Research Overview

Dr. Lauren Henderson is an Attending Physician in Rheumatology at Boston Children’s Hospital and an Instructor in Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. She oversees the daily operations of the New-onset JIA Registry and the Rheumatic Diseases of Childhood Biorepository at Boston Children’s Hospital. In addition, she serves as the subcommittee chair for the CARRA (Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance) federated biorepository that includes more than 60 pediatric rheumatology sites in the US and Canada. Her research focuses on the role of regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. 

Education

Graduate School

Harvard Medical School
2014 Boston MA

Medical School

Harvard Medical School
2008 Boston MA

Internship

Boston Children's Hospital
2009 Boston MA

Residency

Boston Children's Hospital
2011 Boston MA

Fellowship

Pediatric Rheumatology Boston Children's Hospital
2015 Boston MA

Publications

  1. T cell and autoantibody profiling for primary immune regulatory disorders. medRxiv. 2025 Jan 27. View Abstract
  2. The 'Treg paradox' in inflammatory arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2025 Jan; 21(1):9-21. View Abstract
  3. Features of hyperinflammation link the biology of Epstein-Barr virus infection and cytokine storm syndromes. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024 Nov 30. View Abstract
  4. Hyperferritinemia Screening to Aid Identification and Differentiation of Patients with Hyperinflammatory Disorders. J Clin Immunol. 2024 09 12; 45(1):4. View Abstract
  5. Severe Features of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease. J Rheumatol. 2024 Aug 01; 51(8):811-817. View Abstract
  6. Real-world application of the pediatric Glucocorticoid Toxicity Index in childhood-onset lupus. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2024 Oct; 68:152516. View Abstract
  7. Hyperferritinemia screening to aid identification and differentiation of patients with hyperinflammatory disorders. Res Sq. 2024 Jun 25. View Abstract
  8. COVID-19-Related Multi-systemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Adv Exp Med Biol. 2024; 1448:409-425. View Abstract
  9. Elevation of IL-17 Cytokines Distinguishes Kawasaki Disease From Other Pediatric Inflammatory Disorders. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2024 02; 76(2):285-292. View Abstract
  10. Type I interferon signature and cycling lymphocytes in macrophage activation syndrome. J Clin Invest. 2023 11 15; 133(22). View Abstract
  11. Outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Blood. 2023 10 12; 142(15):1281-1296. View Abstract
  12. Development of a Screening Algorithm for Lung Disease in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2023 Oct; 5(10):556-562. View Abstract
  13. The 2022 EULAR/ACR Points to Consider at the Early Stages of Diagnosis and Management of Suspected Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS). Arthritis Rheumatol. 2023 10; 75(10):1714-1732. View Abstract
  14. The 2022 EULAR/ACR points to consider at the early stages of diagnosis and management of suspected haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS). Ann Rheum Dis. 2023 10; 82(10):1271-1285. View Abstract
  15. Incidence and Risk Factors for Eosinophilia and Lung Disease in Biologic-Exposed Children With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2023 10; 75(10):2063-2072. View Abstract
  16. Disordered T cell-B cell interactions in autoantibody-positive inflammatory arthritis. Front Immunol. 2022; 13:1068399. View Abstract
  17. The Notch1/CD22 signaling axis disrupts Treg function in SARS-CoV-2-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. J Clin Invest. 2023 01 03; 133(1). View Abstract
  18. mTORC1 links pathology in experimental models of Still's disease and macrophage activation syndrome. Nat Commun. 2022 11 28; 13(1):6915. View Abstract
  19. Dr. Degar et al reply. J Rheumatol. 2023 07; 50(7):968-969. View Abstract
  20. SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Clin Immunol. 2022 Oct; 243:109106. View Abstract
  21. An Evidence-Based Guideline Improves Outcomes for Patients With Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and Macrophage Activation Syndrome. J Rheumatol. 2022 Sep; 49(9):1042-1051. View Abstract
  22. HLH treatment: smarter, not harder. Blood. 2022 06 16; 139(24):3453-3455. View Abstract
  23. Genetic diagnosis of immune dysregulation can lead to targeted therapy for interstitial lung disease: A case series and single center approach. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2022 07; 57(7):1577-1587. View Abstract
