Pellino1's role in helping skin fight herpes infections

Pellino1 as a regulator of antiviral immunity in the epidermis

NIH-funded research Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11232309

Researchers are looking at whether a skin protein called Pellino1 helps adults' skin stop herpes virus reactivation, especially in people with atopic dermatitis or weakened skin barriers.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTemple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11232309 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From a patient's perspective: the team uses lab models and specially bred mice to see how Pellino1 affects herpes simplex virus behavior in the skin and hair follicles. They study immune signals (like IL-1 and IL-36) and how loss of Pellino1 changes virus spread and lesion severity. The work combines mouse infection models with cell experiments to pin down how Pellino1 controls antiviral responses. Findings are intended to point toward new ways to boost skin immunity or identify people at higher risk of severe outbreaks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults who experience recurrent herpes simplex outbreaks or people with atopic dermatitis and frequent skin infections would be the most relevant candidates for follow-up trials or sample donation.

Not a fit: People without skin-related herpes infections, children, or those whose conditions are unrelated to skin antiviral immunity are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments or strategies to strengthen skin antiviral defenses and reduce painful HSV outbreaks for vulnerable patients.

How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies of Pellino1 gave mixed results for RNA viruses, but early mouse work here shows Pellino1 loss worsens HSV outcomes, so translation to humans remains unproven.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.