Assessment of cfDNA-STING Axis as a Potential Pathological 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
Study Overview Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by intense itching and skin barrier damage. While researchers know that the immune system is overactive in AD, it is difficult to measure the exact level of "damage" or "inflammation" happening deep within the skin using only a physical exam.
The Purpose of This Study This study investigates a specific "danger signal" called circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA). When skin cells are damaged or die due to inflammation, they release tiny fragments of DNA into the bloodstream. The investigators believe these fragments might act as a trigger for the immune system, worsening the disease.
What the Study Involves Researchers will collect blood samples and small skin biopsies from patients with AD and healthy volunteers.
The study aims to: Compare the levels of cfDNA in the blood of AD patients versus healthy individuals. Determine if higher levels of cfDNA correlate with more severe skin symptoms (measured by scores like SCORAD and EASI). Examine how immune cells in the skin (macrophages) respond to these DNA fragments through a specific biological switch called the STING pathway.
Potential Impact By understanding this "damage-signal" loop, this research may lead to new ways for doctors to monitor AD severity through simple blood tests and could identify new targets for future anti-inflammatory treatments.
調査の概要
詳細な説明
Scientific Rationale AD is primarily driven by Type 2 (Th2) immune responses; however, the role of innate immune sensing of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in maintaining chronic inflammation is less defined. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as a potent DAMP in various autoimmune conditions. This study explores the hypothesis that cfDNA released during epidermal injury and inflammatory cell turnover in AD serves as a ligand for the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) - Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway within the skin microenvironment.
Study Objectives Quantification of Systemic DAMPs: To quantify plasma cfDNA concentrations in a cohort of AD patients (n=40) compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n=40) using fluorometric assays. Tissue-Level Mechanism: To characterize the local immune landscape via immunofluorescence (IF) staining of skin biopsies. The study focuses on the infiltration density of CD68+ macrophages and the expression/co-localization of STING protein within these cells.
Methodology Clinical Assessment: Patients undergo standardized dermatological evaluation to determine disease severity. Bio-sampling: Peripheral blood is collected for baseline hematology and cfDNA isolation. For a subset of patients, 4mm punch biopsies are taken from active lesional skin. Data Analysis: Cross-sectional analysis will be used to determine the diagnostic value of cfDNA and its ability to stratify disease severity (Moderate vs. Severe AD). Immunohistochemical quantification will be used to verify the activation of the STING pathway in situ.
研究の種類
入学 (推定)
連絡先と場所
研究場所
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Jiangsu
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Nanjing、Jiangsu、中国
- 募集
- Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University
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コンタクト:
- meihong Da
- 電話番号:025-83272015
- メール:huyk1997@163.com
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参加基準
適格基準
就学可能な年齢
- 大人
- 高齢者
健康ボランティアの受け入れ
サンプリング方法
調査対象母集団
説明
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
研究計画
研究はどのように設計されていますか?
デザインの詳細
コホートと介入
グループ/コホート |
介入・治療 |
|---|---|
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AD
This group consists of patients diagnosed with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) according to the Hanifin and Rajka criteria or the Williams diagnostic criteria.
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One-time peripheral venous blood collection and/or 4mm punch biopsy for biomarker analysis.
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Control
This group consists of healthy volunteers with no personal or family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, or other systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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One-time peripheral venous blood collection and/or 4mm punch biopsy for biomarker analysis.
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この研究は何を測定していますか?
主要な結果の測定
結果測定 |
メジャーの説明 |
時間枠 |
|---|---|---|
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cfDNA
時間枠:enrollment
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the quantification of circulating cell-free DNA
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enrollment
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協力者と研究者
スポンサー
出版物と役立つリンク
一般刊行物
- Dong L, Hou YR, Xu N, Gao XQ, Sun Z, Yang QK, Wang LN. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase recognizes the physical features of DNA. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2025 Feb;46(2):264-270. doi: 10.1038/s41401-024-01369-7. Epub 2024 Aug 7.
- Decout A, Katz JD, Venkatraman S, Ablasser A. The cGAS-STING pathway as a therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases. Nat Rev Immunol. 2021 Sep;21(9):548-569. doi: 10.1038/s41577-021-00524-z. Epub 2021 Apr 8.
- Kopfnagel V, Dreyer S, Zeitvogel J, Pieper DH, Buch A, Sodeik B, Rademacher F, Harder J, Werfel T. Free human DNA attenuates the activity of antimicrobial peptides in atopic dermatitis. Allergy. 2021 Oct;76(10):3145-3154. doi: 10.1111/all.14992. Epub 2021 Jul 16.
- Schuler CF 4th, Tsoi LC, Billi AC, Harms PW, Weidinger S, Gudjonsson JE. Genetic and Immunological Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol. 2024 May;144(5):954-968. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.019. Epub 2023 Dec 11.
便利なリンク
研究記録日
主要日程の研究
研究開始 (実際)
一次修了 (推定)
研究の完了 (推定)
試験登録日
最初に提出
QC基準を満たした最初の提出物
最初の投稿 (実際)
学習記録の更新
投稿された最後の更新 (実際)
QC基準を満たした最後の更新が送信されました
最終確認日
詳しくは
本研究に関する用語
追加の関連 MeSH 用語
その他の研究ID番号
- 2025ZDSYLL537P01
個々の参加者データ (IPD) の計画
個々の参加者データ (IPD) を共有する予定はありますか?
IPD プランの説明
医薬品およびデバイス情報、研究文書
米国FDA規制医薬品の研究
米国FDA規制機器製品の研究
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