Assessment of cfDNA-STING Axis as a Potential Pathological Marker in Atopic Dermatitis

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

blood sampling: One-time peripheral venous blood collection and/or 4mm punch biopsy for biomarker analysis.

Study summary

Study Overview Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by intense itching and skin barrier damage. While researchers know that the immune system is overactive in AD, it is difficult to measure the exact level of "damage" or "inflammation" happening deep within the skin using only a physical exam.

The Purpose of This Study This study investigates a specific "danger signal" called circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA). When skin cells are damaged or die due to inflammation, they release tiny fragments of DNA into the bloodstream. The investigators believe these fragments might act as a trigger for the immune system, worsening the disease.

What the Study Involves Researchers will collect blood samples and small skin biopsies from patients with AD and healthy volunteers.

The study aims to: Compare the levels of cfDNA in the blood of AD patients versus healthy individuals. Determine if higher levels of cfDNA correlate with more severe skin symptoms (measured by scores like SCORAD and EASI). Examine how immune cells in the skin (macrophages) respond to these DNA fragments through a specific biological switch called the STING pathway.

Potential Impact By understanding this "damage-signal" loop, this research may lead to new ways for doctors to monitor AD severity through simple blood tests and could identify new targets for future anti-inflammatory treatments.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• cfDNA — enrollment
  the quantification of circulating cell-free DNA

Trial sites (1)

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