Investigating how Staphylococcus aureus causes itch and skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis
Official title: Staphylococcus aureus induced itch and neuro-immune signaling in skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10949418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a germ called Staphylococcus aureus causes itching and skin irritation in people with atopic dermatitis, focusing on a specific protein that might be making things worse, to help us understand how to better treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $100,138 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AR084572-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis, particularly those experiencing chronic itch.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atopic dermatitis or those who do not experience itch as a symptom may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which Staphylococcus aureus induces itch and contributes to skin inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). The study will explore the role of a specific protease, V8, in activating itch neurons and triggering immune responses that lead to skin barrier damage. Using mouse models, researchers will analyze the immune response and the involvement of specific neurons in the itch and inflammation process. The findings aim to provide insights into the neuro-immune signaling pathways affected by S. aureus in AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate chronic itch and improve skin health for patients with atopic dermatitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting neuro-immune signaling can lead to significant improvements in managing skin conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Liwen — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Deng, Liwen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SEAL Study: Prevent allergy by protecting the baby’s skin
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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.