Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

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 typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorZhongda Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 1, 2026
Main results expectedJune 30, 2026
Study endsJuly 31, 2026
Registry record updatedJune 11, 2026
Trial IDNCT07573735 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

  • Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University
    Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.