The Human Microbiome in Immune-Mediated Diseases

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.

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