cfDNA–STING pathway as a marker in atopic dermatitis
Official title: An Observational Study on the Correlation Between Circulating Cell-free DNA and Skin Macrophage STING Pathway Activation in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis
Run by Zhongda Hospital · NCT07573735 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Zhongda Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07573735 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Confirmed diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis Exclusion Criteria: * Use of systemic immunosuppressants, systemic corticosteroids, or biological agents within 4 weeks prior to enrollment * Use of topical treatments within 2 weeks prior to enrollment
Where it's running
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Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.