How skin support cells (fibroblasts) may drive allergic eczema inflammation
Fibroblast dysregulation promotes dermal eosinophilic/Th2 inflammation
This project looks at how changes in skin fibroblasts may trigger allergic-type (Th2) inflammation in adults with atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172494 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are comparing diseased human skin samples with a mouse model that develops eczema-like lesions to see how fibroblasts behave. They will use single-cell gene activity techniques (like scRNA-seq and ATAC-seq) and tissue imaging to map which genes and signals are active in fibroblasts. The team will manipulate fibroblast signaling pathways in mice to see whether those changes cause or reduce type II inflammation and eosinophil buildup. Together, the human tissue comparisons and mouse experiments aim to pinpoint fibroblast-driven steps that start or sustain eczema-like skin inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with atopic dermatitis (eczema), especially those willing to provide skin biopsy samples or participate in tissue-based studies, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without atopic dermatitis or those seeking immediate symptom relief should not expect direct or immediate personal benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new fibroblast-based targets to reduce or prevent the allergic inflammation that drives atopic dermatitis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and tissue studies suggest fibroblasts can promote type II skin inflammation, but moving these findings toward new patient treatments is still early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graves, Dana T — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Graves, Dana T
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.