living with autoimmune disease.
Cytokines and Autoimmunity
A major focus of research in the Division of Rheumatology is understanding how cytokines and T cell subsets contribute to the development and progression of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Studies explore the IL-17/Th17 pathway, which plays a critical role in both host defense against fungal infections and the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. Research examines IL-17 signaling mechanisms, its effects on immune responses, and the consequences of therapeutic targeting of IL-17 and its receptor in autoimmune conditions. Other work investigates the role of IL-9 in linking allergic and rheumatic diseases through regulation of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mucosal barrier function, as well as rare genetic disorders that connect allergic, autoimmune, and autoinflammatory pathologies. Additional research focuses on IL-13 and its receptors, exploring their contribution to fibrosis, autoimmunity, and cancer, particularly in chronic skin diseases such as systemic sclerosis and cutaneous T cell lymphoma. These studies combine mechanistic investigation with the development of potential therapeutic strategies, including targeted modulation of cytokine pathways, to improve treatment outcomes in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Lupus
The UPMC Lupus Center of Excellence conducts extensive clinical and translational research on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related autoimmune diseases, including a mix of NIH-funded and industry-sponsored studies. The Center maintains a longitudinal Lupus Registry that supports rigorous data collection and storage of biological samples, enabling research on disease outcomes, quality improvement, and biomarker discovery. Current research focuses on understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms of SLE, including the role of the microbiome, immune cell behavior in target organs, and predictive factors for disease progression, particularly in lupus nephritis. Studies integrate clinical, translational, and basic science approaches and often involve collaboration across subspecialties, including uveitis and inflammatory eye disease, to develop comprehensive patient cohorts and databases that inform both mechanistic studies and therapeutic development.
Myositis
The University of Pittsburgh Myositis Center is dedicated to advancing therapies, improving outcomes, and ultimately finding a cure for myositis and its complications. Research at the Center spans clinical, translational, and mechanistic studies, supported by one of the world’s largest longitudinal databases and biorepositories of patients with adult polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and overlap myositis disorders. Current studies focus on understanding the clinical features, autoantibody profiles, and pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathies, including associated interstitial lung disease and other systemic complications. Investigations combine patient-centered clinical research with advanced laboratory approaches, including immunophenotyping, high-throughput imaging, single-cell analysis, and computational modeling, to characterize immune cell interactions within affected tissues. These efforts aim to identify biomarkers, define disease mechanisms, and develop targeted therapies, while clinical trials test novel interventions to improve outcomes for patients with myositis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The UPMC Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Center advances understanding and treatment of RA through clinical, translational, and mechanistic research. The Center participates in national initiatives, including the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) and NIH-sponsored studies, and maintains the RACER biorepository and Arthritis and Autoimmunity Tissue Bank to support research in metabolomics, immunogenomics, and the microbiome. Studies focus on disease-modifying therapies, prevention strategies, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying remission or low disease activity, as well as the interplay between disease activity, patient-reported outcomes, pain, and treatment response. This work aims to inform personalized RA management and develop strategies for improved long-term outcomes.
Scleroderma
The Scleroderma Center at the University of Pittsburgh conducts comprehensive research aimed at understanding and treating systemic sclerosis (SSc) and its complications, including skin fibrosis, Raynaud phenomenon, digital ulcers, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Clinical trials test novel therapies using biomarkers to assess target engagement and response, while translational studies investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving fibrosis, vascular injury, and immune activation, including single-cell gene expression in skin and lung tissues. Murine models are also used to explore therapeutic strategies and the relationship between immunity and fibrosis.
Research further examines the roles of T cells and cytokines, particularly IL-13 and its receptors, in promoting fibrosis. Longitudinal patient studies inform clinical manifestations, risk prediction, outcome measures, and trial design. Together, these efforts integrate mechanistic, translational, and clinical research to advance therapies and improve outcomes for patients with systemic sclerosis.
Sjögren’s Disease
The Sjögren’s Research Program focuses on understanding the immunopathology and identifying new therapeutic targets for Sjögren’s disease (SjD), a systemic autoimmune disorder that disproportionately affects women and currently lacks FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies. Research integrates patient cohort studies with small animal models to investigate key immunologic drivers, including IL-12 signaling, and to inform the development of targeted treatments. The program also maintains a longitudinal registry and biospecimen repository to support translational discovery and clinical trials, aiming to improve patient outcomes while advancing knowledge of disease mechanisms, epidemiology, and quality-of-care measures for those living with SjD.
Vasculitis
The UPMC Center for Vasculitis combines patient care, education, and research to improve outcomes for individuals with vasculitis, a group of rare blood vessel–inflammatory diseases. As part of the NIH-funded Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium (VCRC), the Center offers patients access to innovative clinical studies and new therapies, focusing on disease biomarkers, treatment outcomes, and long-term effects in conditions such as giant cell arteritis, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and polymyalgia rheumatica. Research also addresses immune-mediated complications in other organ systems and examines the impact of emerging health threats, including COVID-19, on patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. These combined clinical, translational, and epidemiologic efforts aim to advance knowledge, improve care, and guide the development of new therapies for vasculitis.
Women's and Reproductive Health
The Women’s and Reproductive Health Rheumatology Research Program focuses on improving reproductive healthcare and outcomes, reducing severe maternal morbidity and mortality, and advancing standards of care for individuals with autoimmune and chronic medical conditions. Research centers on the intersections of autoimmunity and pregnancy, safe medication management, and the impact of social and economic factors on maternal and reproductive health. Studies also examine women’s health across the life course, including menstruation and menopause, as well as the influence of health policies on outcomes. Supported by the NIH and foundations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the program integrates clinical care with multidisciplinary research to inform evidence-based approaches and enhance reproductive health for patients with autoimmune diseases.