With support from the Foundation’s Scientist Development Award, Dr. Tarin Bigley investigated how neonatal infections might disrupt immune tolerance and lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, like lupus, later in life.

Findings from this project could impact the lives of patients by: ✨Helping doctors identify people at risk for lupus earlier, before symptoms appear. ✨ Leading to new ways to prevent or delay lupus by understanding how childhood viral infections affect the immune system. ✨ Supporting the development of more personalized lupus treatments by improving understanding of how environmental exposures shape immune system dysfunction over time. These findings move the field closer to understanding why lupus develops — not just how to treat it after diagnosis. Learn more about Dr. Bigley's project in the Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report. https://bit.ly/4dyoPxJ #RheumResearch #LupusAwarenessMonth