Lila Levinson, PhD,  Science Writer—

Lila is a Science Writer at BioNews. She completed her PhD in neuroscience at the University of Washington, where she studied how the natural flexibility of the human brain can be used to promote recovery after injury. Previously, she has written about science for The Dallas Morning News and the University of Washington Computational Neuroscience Center. She enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest and spending time with her cat, Fibonacci.

Articles by Lila Levinson, PhD

Worse prognosis for AAV patients with pulmonary renal syndrome

Having pulmonary renal syndrome (PRS), a potentially life-threatening condition marked by lung and kidney problems, is associated with a higher risk of severe complications in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a new study reports. After accounting for starting differences in kidney function, AAV patients with PRS had a six…

Immune pathway could be MPA biomarker, therapy target: Study

The most common types of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) show distinctive activity patterns of type I interferons (IFN-I), a group of immune signaling molecules, suggesting a possible route for individualized monitoring and treatment strategies, a study reports. People with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and associated kidney disease had more IFN-I…

Combination therapy may safely stabilize AAV-related lung disease

A combination of rituximab (sold as Rituxan and biosimilars) and low-dose glucocorticoids may safely stabilize interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), according to a small proof-of-concept study by researchers in Italy. After a year of this therapeutic regimen, the study’s participants saw a significant reduction…

Kidney proteins could be key to diagnosing, treating AAV: Study

Four proteins in the kidneys likely contribute to the development of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), and may be used as diagnostic markers and targets of potential therapies, a study found. The proteins — PDK4, PPARGC1A, FN1, and PSMB10 — are “novel biomarkers that may refine our understanding and management of AAV,”…

Lower glucocorticoid dose effective for AAV with kidney issues: Study

A low-dose course of glucocorticoid therapy results in similar outcomes as a higher-dose option in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and kidney involvement, though it may lower risk of serious infection, a study reports. “Our findings reinforce the safety and efficacy of reduced [glucocorticoid] as the initial [glucocorticoid] regimen…

Combined diagnostic criteria help classify AAV types in children

Combining two diagnostic systems used to classify cases of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) in adults improved classification performance in a pediatric AAV patient population, according to a study in China. Identifying types of AAV is important to ensure effective clinical care in children, researchers noted. “Considering that distinct clinical…

Other conditions, processes may mimic CNS involvement in AAV

In ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), the involvement of the central nervous system (CNS), that is, the brain and spinal cord, is uncommon, but other factors may mimic CNS involvement, a study reports. These so-called mimickers can include AAV disease processes not related to the CNS, other conditions, and drug-related adverse…

AAV types found to have distinct but overlapping immune pathways

Note: This story was updated on Aug. 6, 2025, to correct that proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) are the enzymes targeted by AAV-causing antibodies. People with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis have elevated levels of certain immune-related proteins in their blood, a new study from Sweden reports. However, different…