The Human Microbiome in Immune-Mediated Diseases

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The immune system is influenced by the commensal microbes that live in the gut and on the skin. This study aims to characterize the microbiota of subjects with autoimmune disease in order to determine whether certain microbial species may cause or worsen immune-mediated diseases

Detailed Description
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This is a combination of a defined pilot microbiome study as well as exploratory mechanistic research with candidate commensals identified based on known structures accessible in public databases. In the observational prospective two-center study, subjects will be followed for 8 weeks. The study will consist of a total of 3 study visits (0, 4 and 8 weeks). Screening and baseline visits (week 0) will take place at the same time. A study window period of +/- 7 days will be allowed for follow-up study visits. The mechanistic in vitro research with subjects' blood cells and candidate commensals will typically require between 2-4 visits for sampling, but will not be limited by the frequency of visits.

Official Title
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The Human Microbiome in Immune-Mediated Diseases

Conditions
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Autoimmune

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Sample Collection


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 18 years of age and older Diagnosis of an immune-mediated disease by a healthcare provider, including but not limited to: systemic lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus Exclusion criteria for pilot study (subjects enrolled in the exploratory mechanistic study arm will not be required to meet exclusion criteria and may be enrolled if the investigators believe that the subject can help address the scientific aim).. Exclusion Criteria: Ongoing chronic infection (viral, bacterial or fungal) including known HIV, Hepatitis B/C Acute infection receiving any antibiotics or any use of antibiotics within 90 days prior to screening For skin swab collection (see also appendix D): No use of topical antibiotics within 7-days prior to collection of swab, other than use in normal hand washing. No use of topical antimicrobial products (as outlined in appendix F) within 48 hours prior to collection of swab Subject must not have bathed within 8-hours of swab collection. For oral swab collection (see also appendix D): No use of antiseptic mouth washes (as outlined in appendix F) within 48 hours of swab collection Subjects must not have brushed teeth or flossed within 8-hours of swab collection Major gastrointestinal surgery less than 5 years prior to enrollment (with the exception of appendectomy) Any Gastrointestinal bleeding history Inflammatory Bowel Disease diagnosed by biopsy Bulimia or anorexia nervosa Probiotics (greater than estimated 109 cfu or organisms per day) within 90 days prior to enrollment (with the exception of fermented beverages, milks or yogurts). Morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40) Type I Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Mellitus type 2, poorly controlled defined as Hgb A1c greater than 8% on medical therapy Malignancy within one year prior to screening (with the exception of non-metastatic squamous or basal cell skin carcinomas and cervical carcinoma if received curative surgical treatment) Known illicit drug or alcohol abuse

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Systemic Lupus Erythematosus<br>Blood, stool, and swab samples will be collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8 and compared with control samples | Other: Sample Collection<br>* Sample collection of blood, stool, and buccal and skin swab samples will be collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8<br>|
| Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus<br>Blood, stool, and swab samples will be collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8 and compared with control samples | Other: Sample Collection<br>* Sample collection of blood, stool, and buccal and skin swab samples will be collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8<br>|
| Control<br>Blood, stool, and swab samples will be collected for comparison to each disease group | Other: Sample Collection<br>* Sample collection of blood, stool, and buccal and skin swab samples will be collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8<br>|
| Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma<br>Blood and swab samples will be collected for comparison to each disease group | Other: Sample Collection<br>* Sample collection of blood, stool, and buccal and skin swab samples will be collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8<br>|
| Autoimmune Disorders<br>Blood, stool, and swab samples will be collected for comparison to each disease group | Other: Sample Collection<br>* Sample collection of blood, stool, and buccal and skin swab samples will be collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Difference in Commensal bacteria | Difference in disease group vs. control commensal bacteria will be compared by looking at the relative abundances of the microbiota | 8 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Immune Cross-reactivity with commensal bacteria | T and B cells in patients with immune-mediated diseases will cross react with specific microbial antigens | 8 weeks |