How itch-sensing nerves affect skin defense against parasites
Official title: Contributions of itch-sensing neurons to skin anti-helminth immunity
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11605896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists want to see if itching nerves in the skin influence how the body fights skin-hugging parasites like Schistosoma mansoni.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,998 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AI187730-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11605896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with a condition related to skin parasites or itch-related disorders, who would benefit from future translation of neural-immune findings.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without a risk of skin parasite exposure may not directly benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
This project explores whether itch-related nerve cells in the skin help or hinder the body’s ability to defend against skin-penetrating parasites. It builds on prior work showing that certain itch nerves can trigger skin inflammation and anti-parasite responses, and it will test how different itch-neuron types affect immune signaling and parasite spread. The study uses animal models to dissect the roles of MrgprA3 and MrgprD neurons in skin immunity and IL-17 and IL-10 pathways. The goal is to identify neural-immune interactions that could someday inform new treatments for parasitic infections that cause itching and skin disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new neural targets to bolster skin defenses against parasitic infections and reduce itch and inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that itch neurons can influence skin inflammation and anti-parasitic responses, supporting a potential link, but the exact mechanisms remain to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Inclan Rico, Juan Manuel — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Inclan Rico, Juan Manuel
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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.