How the skin protein filaggrin affects childhood eczema and later allergies

Filaggrin Expression in Atopic Dermatitis: Regulation and Impact on Disease Progression

NIH-funded research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11103189

This work looks at how levels of the skin protein filaggrin in young children with eczema may increase the chance of developing food allergies, hay fever, or asthma.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-11103189 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If your child joins, researchers will follow kids with atopic dermatitis over time through the MPAACH cohort, collecting skin samples, blood, and clinical information. They will measure filaggrin levels in both non-lesional and lesional skin, test for genetic factors like CARD14, and record environmental exposures and inflammatory signs. The team will analyze how genes, inflammation, and environment interact to cause temporary or lasting skin barrier problems. This approach aims to link early skin changes to later development of food allergy, allergic rhinitis, or asthma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children (infants through about 11 years) with atopic dermatitis, especially those with early-onset or moderate-to-severe eczema, would be the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without eczema, adults with late-onset disease, or patients whose skin problems are unrelated to filaggrin changes may not benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This could help identify which children are most likely to develop other allergies and lead to new ways to protect the skin barrier and prevent the atopic march.

How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies have linked filaggrin loss or low filaggrin expression to eczema and higher allergy risk, but combining longitudinal biosamples with genetics and environment to map progression is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.