Investigating how a bacteria affects skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis
Official title: Understanding the role of S. aureus agr virulence in atopic dermatitis
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11161370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common skin bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus affects inflammation in people with atopic dermatitis, using mice to help understand how it interacts with skin cells, with the hope of finding better treatments for those dealing with this skin condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $90,834 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AR078931-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages suffering from atopic dermatitis, particularly those with severe symptoms linked to bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with atopic dermatitis who do not have a significant bacterial component to their condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Staphylococcus aureus, a common skin bacteria, in causing inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic skin condition. The study uses a mouse model that mimics human AD to explore how this bacteria interacts with skin cells and contributes to the disease. Researchers will examine the mechanisms of bacterial colonization and the expression of specific virulence factors in both mouse models and human patients with AD. The goal is to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for individuals suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for atopic dermatitis by targeting the bacterial factors that contribute to skin inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting bacterial infections can improve outcomes in skin conditions, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matsumoto, Masanori — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Matsumoto, Masanori
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stopping Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy: Preventing Food Allergy by Protecting the Skin
A large study in infants at high risk for allergies tests whether using a skin barrier cream together with early, proactive skin care can prevent peanut allergy and other food allergies.
-
SEAL Study: Preventing peanut allergy by protecting baby skin
This trial tests whether using a skin-emollient and proactive skin steroids early in life can prevent peanut allergy in high-risk infants.
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SEAL Study: Prevent allergy by protecting the baby’s skin
A very young group of high-risk babies will try a early skin-care plan to reduce eczema and prevent peanut allergy.
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Understanding how skin fungi affect atopic dermatitis in adults
A study will look at how the skin's fungal community influences atopic dermatitis in adults and whether this understanding could lead to new treatments.
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Preventing eczema-related allergies by strengthening infants' skin barrier
This project will see if using a trilipid skin cream plus proactive mild topical steroids in infants with early dry skin or eczema lowers their chances of developing food allergies.
-
Personalized predictions for how atopic dermatitis may progress in kids and teens
A patient-friendly plan to forecast how early-onset eczema might evolve in children and young people using simple health clues and data from diverse settings.
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.