How cholesterol breakdown products shape skin immune defenses and inflammation
Cholesterol metabolites coordinate skin barrier immunity centered on innate dermal gammadelta T cells programmed to produce IL-17
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11222680
This work looks at whether cholesterol-derived molecules called oxysterols guide skin immune cells and influence conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11222680 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how oxysterols (cholesterol metabolites) act as signals that position innate dermal gammadelta T cells that make the inflammatory protein IL-17. They will combine laboratory work in animal models with analysis of human tissue samples and measures of cholesterol/oxysterol levels, including effects of dietary cholesterol. The team will study which skin cells produce these signals and which receptors on immune cells (like EBI2/GPR183) let the cells sense and move to the right spots. Findings are meant to connect these molecular cues to common inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or chronic eczema who are willing to provide skin samples, clinical information, or participate in related tissue studies would be the best fit.
Not a fit: People with purely cosmetic skin concerns, non-inflammatory skin problems, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic/translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new targets to prevent or treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema by altering oxysterol signaling or the immune cells they direct.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown oxysterols guide immune cell positioning and affect inflammation, but translating these mechanisms into patient treatments remains novel.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KANG, JOONSOO — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: KANG, JOONSOO
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.