How genes and skin bacteria affect eczema severity
Genetic and microbial modifiers of Atopic Dermatitis (AD): Mechanisms of increased AD severity in patients with the R576 polymorphism in IL-4Ra and impact of S aureus skin decolonization on AD
This project looks at whether a common gene change and Staphylococcus aureus on the skin make eczema worse in children and adults and whether removing the bacteria helps.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301854 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or your child join, the team will collect skin swabs and blood samples, look for a specific genetic change (the R576 variant in the IL‑4 receptor), and measure how much Staph aureus is on the skin. Some participants may receive a skin decolonization treatment to try to reduce Staph and will be followed over time for changes in rash and symptoms. The work combines lab tests, genetics, and clinical exams across Boston Children's Hospital and collaborating adult centers. The aim is to find why some people have more severe eczema and whether targeting skin bacteria can improve outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with atopic dermatitis (eczema), including children and adults and especially those with recurrent infections or moderate-to-severe disease, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without eczema or whose symptoms are unrelated to skin bacteria or the specific genetic variant tested are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more personalized eczema care by identifying people at higher genetic risk and lowering flares through targeted reduction of skin bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked S. aureus colonization and IL‑4 receptor variants to worse eczema, but decolonization strategies have shown mixed results, so aspects are promising while others remain experimental.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geha, Raif Salim — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Geha, Raif Salim
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.