How IL-18 causes inflammation and itch in eczema
Defining the role of IL-18 in atopic dermatitis
Researchers are learning whether a protein called IL-18 drives the inflammation and itch of atopic dermatitis in children and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311825 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will measure IL-18 levels and examine immune cells in skin and blood from people with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. They will use single-cell RNA sequencing to identify which skin immune cells (including basophils and ILC2s) respond to IL-18 and produce type 2 cytokines. Lab experiments and mouse models will test how IL-18 activates these cells and whether that leads to itch and allergic skin inflammation. Findings from human samples will be compared to the lab and animal results to link molecular mechanisms to patient disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, including children and adults who can provide skin or blood samples, would be ideal candidates to participate.
Not a fit: People without atopic dermatitis or those with only very mild, well-controlled eczema are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If IL-18 is driving eczema inflammation and itch, this could point to new targeted treatments to reduce flares and relieve itching.
How similar studies have performed: Therapies that block type 2 cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13 have helped many people with eczema, but targeting IL-18 is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Dyken, Steven — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Van Dyken, Steven
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.