Understanding the connection between skin and nerves in atopic dermatitis itch
Official title: Integrin receptor: A connecting link between skin and peripheral sensing neurons in atopic dermatitis
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11138744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how skin and nerve cells communicate to cause the persistent itch experienced by children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $300,960 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR077692-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is most relevant to patients, particularly children and adolescents, who experience chronic itch due to atopic dermatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atopic dermatitis or those whose itch is caused by different conditions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition, especially in young people, known for its chronic itch that current treatments only temporarily relieve. This project aims to uncover the specific signals and pathways in the body that lead to this long-lasting itch. We believe that certain molecules released from skin cells trigger specific nerve cells, leading to the sensation of chronic itch. By identifying these key molecules and nerve pathways, we hope to find new ways to stop the itch at its source.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for the chronic itch associated with atopic dermatitis, offering significant relief to patients.
How similar studies have gone: Current treatments for chronic atopic dermatitis itch are often temporary, indicating that this approach to uncover specific neurological pathways is novel and largely unexplored.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mishra, Santosh K. — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Mishra, Santosh K.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stopping Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy: Preventing Food Allergy by Protecting the Skin
A large study in infants at high risk for allergies tests whether using a skin barrier cream together with early, proactive skin care can prevent peanut allergy and other food allergies.
-
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.