New research highlights the potential of this naturally occurring compound in restoring immune balance and reducing inflammation in lupus patients.
By Olivier Felicio
A New Approach to Lupus Treatment
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to widespread inflammation and organ damage. The condition can affect multiple systems, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system. Traditional treatment options rely on immunosuppressive drugs, which help control disease progression but often come with significant side effects, including increased susceptibility to infections.
A recent study co-led by the University of Zurich (UZH), in collaboration with Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has identified a promising alternative. Researchers found that gluconolactone, a naturally occurring compound, may help restore immune balance in lupus patients without suppressing immune function. This discovery could pave the way for more targeted therapies with fewer adverse effects.
How Gluconolactone Restores Immune Balance
A key aspect of lupus pathology is the dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which normally prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues. When these cells fail to function properly, unchecked inflammation leads to disease progression.
The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, found that gluconolactone significantly increases both the number and function of Tregs. The research demonstrated:
- Enhanced Treg production – The compound promoted the formation of these immune-regulating cells in laboratory cultures.
- Reduction of inflammatory responses – Gluconolactone inhibited two key pro-inflammatory T-helper cell subgroups involved in autoimmune reactions.
- Improved immune regulation in lupus models – Mice genetically engineered to develop lupus exhibited better Treg function and reduced inflammatory skin rashes after gluconolactone treatment.
Dr Antonios Kolios, a lead researcher in the study and a group leader at the Department of Dermatology at UZH, describes gluconolactone as a “power food” for regulatory T cells. “This is a real win-win situation for immune balance and inflammation control,” he explains.
Beyond laboratory and animal studies, gluconolactone has shown promise in human patients with cutaneous lupus, a form of the disease that primarily affects the skin.
In a clinical study, a topical cream containing gluconolactone led to visible improvements within two weeks. Patients experienced a reduction in skin inflammation without the side effects commonly associated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressive therapies.
This suggests that gluconolactone could be developed into targeted treatments for lupus and other autoimmune conditions, offering a natural and potentially safer alternative to existing medications.
Potential Applications Beyond Lupus
Given its ability to strengthen regulatory T cells and curb excessive immune responses, researchers believe gluconolactone may also be beneficial in treating other autoimmune diseases, including:
- Psoriasis – a chronic inflammatory skin disorder
- Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition that affects the joints
- Multiple sclerosis – a disease impacting the nervous system
While the early findings are promising, further clinical trials are necessary to establish gluconolactone’s efficacy across these conditions.
Dr Kolios has already filed a patent for the use of gluconolactone in autoimmune therapies, indicating confidence in its potential as a viable treatment option.
Before gluconolactone-based therapies can be made widely available, additional research is required to validate its long-term safety and effectiveness. The next phase of research will focus on:
- Larger clinical trials to confirm the compound’s effects in human patients.
- Comprehensive safety evaluations to rule out potential long-term side effects.
- Development of different formulations, including oral, injectable, and topical applications, to determine the most effective method of delivery.
While these steps are necessary before regulatory approval, the findings thus far indicate that gluconolactone may represent a new generation of natural, immune-modulating therapies for lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
Conclusion
The discovery of gluconolactone’s immune-modulating properties offers new possibilities for lupus treatment. Unlike conventional immunosuppressants, this naturally occurring compound may help regulate immune function without compromising overall immune defences.
While further trials are necessary, the early evidence suggests that gluconolactone could lead to more effective, targeted treatments for lupus and other autoimmune conditions. For patients who struggle with the side effects of current therapies, this research represents a step towards a future with better disease management and improved quality of life.
The scientific community will continue to monitor developments in this area, but the potential of gluconolactone is already generating significant interest in the field of autoimmune research.
Sources:
- University of Zurich. Gluconolactone restores immune regulation and alleviates skin inflammation in lupus-prone mice and in patients with cutaneous lupus. Science Translational Medicine. (2025).
- Li, W., et al. doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.
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