How Nerves in Your Skin Influence Immune Responses
Immune Functions of Cutaneous Nociceptors
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11095711
This project explores how nerve cells in your skin contribute to inflammation and immune protection, which could help us understand and treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11095711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our skin acts as a shield, protecting us from germs, but it also has an immune system that can sometimes overreact, leading to conditions like eczema and psoriasis. This research focuses on how special nerve cells in your skin, called nociceptors, are involved in starting and continuing this inflammation. We've learned that activating these nerves can trigger immune responses similar to those seen in certain skin diseases. By understanding this connection between nerves and immunity, we hope to find new ways to calm down harmful inflammation and improve how your skin protects itself.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with autoimmune skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or hidradenitis suppurativa might eventually benefit from the discoveries made in this research.
Not a fit: Patients without inflammatory or autoimmune skin conditions are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target the communication between nerves and the immune system to reduce inflammation in autoimmune skin diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this research team has shown that activating certain skin nerves can indeed trigger inflammation, providing a strong foundation for this continued exploration.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAPLAN, DANIEL H — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: KAPLAN, DANIEL H
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.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases