This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are the two most common causes of chronic skin inflammation in the general population. It is known that atopic dermatitis and psoriasis can be triggered by bacterial infection and that certain bacterial proteins called 'superantigens' contribute to the severity of skin disease. The goal of the current study is to investigate how supertantigens produced by staphylococcus aureus, the most common bacteria found on the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, may contribute to poor response to steroid creams or ointments. The study will involve taking bacterial cultures, blood samples and skin biopsies from patients over the age of 5 years old. These samples will then be analyzed to determine whether superantigens induces steroid insensitivity and the nature of the inflammatory response. We are also interested in mechanisms leading to increased S.aureus colonization of atopic skin. An understanding of mechanisms underlying poor response to steroids and the mechanisms which lead to the development of more effective approaches to treat patients with these common skin diseases.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 1065 publications
