How skin cells control inflammation in inflamed skin
Keratinocyte-dependent regulation of innate immune responses in inflamed skin
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11285214
This project looks at how skin cells called keratinocytes send signals that drive inflammation in people with conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11285214 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the molecules and pathways keratinocytes use to attract and regulate immune cells during skin inflammation. They will use laboratory experiments in cells and animal models, along with genetic and protein analyses, to examine the roles of stress-response keratins such as K16 and K17 and signaling proteins like PKCα. The team will compare normal skin responses to repeatedly irritated or stressed skin to understand how prior exposures change inflammation. Findings are intended to point toward targets for therapies that reduce harmful skin inflammation and flares.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, or pachyonychia congenita would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without inflammatory skin disease or those whose skin problems are driven primarily by infection rather than sterile inflammation may not see direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments that reduce damaging inflammation and flares in eczema, psoriasis, and related skin disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies support parts of this idea by linking keratins and keratinocyte signals to immune cell recruitment, but translating these findings into patient treatments remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COULOMBE, PIERRE — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: COULOMBE, PIERRE
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.