  24. Fc?R-mediated SARS-CoV-2 infection of monocytes activates inflammation. Nature. 2022 06; 606(7914):576-584. View Abstract
  25. Ageing and interferon gamma response drive the phenotype of neutrophils in the inflamed joint. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 06; 81(6):805-814. View Abstract
  26. American College of Rheumatology Clinical Guidance for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With SARS-CoV-2 and Hyperinflammation in Pediatric COVID-19: Version 3. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2022 04; 74(4):e1-e20. View Abstract
  27. Proteomics based markers of clinical pain severity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2022 Jan 15; 20(1):3. View Abstract
  28. Arthritis flares mediated by tissue-resident memory T cells in the joint. Cell Rep. 2021 10 26; 37(4):109902. View Abstract
  29. Th1 polarization defines the synovial fluid T cell compartment in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. JCI Insight. 2021 09 22; 6(18). View Abstract
  30. Coagulation profiles and viscoelastic testing in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2021 12; 68(12):e29355. View Abstract
  31. Clinical features of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2021 09 01; 33(5):378-386. View Abstract
  32. Mechanisms underlying genetic susceptibility to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021 09; 148(3):732-738.e1. View Abstract
  33. Deciphering the cytokine fingerprint of macrophage activation syndrome. Lancet Rheumatol. 2021 Aug; 3(8):e535-e538. View Abstract
  34. A multidisciplinary assessment of pain in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2021 08; 51(4):700-711. View Abstract
  35. Reply. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021 07; 73(7):1342-1343. View Abstract
  36. Repression of CTSG, ELANE and PRTN3-mediated histone H3 proteolytic cleavage promotes monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. Nat Immunol. 2021 06; 22(6):711-722. View Abstract
  37. Comprehensive analysis of ADA2 genetic variants and estimation of carrier frequency driven by a function-based approach. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2022 01; 149(1):379-387. View Abstract
  38. Socioeconomic and Racial and/or Ethnic Disparities in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome. Pediatrics. 2021 05; 147(5). View Abstract
  39. American College of Rheumatology Clinical Guidance for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With SARS-CoV-2 and Hyperinflammation in Pediatric COVID-19: Version 2. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021 Apr; 73(4):e13-e29. View Abstract
  40. MIS-C: early lessons from immune profiling. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2021 02; 17(2):75-76. View Abstract
  41. Distinct clinical and immunological features of SARS-CoV-2-induced multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. J Clin Invest. 2020 11 02; 130(11):5942-5950. View Abstract
  42. American College of Rheumatology Clinical Guidance for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With SARS-CoV-2 and Hyperinflammation in Pediatric COVID-19: Version 1. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020 11; 72(11):1791-1805. View Abstract
  43. On the Alert for Cytokine Storm: Immunopathology in COVID-19. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020 07; 72(7):1059-1063. View Abstract
  44. Th17 reprogramming of T cells in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. JCI Insight. 2020 03 26; 5(6). View Abstract
  45. Posterior-onset Rasmussen's encephalitis with ipsilateral cerebellar atrophy and uveitis resistant to rituximab. Epilepsy Behav Rep. 2020; 14:100360. View Abstract
  46. Macrophage Activation Syndrome and Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Childhood Inflammatory Disorders: Diagnosis and Management. Paediatr Drugs. 2020 Feb; 22(1):29-44. View Abstract
  47. The immunologic features of patients with early-onset and polyautoimmunity. Clin Immunol. 2020 02; 211:108326. View Abstract
  48. Adenosine deaminase 2 as a biomarker of macrophage activation syndrome in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020 02; 79(2):225-231. View Abstract
  49. Emergent high fatality lung disease in systemic juvenile arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019 12; 78(12):1722-1731. View Abstract
  50. SerpinB1 controls encephalitogenic T helper cells in neuroinflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2019 10 08; 116(41):20635-20643. View Abstract
  51. A Bullseye for Children With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019 07; 71(7):1030-1033. View Abstract
  52. Pediatric CNS-isolated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2019 05; 6(3):e560. View Abstract
  53. Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Consensus Treatment Plans for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated and Idiopathic Chronic Anterior Uveitis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2019 04; 71(4):482-491. View Abstract
  54. Outcomes and Treatment Strategies for Autoimmunity and Hyperinflammation in Patients with RAG Deficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019 Jul - Aug; 7(6):1970-1985.e4. View Abstract
  55. Central nervous system-restricted familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis responds to hematopoietic cell transplantation. Blood Adv. 2019 02 26; 3(4):503-507. View Abstract
  56. Calm in the midst of cytokine storm: a collaborative approach to the diagnosis and treatment of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and macrophage activation syndrome. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2019 Feb 14; 17(1):7. View Abstract
  57. Histopathologic Correlates of Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Isolated to the Central Nervous System. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2018 12 01; 77(12):1079-1084. View Abstract
  58. Patients with CD3G mutations reveal a role for human CD3? in Treg diversity and suppressive function. Blood. 2018 05 24; 131(21):2335-2344. View Abstract
  59. Abnormalities of T-cell receptor repertoire in CD4+ regulatory and conventional T cells in patients with RAG mutations: Implications for autoimmunity. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017 12; 140(6):1739-1743.e7. View Abstract
  60. Pathologically expanded peripheral T helper cell subset drives B cells in rheumatoid arthritis. Nature. 2017 02 01; 542(7639):110-114. View Abstract
  61. Characterization of T and B cell repertoire diversity in patients with RAG deficiency. Sci Immunol. 2016 12 16; 1(6). View Abstract
  62. Frequency and Morbidity of Temporomandibular Joint Involvement in Adult Patients With a History of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Jun; 75(6):1191-1200. View Abstract
  63. Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals Restriction and Clonotypic Expansion of Treg Cells in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016 07; 68(7):1758-68. View Abstract
  64. Ligase-4 Deficiency Causes Distinctive Immune Abnormalities in Asymptomatic Individuals. J Clin Immunol. 2016 05; 36(4):341-53. View Abstract
  65. Medication use in juvenile uveitis patients enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2016 Feb 16; 14(1):9. View Abstract
  66. IMMUNODEFICIENCIES. Impairment of immunity to Candida and Mycobacterium in humans with bi-allelic RORC mutations. Science. 2015 Aug 07; 349(6248):606-613. View Abstract
  67. A70: medication use in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic uveitis patients enrolled in the childhood arthritis and rheumatology research alliance registry. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014 Mar; 66 Suppl 11:S102. View Abstract
  68. A119: deep sequencing analysis of the T regulatory and T effector repertoire in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014 Mar; 66 Suppl 11:S156. View Abstract
  69. A161: Novel 3-Dimensional Explant Method Facilitates the Study of Lymphocyte Populations in the Synovium and Reveals a Large Population of Resident Memory T cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014 Mar; 66 Suppl 11:S209. View Abstract
  70. A systematic analysis of recombination activity and genotype-phenotype correlation in human recombination-activating gene 1 deficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Apr; 133(4):1099-108. View Abstract
  71. Dr. Henderson, et al reply. J Rheumatol. 2013 Nov; 40(11):1926. View Abstract
  72. Expanding the spectrum of recombination-activating gene 1 deficiency: a family with early-onset autoimmunity. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013 Oct; 132(4):969-71.e1-2. View Abstract
  73. Shrinking lung syndrome as a manifestation of pleuritis: a new model based on pulmonary physiological studies. J Rheumatol. 2013 Mar; 40(3):273-81. View Abstract
  74. First reported case of Omenn syndrome in a patient with reticular dysgenesis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013 Apr; 131(4):1227-30, 1230.e1-3. View Abstract

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