How a skin-cell receptor (NK1R) may drive allergic contact dermatitis
Role of neurokinin 1 receptor signaling in keratinocytes in allergic contact dermatitis
This project looks at whether blocking a signaling receptor in skin cells can reduce inflammation for people with allergic contact dermatitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172244 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team studies how skin exposure to small chemicals triggers inflammation through a receptor called NK1R in keratinocytes (skin cells). They use laboratory models, including mouse experiments and cell-based studies, to see how NK1R signaling changes immune responses after contact with sensitizing chemicals. The researchers will examine how blocking NK1R affects the local skin environment and the activation of immune cells that cause chronic flares. The goal is to find molecular pathways that could become targets for future therapies to reduce recurrent dermatitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related clinical work would be people with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis, especially those with chronic or recurrent flares linked to contact with sensitizing chemicals.
Not a fit: People without contact-sensitizing dermatitis, those with unrelated skin diseases, or anyone needing immediate symptom relief may not get direct benefit from this basic-mechanisms research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targeted treatments that lower skin inflammation and reduce chronic flares in allergic contact dermatitis.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in mice show that lacking or blocking NK1R can reduce contact dermatitis, but translating those findings into effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larregina, Adriana T — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Larregina, Adriana T
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 below.