How a bacteria affects skin barrier and allergy development
Official title: Staphylococcal protease-mediated epithelial barrier perturbation and allergen sensitization
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11012834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus might make allergic skin conditions like atopic dermatitis worse by harming the skin's protective barrier, and it aims to find new ways to help improve skin health and reduce allergic reactions for people dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 18, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $635,901 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177414-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis or other allergic conditions related to skin barrier dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without allergic conditions or those who do not have skin barrier issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus contributes to allergic diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis, by damaging the skin barrier. It focuses on the role of a specific protease produced by the bacteria that may disrupt the skin's protective layer and lead to increased sensitivity to allergens. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve skin health and reduce allergic reactions. Patients may be involved in studies that assess their skin responses to allergens and the presence of this bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that strengthen the skin barrier and reduce allergic reactions in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting skin barrier dysfunction can improve outcomes in allergic diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Jin Mo — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Park, Jin Mo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.