Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire, CEO of LJI, opened the event with gratitude to the Global Autoimmune Institute for their partnership and vision. She highlighted GAI’s role in transforming how autoimmune disease research connects to real-world impact.
“GAI is redefining what it means to drive and fund research in autoimmune disease…They are a powerhouse in the autoimmune disease space.”
She introduced Dr. Sonia Sharma as a leading immunologist whose work is reshaping the understanding of immune signaling, inflammation, and sex-based differences in disease.
The Autoimmune Landscape
Dr. Sharma described autoimmune disease as a condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Over 100 distinct autoimmune diseases exist, many of which affect multiple organ systems. Collectively, they impact at least 20% of Americans—and that number is rising.
“Each disease is often considered rare on its own, but collectively they are not rare.”
She emphasized the complexity of autoimmune disease, which arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune regulatory factors.
Innate Immunity and Early Immune Triggers
Most research has focused on late-stage immune activity, particularly the production of autoantibodies. Dr. Sharma highlighted a shift in focus: to the innate immune system and its early signals—especially neutrophils.
“Autoantibodies are just one piece of the immune system puzzle.”
Neutrophils, the most abundant immune cells in blood, respond early to infection and inflammation. Her lab’s research suggests they play a much larger role in the development of autoimmunity than previously recognized.
Discovering a Metabolic Signal: Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)
Through advanced metabolomics, Dr. Sharma’s team identified a naturally occurring fat in the blood—lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)—as a key signal involved in immune regulation.
“We uncovered a specific metabolite called LPC that was uniquely reduced in every patient who developed a severe autoimmune disease.”
LPC levels dropped significantly in patients who developed immune-related complications from cancer immunotherapy, suggesting a strong link between LPC depletion and autoimmune flare-ups. Low LPC was also associated with elevated neutrophil levels, a hallmark of inflammation.
Cancer Immunotherapy as a Window Into Autoimmunity
Checkpoint inhibitors used in cancer therapy often cause autoimmune-like side effects. Because these responses are predictable and closely monitored, they provided a valuable model for tracking immune changes in real time.
“This was the only metabolite consistently reduced in every patient with a severe autoimmune event.”
This connection allowed Dr. Sharma’s lab to study the precise timing and metabolite shifts that occur before, during, and after a flare.
Restoring Balance: LPC Supplementation in Mouse Models
In experimental models of ulcerative colitis, supplementing LPC led to a reduction in inflammation and preservation of colon tissue.
“It’s not a broadscale immunosuppressant… It’s a natural anti-inflammatory turning down the flame on that autoimmunity.”
These findings suggest that LPC may offer a safer, more targeted way to manage autoimmune flares—without compromising the immune system’s ability to fight infection or cancer.
Therapeutic Development: Toward a Topical LPC Treatment
Dr. Sharma’s team is now working with a biotech partner to develop a transdermal LPC therapy that can be applied to the skin during flare-ups.
“We think during a flare, the patient might need a little more of a hit—and this transdermal method minimizes delay and degradation.”
Topical delivery is designed to bypass the digestive system and ensure rapid, localized absorption.
Audience Q&A Highlights
Do you think LPC could help with autoimmune diseases beyond those caused by cancer therapy?
“We absolutely do. Innate immunity is upstream of the adaptive immune response and by virtue of that—of all immune responses.”
Why are autoimmune diseases more common in women?
“Estrogen is immune-stimulatory. Testosterone is immune-suppressive. And women have two X chromosomes packed with immune genes—that’s extra immunological hardware.”
What role do hormones and epigenetics play?
“We’ve only scratched the surface. But estrogen definitely regulates immune proteins. The next step is linking those hormonal signals to genetic changes at the molecular level.”
Why develop a topical LPC therapy instead of an oral supplement?
“Oral LPC can degrade in the gut. It’s also slower. Topical application minimizes delay and preserves the molecule’s effectiveness.”
Are clinical trials available for LPC?
“Not yet—but we’re working very hard to finalize the formulation and launch a Phase 1 trial. Stay tuned.”
How does this relate to IBD or IBS?
“IBD is a neutrophilic disease. We’ve already seen that LPC supplementation reduced inflammation in colitis mouse models.”
Why do some people develop chronic disease while others recover?
“It’s the interplay of genetics, environment, and immune regulation—and those are all complex. But with more profiling, we may identify biomarkers to predict individual risk.”
This presentation offers a new lens on autoimmunity: instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, we might prevent them by understanding—and gently correcting—the earliest signals. For patients, this could mean fewer flares, less reliance on harsh immunosuppressants, and a future where treatments are precisely targeted and better tolerated.
