How genes and skin bacteria affect eczema severity
Official title: 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
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11301854 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $525,764 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI152033-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11301854 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with atopic dermatitis (eczema), including children and adults and especially those with recurrent infections or moderate-to-severe disease, are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geha, Raif Salim — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Geha, Raif Salim
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating genetic and microbial factors that affect the severity of Atopic Dermatitis.
This study is looking at how certain genes and skin bacteria might affect how bad Atopic Dermatitis (AD) can get, and it's for people of all ages who have this condition.
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Stopping Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy: Preventing Food Allergy by Protecting the Skin
A large study in infants at high risk for allergies tests whether using a skin barrier cream together with early, proactive skin care can prevent peanut allergy and other food allergies.
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SEAL Study: Preventing peanut allergy by protecting baby skin
This trial tests whether using a skin-emollient and proactive skin steroids early in life can prevent peanut allergy in high-risk infants.
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SEAL Study: Prevent allergy by protecting the baby’s skin
A very young group of high-risk babies will try a early skin-care plan to reduce eczema and prevent peanut allergy.
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Understanding how skin fungi affect atopic dermatitis in adults
A study will look at how the skin's fungal community influences atopic dermatitis in adults and whether this understanding could lead to new treatments.
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Preventing eczema-related allergies by strengthening infants' skin barrier
This project will see if using a trilipid skin cream plus proactive mild topical steroids in infants with early dry skin or eczema lowers their chances of developing food allergies.
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.