Understanding how IL-18 affects atopic dermatitis

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition characterized by chronic inflammation and itching. The study aims to understand how IL-18 influences the activation of immune cells, particularly basophils and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), which are known to produce type 2 cytokines that drive allergic responses. By analyzing skin samples and using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms by which IL-18 contributes to the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting IL-18 to alleviate the condition.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Washington University
  Saint Louis, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Van Dyken, Steven — Washington University
• Study coordinator: Van Dyken, Steven

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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• 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.

  NIH research Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11532533

• 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.

  NIH research Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11516452

• 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.

  NIH research Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · Lebanon, United States · NIH-11435642

• 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.

  NIH research Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11418544

• 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.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11418025

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.