Understanding how skin cells stick together in pemphigus vulgaris
Official title: Keratinocyte adhesion and signaling in the skin blistering disease pemphigus vulgaris
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10915633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pemphigus vulgaris affects the way skin cells stick together and how certain antibodies can cause problems, with the hope of finding safer treatment options for people living with this skin condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $569,126 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081883-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915633 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris who are experiencing skin blistering symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other skin conditions unrelated to desmosome function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune skin disease, disrupts the adhesion between skin cells. It focuses on the role of desmosomes, which are crucial for maintaining skin integrity, and how autoantibodies affect their function. Using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to reveal the detailed interactions between pemphigus IgG and desmosomal proteins, as well as the cellular responses triggered by this disruption. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies that avoid the risks associated with current immunosuppressive treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients with pemphigus vulgaris.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding desmosome function in other autoimmune diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kowalczyk, Andrew P. — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kowalczyk, Andrew P.
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.