cfDNA–STING pathway as a marker in atopic dermatitis
An Observational Study on the Correlation Between Circulating Cell-free DNA and Skin Macrophage STING Pathway Activation in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis
Zhongda Hospital · NCT07573735
This study will test whether small fragments of DNA in the blood and STING pathway activity in skin match disease severity in adults with atopic dermatitis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Zhongda Hospital (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | Dupilumab |
| Locations | 1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu) |
| Trial ID | NCT07573735 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational, cross-sectional comparison of 40 adults with atopic dermatitis and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Researchers will collect peripheral blood from all participants to quantify plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) using fluorometric assays and will perform 4 mm punch biopsies of active lesional skin in a subset of patients. Skin samples will undergo immunofluorescence to characterize CD68+ macrophage infiltration and STING protein expression and co-localization. Clinical dermatologic assessments will be used to correlate cfDNA and tissue STING signatures with moderate versus severe disease.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (over 18) with a confirmed diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and visible active lesions who have not used systemic immunosuppressants, systemic corticosteroids, or biologics within the past 4 weeks and have avoided topical treatments for at least 2 weeks are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients on recent systemic or biologic immunosuppressive therapy, children under 18, or people unwilling to undergo blood draws or skin biopsy are unlikely to benefit from or qualify for this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could yield a blood or tissue marker that helps measure skin inflammation and better stratify or monitor patients with atopic dermatitis.
How similar studies have performed: Work in other autoimmune conditions has shown cfDNA can act as a damage signal engaging cGAS-STING, but using cfDNA–STING as a clinical marker in atopic dermatitis is relatively novel and not yet established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:Patients aged older than 18 with a confirmed diagnosis of AD and visible skin lesions. Exclusion Criteria:Patients who have received systemic immunosuppressants, systemic corticosteroids, or biological agents (e.g., Dupilumab) within the past 4 weeks, or topical treatments within the past 2 weeks, to avoid interference with inflammatory markers.
Where this trial is running
Nanjing, Jiangsu
- Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University — Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (RECRUITING)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Atopic Dermatitis