Understanding Immune Cells in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Skin
Official title: Antigen specificity of plasma cells in Hidradenitis suppurativa skin lesions
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11140543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to understand how immune cells in the skin of people with hidradenitis suppurativa contribute to the condition, especially looking at how a common virus might be involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $217,849 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI186218-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for individuals living with hidradenitis suppurativa, particularly women and African Americans who are disproportionately affected.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without hidradenitis suppurativa would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful skin condition causing recurring abscesses and tunnels, significantly impacting daily life. Current treatments are not effective for everyone, highlighting a need for new approaches. This project will look closely at immune cells found in HS skin lesions to see what specific targets they are reacting to. Researchers are particularly interested in the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), a common virus that has been linked to other autoimmune diseases, to see if it plays a role in triggering HS. By understanding these immune responses and potential viral connections, we hope to uncover new ways to treat HS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of what causes hidradenitis suppurativa, paving the way for more effective and targeted treatments for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the link between Epstein Barr Virus and hidradenitis suppurativa is being explored, similar connections between EBV and other autoimmune diseases have been observed in previous studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacob, Joshy — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Jacob, Joshy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Anti-CD38 immunotherapy for severe hidradenitis suppurativa
A new treatment using anti-CD38 therapy is being tested for people with severe hidradenitis suppurativa who have not responded to prior therapies.
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Botulinum toxin blocks nerve signals to immune cells to treat hidradenitis suppurativa
This NIH grant tests a new approach to hidradenitis suppurativa by using botulinum toxin to interrupt nerve signals that may drive skin inflammation in patients.
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Precision therapies for hidradenitis suppurativa using AI
A doctor-researcher team at UC San Francisco is using advanced computer methods to find personalized drug options to treat hidradenitis suppurativa.
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Injectable Hydrogel for HS: a localized therapy to ease painful skin disease
A new baricitinib hydrogel is being developed to deliver pain relief and reduce inflammation directly in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesions, potentially lowering systemic side effects.
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Whole-genome sequencing to understand hidradenitis suppurativa in diverse groups
Researchers will study the genetic factors that contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa, especially in African American, Hispanic/Latino, and White patients, to better understand why some people are more affected.
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Understanding the Genes Behind Hidradenitis Suppurativa in teens and young adults
A study to find genetic factors that contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful skin condition that often starts in adolescence and affects many Black individuals.
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.