Understanding how skin cells respond to stress and damage in autoimmune conditions

C/EBPβ Regulation of the Type 1 IFN Response; Sensitizing Keratinocytes to Direct Activators of Cytosolic PRRs and DNA Damage-Induced Cell Death

NIH-funded research North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11135414

This research explores how skin cells manage stress and damage, which could help us understand and treat autoimmune diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11135414 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies' cells constantly face stress, DNA damage, and attacks from germs, which can trigger them to self-destruct in a controlled way. When this process goes wrong, it can contribute to conditions like cancer, nerve disorders, and autoimmune diseases. This project focuses on skin cells, called keratinocytes, which are our first defense against environmental threats and play a key role in immune responses. By understanding how a specific protein, C/EBPβ, controls these responses and cell death in skin, we hope to find new ways to help patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals living with autoimmune diseases, particularly those affecting the skin.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases by targeting how cells respond to stress and damage.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on recent findings from the researchers' own laboratory, suggesting a novel role for the C/EBPβ protein in immune responses and cell death.

Where this research is happening

Raleigh, 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.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.