# Understanding the immunometabolic mechanism of VGLL3 mediating female-biased autoimmunity

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2022 · $216,098

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Autoimmune diseases exhibit strikingly increased prevalence in females (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus
[SLE], female-to-male ratio 9:1), whereas in contrast, infectious diseases affect more men than women.
 Despite its clinical impact, the molecular underpinnings of sex-biased immune regulation remain elusive. To
address this knowledge gap, this project focuses on the immunometabolic function of VGLL3 (Vestigial Like
Family Member 3), a female-increased, keratinocyte-expressed molecule known to promote both cutaneous and
systemic autoimmunity. This project tests the hypothesis that VGLL3 coordinates female-biased metabolic
stress response, whose hyperactivation causes autoimmunity by:
Aim 1. Define the female-biased cellular stress response mediated by VGLL3.
Aim 2. Determine the molecular mechanism by which metabolic stress potentiates VGLL3 induction by
IFN.
Aim 3. Establish the in vivo role of VGLL3-mediated stress response in autoimmune pathogenesis.
With successful completion of the work proposed, we will have gained insights into the molecular basis
underlying sexual dimorphism in immunity. By establishing the immunometabolic function of VGLL3, we will
demonstrate the importance of maintaining metabolic homeostasis in combating autoimmunity, and provide a
novel target and pathway for sex-specific prevention and treatment of immune-associated diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10356376
- **Project number:** 1R01AR078781-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** Yun Liang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $216,098
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10356376

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10356376, Understanding the immunometabolic mechanism of VGLL3 mediating female-biased autoimmunity (1R01AR078781-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10356376. Licensed CC0.

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